You play sports? Are your eyes well protected?

When we play sports, we wear protective gear. Yet we often forget to protect an important part of our body: our eyes. Whether you’re a professional athlete, an amateur or a dabbler, an eye injury can put an end to your sports career—and have many other consequences besides. Moreover, studies show that 90% of sports-related eye injuries are avoidable.

Ocular injuries can happen—you guessed it—in the blink of an eye. It’s a danger that’s often overlooked, as is the need for protective eyewear adapted to the sport being played. As a reminder, here are the most common causes of sports-related eye injuries:

• Corneal abrasions—scratches and cuts
• Injuries caused by blunt objects, like balls or pucks
• Injuries caused by an object penetrating the eye, like a wood or plastic splinter

Certain sports federations, such as Quebec’s soccer federation, have regulations that forbid metal and glass frames, which are considered too dangerous for the wearer and inadequate as far as protection goes.

There’s no getting around it—you need protective glasses. Luckily there are many prescription and non-prescription styles to choose from. Here’s what you’ll gain with sports eyewear:

• Protection from blows
• Shock- and warp-resistant lenses and frames
• A shape that follows the contours of your face, offering full eye and eyelid protection

If you play a sport, take the time to consult an Opto-Réseau eye care professional, even if you don’t normally wear glasses. They’ll be able to recommend ocular protection that’s suited to your sport.