Game On: Why Sports Eye Protection Is Important

Playing sports can be exhilarating, challenging, and rewarding — but it may also pose risks to your eye health. Each year, thousands of sports-related eye injuries are reported, many of which could have been prevented with proper precautions. With Sports Eye Safety Month in full swing, there's no better time to shed light on the importance of eye protection for athletes of almost all levels.

Whether you're a weekend warrior playing pick-up basketball or a high school soccer star in the Chicago area, this guide will explain how to help keep your vision crystal-clear for years to come, including solutions like prescription sports goggles. Call Kirk Eye Center in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL for an appointment. We can answer questions such as, "How often should you get your eyes examined?" and more.

Why eye protection is important

Eye injuries are common in sports, especially contact sports like football. However, even non-contact sports like baseball or tennis can result in serious eye injuries due to flying objects such as balls. These injuries range from minor scratches on the surface of the eye to severe damage that can lead to permanent vision loss.

In addition to physical injury, athletes may also be at risk for developing long-term eye conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma. This is because long-term exposure to UV rays increases the likelihood of developing these conditions over time. During an eye exam, our team at Kirk Eye Center can assess possible risks and offer recommendations for protective eyewear or other preventive measures.

How to improve eye health with proper protection

During Sports Eye Safety Month, Kirk Eye Center encourages athletes to take the necessary precautions to protect their eyes during physical activity. Here's how to improve eye health in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, and Chicago, IL:

• Wearing protective eyewear: The right eyewear can greatly reduce your risk of eye injuries. This includes safety glasses, prescription sports goggles, face shields, and helmets with built-in visors.
• Using sunglasses with UV protection: When outdoors, make sure to wear sunglasses that offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Replace damaged eyewear: If your eyewear becomes damaged, make sure to replace it right away. Damaged goggles and face shields may not provide adequate protection and can put your eyes at risk for injury.

How often should you get your eyes examined?

Regular comprehensive eye exams allow our professionals at Kirk Eye Center to detect and monitor changes in your vision. So, how often should you get your eyes examined? If you have no vision problems or risk factors, we recommend getting an eye exam every year. However, if you have a family history of eye diseases such as glaucoma, we may suggest more frequent appointments.

Protect your vision

You should never leave your vision to chance. Whether you're shooting hoops or scoring goals, remember that protecting your eyes is key to staying in the game. Your vision matters, and at Kirk Eye Center, we're here to help you see success.

Call now for an exam in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. We can discuss different forms of eye protection, such as prescription sports goggles, and how to improve eye health during Sports Eye Safety Month.