Sunglasses provide protection from more than the sun. They provide a shield from potential eye injuries, a common problem in high action sports and activities.

Blunt Trauma and Impact Eye Injuries

Like the title suggests, these injuries occur when something or someone hits your eye with force. They are the most common eye injuries in sports, especially contact sports or those that use balls, rackets or sticks. The injury can be minor, like a black eye, or more serious, like fractured facial bones or a ruptured eyeball. Proper eye protection during these sports is incredibly important.

Penetrating or Piercing Eye Injuries

Penetrating or piercing eye injuries occur when something cuts or pierces your eye.  Broken glass, debris, and fingernails are common causes of these injuries. Fishermen should be careful when casting their line; an all too common injury to these outdoor lovers includes getting a fishhook in the eye.

Radiation Eye Injuries

These injuries typically occur during sports that are on the snow or water. The snow and water reflect the sun, magnifying the intensity of the sunlight. Skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers should be wary of the effects of the sun reflecting off the snow—even on overcast days. UV light has been linked to various eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration, and is one of the leading causes of vision loss among older Americans.

Resources on Sport Eye Injuries

Sports Eye Injuries
Eye Injuries in Sports

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