Keep Your Head in the Game, And Your Eyes Safe

Spring brings sunshine, warmer weather, and for many of us, a return to sports and outdoor activities. Whether you’re coaching your child’s baseball team, hitting the pickleball courts, or heading out for a bike ride, April is the perfect time to focus on something that’s often overlooked: sports eye safety.

At Wagner Kapoor Institute, we treat patients of all ages for sports-related eye injuries, from corneal abrasions and blunt trauma to more serious issues like retinal tears and orbital fractures. The good news? Up to 90% of these injuries can be prevented with the right protective gear.

Common Sports Eye Injuries We See

• Blunt force trauma (from balls, bats, elbows, etc.)
  
  
• Scratches or abrasions from fingers or equipment
  
  
• Fractures of the bones around the eye
  
  
• Retinal injuries due to sudden impact or pressure
  
  
• Infections or irritation from shared equipment or water sports
  
  

These injuries don’t just cause temporary pain, they can lead to long-term vision loss if not treated properly and promptly.

High-Risk Sports for Eye Injuries

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the sports most commonly associated with eye injuries include:

• Baseball & softball (especially in kids ages 5–14)
  
  
• Basketball
  
  
• Racquet sports (tennis, pickleball, squash)
  
  
• Soccer
  
  
• Hockey
  
  
• Paintball or airsoft
  
  
• Martial arts
  
  
• Swimming (due to exposure to chlorine, bacteria, or contact lenses in water)
  
  

Whether you play competitively or recreationally, eye safety should be as routine as wearing a helmet or mouthguard.

Protective Eyewear = Smart Play

The best way to prevent injury is with sports-specific protective eyewear made of polycarbonate lenses, which are impact-resistant and far more durable than regular glasses.

We recommend:

• Wraparound goggles for racquet sports
  
  
• Face shields or helmets with visors for contact sports
  
  
• Prescription sports goggles for athletes who normally wear glasses
  
  
• Swim goggles to protect from chemicals and reduce infection risk
  

Protective eyewear should meet ASTM standards and fit comfortably and securely, especially for younger athletes who may be more likely to remove them if they’re uncomfortable.

What to Do If an Eye Injury Happens

If you or your child experiences sudden vision changes, eye pain, double vision, or visible swelling after an injury, don’t wait.
Skip urgent care and go directly to an eye care specialist or ophthalmologist.

Wagner Kapoor Institute offers same-week appointments for urgent eye concerns, including sports-related injuries. Early intervention is often the key to full recovery.

Keep the Focus on Fun, and Safety

Sports are a powerful way to stay healthy, relieve stress, and connect with others. But none of that is possible without clear, protected vision.

This April, take a few minutes to review your family’s sports gear, upgrade protective eyewear if needed, and make sure vision isn’t the weak link in your game.

From our team at WKI, play hard, stay safe, and protect your eyes.

Need urgent care for an eye injury? Want a protective eyewear recommendation?

Author

Wagner Kapoor Institute Wagner Kapoor Institute, specializes in diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, eye tumors, and the diagnosis and management of complex medical and surgical eye disease. We are the preferred referral for National Retina Centers of Excellence and the preeminent provider of adult and pediatric macula and retina treatments located in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia & North Carolina. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer the latest technology and treatments to save your eyesight.