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Home » NEI for Kids » Sports and Your Eyes
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Sports and Your Eyes

about the eye header
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Gear up!
If you play sports, you know they can be a lot of fun. The last thing you want to do is miss a game, especially if it’s because you’re hurt. That’s why you should always follow the rules and wear the right safety gear.

Think about your favorite sport. Do you wear anything to protect your eyes, like goggles or a face mask? You might think you don’t need protective eyewear, but sports-related eye injuries are serious. Eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness among children in the United States. The good news is that most eye injuries can be prevented with the right protective eyewear.

Check out the list below to see examples of some sports that may put you at high risk for eye injuries.

high risk
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sports baseball
Baseball
sports basketball
Basketball
sports watersports
Water Sports
sports boxing
Boxing
sports hockey
Hockey
sports paintball
Paintball
sports racquetball
Racquetball
sports softball
Softball
sports squash
Squash
sports fencing
Fencing
sports lacrosse
Lacrosse
sports wrestling
Wrestling
moderate risk
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sports football
Football
sports golf
Golf
sports badminton
Badminton
sports soccer
Soccer
sports tennis
Tennis
sports fishing
Fishing
low risk
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sports bicycling
Bicycling
sports gymnastics
Gymnastics
sports track and field
Track and Field
sports diving
Diving
sports swimming
Swimming
sports skiing
Skiing
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Protective Eyewear Fast Facts

  • Everyone should wear protective eyewear.
  • Ordinary prescription glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses won’t protect you from injuries. Most protective eyewear can be made to match your prescription.
  • For the best protection, use eyewear made of ultra-strong polycarbonate.
  • Choose eyewear specifically made for your sport and make sure it fits comfortably on your face.

Check out our Protective Eyewear page and talk to an adult to find out what gear you need. Then wear the gear whenever you’re practicing or playing.

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Ask a ScientistLearn more about wearing goggles in the pool with Dr. Steinmetz.

sports video
Brain

Did You Know?

Toys, BB guns, darts, sticks, stones, and air guns can injure your eyes. Remember to play safe.

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