Summer is one of the most active times of the year for sports. From baseball and softball to swimming, biking, and tennis, warmer weather means more time outdoors and more recreation opportunities.
While staying active is great for overall health, many people don’t think about how easily eye injuries can happen during sports. At Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park, we often see preventable eye injuries during the summer months, many of which could be avoided with the right protection.
The importance of sports eye safety
The eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body during physical activity. A fast-moving ball, elbow, racket, or even debris can cause injury in a split second.
Sports-related eye injuries can range from mild irritation to serious trauma, including:
- Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye surface)
- Blunt force injuries
- Foreign objects in the eye
- Retinal damage in severe cases
Fortunately, most sports-related eye injuries are preventable.
Sports with the highest risk of eye injury
Certain sports carry a higher risk due to speed, equipment, or close physical contact. These include:
- Baseball and softball
- Basketball
- Racquet sports (tennis, pickleball, racquetball)
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Swimming (due to chemical and bacterial exposure)
Even non-contact sports can lead to eye injuries if proper protection is not used.
Why protective eyewear is critical
Regular glasses and sunglasses are not designed to withstand impact during sports. In fact, they can sometimes increase the risk of injury if they shatter or shift during activity.
Sports-specific protective eyewear is designed to:
- Withstand impact from balls or equipment
- Stay secure during movement
- Provide clear peripheral vision
- Reduce glare and UV exposure when needed
Polycarbonate lenses are commonly recommended because they are lightweight and highly impact-resistant.
Don’t forget UV protection
Eye safety during summer sports isn’t just about injury prevention. It also includes protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
Long-term UV exposure can increase your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye surface, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye). Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or sports goggles can help protect long-term eye health, especially during extended outdoor activity.
Eye safety for swimming and water sports
Water activities come with their own risks. Chlorinated pools, lakes, and oceans can expose the eyes to bacteria, chemicals, and irritation.
To reduce risk:
- Wear swim goggles in pools or open water
- Avoid rubbing your eyes with wet hands
- Remove contact lenses before swimming when possible
- Rinse eyes with sterile solution if irritation occurs
What to do if an eye injury happens
If an eye injury happens while playing sports, it’s important to stay calm and avoid rubbing the eye or trying to remove anything that may be stuck. This can sometimes make the injury worse.
Instead:
- Rinse the eye gently with clean water if needed
- Avoid putting any pressure on the eye
- Get prompt professional care if there is pain, vision changes, or ongoing irritation
At Walter Eye Clinic, we provide emergency eye care for urgent eye injuries and sudden vision concerns, ensuring patients are seen quickly.
Even minor injuries can worsen without proper evaluation, so don’t hesitate to have your eyes checked if something doesn’t feel right.
Protect your vision this summer
Summer sports should be fun, not risky for your eyes. With the right protective eyewear and awareness of potential hazards, most injuries can be prevented.
At Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park, we provide comprehensive eye exams and guidance on protective eyewear to help patients of all ages stay safe while staying active.
Schedule an appointment today to make sure your vision is ready for the season ahead.
