More than 40% of eye injuries every year are related to sports or recreational activities. These injuries account for 100,000 physician visits each year. Approximately 42,000 people with sports-related eye injuries end up in the emergency room and 13,500 go blind, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Ninety percent of these eye injuries can be avoided by simply using protective eyewear. This means safety glasses and goggles; regular prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses don’t count.

Protective eyewear for athletes is made of strong, high-impact polycarbonate. The material is 10 times more impact resistant than other materials, and won’t affect your vision. Eye protection that’s been tested to meet the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards is best, and you can find lenses with 100 percent UV protection for outdoor sports. You can have the lenses fitted to match your prescription or wear protective goggles over your everyday glasses.

Sports goggles aren’t just for people who regularly wear corrective lenses. They’re for all athletes! The most high-risk sports are baseball, basketball, and hockey, but sports like biking, swimming and soccer can be risky, too. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, when athletes wear eye protection they’re four times less likely to get an eye injury.

Eye Risk by Sport from the American Academy of Pediatrics

To find the right eye protection for you, start with an eye exam with one of the specialists at the Cheyenne Eye Clinic & Surgery Center. We’ll talk with you about your vision needs, whether making the switch from glasses to contact lenses would be the right move, or if you’re a great candidate to consider LASIK vision correction.

Notice

Our Optical Department will close at 2:00 PM on November 20th to attend the memorial service for a dear friend and colleague. 

We apologize for the inconvenience.