Sports & Vision: Protect your eyes

For this edition we’re taking our time to look at how best you can protect your eyes whilst playing sports.

Whether you are a sports enthusiast or a dabbler in the world of sport who likes to try out a new class from time to time… from the ‘pro players’ to the ‘just practising’… it may well be second nature for you to stretch those legs and arms, and warm up so as not to cause an injury. But did you stop to consider your eyes? It may even be that you have all the workout gear, co-ordinated beautifully. But do you have the proper protective clothing?

Eye Injuries from Sport

The Eye Care Trust reports that “sport is now the biggest cause of hospital admission for serious eye injuries in the UK” with racket sports among the most risky. Squash balls alone are responsible for an estimated 2,000 hospital admissions in the UK each year, whilst squash rackets account for around 2,400 injuries.

And if you think that bouncing on a trampoline has nothing to do with risk to your eye sight, think again – in the UK around 50 people every year are rushed to hospital with eye injuries sustained whilst trampolining!

The issue is that the eyeball is very delicate, so injuries can cause serious and potentially lasting damage. And though accidents do happen and we are not suggesting you wrap yourself up in a giant roll of cotton wool – there are a few sensible steps you can take to help protect your vision whilst having fun in sports.

Sensible Steps to Protect Your Eyes:

How is your eye sight? Before embarking on a new sport, take a moment to assess your visual ability with an eye consultation.

Choose the right visual aid for your sport; it may be that you require specially designed spectacles to perform a sport or it may be that a specialist contact lens is more suitable.

Research the best protective eyewear for your sport.

Seek professional advice and consult your practitioner to discuss risks you are concerned about.

Hopefully the above facts and figures have helped you to think a little differently whilst practising sports, and will help you to make safe choices for yourself, your family and friends.