New data shows increase in sports-related eye injuries

Prevent Blindness Ohio has declared September as Sports Eye Safety Month.

New Prevent Blindness data shows that there were 43,379 sports-related eye injuries treated in the United States in 2024, an increase of 33 percent from the previous year.

The data also shows that basketball had the highest rate of eye injuries. Rounding out the top five sports eye injury categories are projectile/flying toys, soccer, pool and water sports, and exercise/exercise equipment

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, common sports-related eye injuries include:

• Corneal abrasions, or scratches on the surface of the eye
• Bruises on eyelids or skin around the eye
• Retinal detachments, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly
• Traumatic cataracts
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage, or blood spots appearing on the eye
• Internal bleeding
• Fractures to the bone around the eye
• Damage to the optic nerve or glaucoma
• Open globe injuries, which can lead to permanent vision loss

Prevent Blindness Ohio recommends that athletes wear eye guards when participating in sports. Prescription glasses, sunglasses and even occupational safety glasses do not provide adequate protection.

Sports eye guards are protective eye wear that could look like glasses with temples or straps or even shields attached to head gear. Eye guards come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Guards should fit securely and comfortably and allow the use of a helmet if necessary.

For sports use, polycarbonate lenses must be used with protectors that meet or exceed the requirements of the current sport-specific ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International, a global standards development organization. Polycarbonate lenses are the most impact resistant. They are thinner and lighter than plastic, shatterproof, and provide UV protection. Most sports have a specific ASTM standard which addresses the specific risks likely to be encountered in that sport.

“Fortunately, most eye injuries can be avoided by wearing the proper eye protection, including while playing sports,” said Amy Pulles, President & CEO, Prevent Blindness Ohio. “By taking the proper precautions and consistently wearing sports protection recommended by an eye care professional, we can keep our vision and eyes healthy today and for some years to come.”

For more information on sports eye safety and injury prevention, visit PreventBlindness.org/sports-eye-safety, or co.ntact Prevent Blindness Ohio at (800) 301-2020 or https://ohio.preventblindness.org/.