Protecting Your Eye While Playing Sports

Your eyesight and vision are vital regardless of the lifestyle you lead and whether you're active in physical sports. However, when you do play sports, you may be at a much greater risk of injury, including when it comes to your eyes. At Sites Vision Clinic in Clarksville, TN, we know just how crucial it is to ensure proper safety and protection when participating in sports. Knowing how you can protect your eyes while playing sports can improve your sports vision and eliminate the need to see an optometrist near you for a potential injury.

Physical Sports with Increased Risk of Eye Injury

Fast-moving balls, physical contact, and even flying debris can cause serious injury and trauma to the eyes. High-risk sports include:

•           Basketball

•           Football

•           Baseball/Softball

•           Soccer

•           Martial Arts

•           Any other contact sports

Common Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Sports injuries can vary depending on the nature of the incident and the type of sport being played. Some common eye injuries that occur while playing sports include:

•           Trauma: Blunt impact injuries, such as being hit with an elbow or by a ball can trigger orbital fractures and, in some instances, even retinal detachment, requiring immediate optometry care.

•           Abrasions: Corneal abrasions are extremely common and can result from scratches on the surface of the eye. Corneal abrasions can occur from surrounding debris or even coming in contact with another player.

•           Penetration Injuries: Penetrating injuries from objects and surrounding debris can lead to severe complications or may require eye surgery.

•           UV Damage: Spending extensive time outdoors exposing your eyes to harmful UV rays can increase your risk of developing eye conditions such as cataracts, especially with age.

Eye Protection for Improved Sports Vision

Proper protective eyewear is crucial to help prevent sports-related injuries. Some tips to keep in mind include:

•           Polycarbonate Lenses: Wearing polycarbonate lenses is a lightweight solution that provides added UV protection.

•           Face Shields: Wearing face shields while playing lacrosse or hockey provides added protection to the head and eyes.

•           Sports Goggles: Sports goggles provide full coverage with a built-in strap to stay in place, even during high-impact sports and activities.

Get Optometry Care and Sports Vision Treatment from an Optometrist Near You

At Sites Vision Clinic, we take eye health seriously, especially when it comes to optometry care and preserving sports vision for our patients. If you're interested in learning more about our optometry services and how you can protect your eyes while playing sports in Clarksville, TN, contact us at Sites Vision Clinic to schedule your initial consultation and appointment today. Call us at (931) 647-5237 for sports vision treatment from an optometrist near you.