Sports Eye Safety A Message From Your Eye M.D. Sports are the leading cause of eye injuries in children The long-term health benefits of sports are clear: they provide good exercise for maintaining proper weight, improve strength and coordination, and help build lifelong healthy habits and social skills. But for more than 40,000 people each year, there are health risks in playing sports including eye injuries; the vast majority of which are preventable. Injuries range from corneal abrasions and eyelid bruises to internal eye injuries, such as retinal detachments and internal bleeding. Many of these injuries lead to vision loss and permanent blindness. The thousands of eye injuries each year aren't only from basketball, baseball, football and hockey. Paintball, soccer, tennis, golf and even water sports also can be dangerous to the eyes. Fortunately, specific protective eyewear is available for just about all activities, allowing today's athletes to choose from various types of sturdy, lightweight and effective eyewear that is appropriate for their sport. When properly fitted, eyewear does not hinder performance and can prevent 90 percent of sports eye injuries. When participating in sports, be sure to wear protective eyewear that is: Is appropriate for the sport Has polycarbonate lenses or shields Is properly fitted by an eye care professional If you play sports, you can get hurt. Whatever your game, you need to protect your eyes. See your eye care professional today for appropriate protective eyewear. An Eye M.D. is an ophthalmologist — a medical doctor who provides the full spectrum of eye and vision care. From eyeglasses and contact lenses to medication and surgery, your Eye M.D. will help you keep your sight for life. See your Eye M.D. ... because there's so much more to see.