Ready, Set, Protect: Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Safe During Physical Activity

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Score Big with Eye Safety

Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned athlete, it's important to protect your eyes while engaging in sports or other physical activities. Participating in sports and physical activities can increase the likelihood of sustaining an eye injury. These injuries can range from minor scratches on the cornea to severe eye trauma resulting in the loss of vision.

Protect Your Vision and Your Eyes

During sports, high-speed objects, such as balls and racquets, can hit your eyes with significant force, causing serious damage. Additionally, outdoor activities like skiing or cycling can expose your eyes to wind, dust, and other harsh elements, which can irritate and harm your eyes.

To reduce the risk of eye injury, it is essential to wear appropriate eye protection, such as goggles or safety glasses, that can shield your eyes from potential harm. In some sports, wearing a helmet with a face guard can also help protect your eyes. By taking these preventative measures, you can minimize the risk of eye injury and ensure that your eyes remain safe while engaging in sports and physical activities.

Tips and Strategies for Keeping Your Eyes Safe and Healthy During Sports

Look for eyewear that meets the appropriate safety standards for your activity: Make sure that the eye protection you choose meets the safety standards for your particular sport or activity. The standards may differ depending on the type of activity and the level of risk involved.

Choose eyewear that fits properly: Properly fitting eye protection is essential for maximum protection and comfort. Be sure to try on several different styles and sizes to find the one that fits snugly and comfortably over your eyes and nose.

Consider the lens material: The type of lens material can impact the level of protection provided. Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice because they are impact-resistant and lightweight. Some sports eyewear also comes with anti-glare or anti-fog coatings to improve visibility.

Consider the design of the eyewear: Depending on your activity, you may need eyewear with additional features such as a strap to keep the glasses securely in place or foam padding to protect your eyes from impact. Swim goggles should be watertight to prevent water from entering your eyes, while ski goggles should provide UV protection and fit securely over your helmet.

Use anti-glare lenses: If you're playing outdoor sports, glare from the sun can be a major problem. Anti-glare lenses can help reduce glare and improve your vision on the field.

Protect against UV rays: UV rays from the sun can cause damage to your eyes, even on overcast days. Make sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection while playing outdoor sports.

Check for proper ventilation: Proper ventilation is important to prevent fogging and maintain clear visibility during activity. Look for eyewear with adequate ventilation to help keep your vision clear.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your eyes healthy during sports. Dehydration can cause dry eyes, which can make it harder to see and increase the risk of eye injuries.

Know the signs of eye injuries: If you experience sudden pain, blurred vision, or other symptoms during a game or practice, stop playing immediately and seek medical attention. Ignoring eye injuries can lead to permanent damage or vision loss.

Get regular eye exams: Even if you don't play sports on a regular basis, it's important to get regular eye exams to ensure that your eyes are healthy and to catch any problems early. Your eyecare professionals at Urban Optiks can also provide advice on how to protect your eyes during physical activity.

Participate in Your Favorite Activities with Confidence and Safety

Each year, an estimated 100,000 people are hurt by sports-related eye injuries. About 13,500 of these injuries result in permanent vision loss. Eye protection is essential to keep your eyes safe during sports and physical activities. Taking the time to select appropriate eyewear can help you prevent serious eye injuries and ensure that you can enjoy your activity with peace of mind.