The cooler fall weather is almost here. Along with shorter days and colorful leaves, it means the start of fall sports. Fall sports season may include football, field hockey, lacrosse, and more. Although fall sports are a great way to have fun, exercise, and work as a team, it is important to take steps to protect your eyes and vision from injury. |
Football
Injuries to the eye can occur due to a collision with a player, a fall, or the football. Research in Ocular Surgery News found that the most common types of injuries included eyelid or orbital contusions and retinal hemorrhages. The most common mechanism of injury was from the football. Damage to the eyes can also occur after a head injury from a collision with another player.
The best way to reduce the risk of an eye injury is by wearing protective equipment. In addition to a helmet, a face visor also reduces the risk of eye injuries. A study published in Ophthalmology Advisor found that players that wore face visors, in addition to their helmet, had fewer eye injuries than those that do not wear the visor.
Field hockey
Research in the Journal Pediatrics found that the incidence of eye injuries was reduced in states that began mandating protective eyewear for field hockey players in high school and college.
Look for field hockey protective eyewear that is labeled with the ASTM 2713 stamp. This means it meets industry standards for protection.
Lacrosse
According to Prevent Blindness, since the 2004-2005 season, protective eyewear has been mandatory in women’s lacrosse for college and high school players. Sports eyewear for lacrosse should be labeled ASTM F3077-17.
Water polo
Tips
- Consider choosing lenses with an anti-fog coating depending on where you live and how likely, or often foggy conditions develop.
- Sports eyewear should have cushioning or padding along the bridge of the nose for comfort.
- Make sure you try on the eyewear to ensure a proper fit. It should fit firm enough to not fall off, but not cut into the skin. Most sports eyewear has an adjustable strap.
If you have any questions about preventing sports eye injuries, we are happy to help. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.