Helmets, mouthguards, pads, and other protective equipment are routine in many sports. Eye protection, however, is still not always treated with the same consistency, even though sports-related eye injuries continue to affect children and adults across a wide range of activities.
That is the focus of Sports Eye Safety Month this September. Prevent Blindness is using the annual observance to encourage athletes, parents, coaches, and eye care professionals to think about eye protection as part of the equipment needed for the sport.
New data from the organization shows that more than 44,000 sports-related eye injuries were treated in the United States in 2025. The activities associated with those injuries varied by age, showing that eye-injury risk is not limited to a single type of sport.
Eye Injury Risk Looks Different at Different Ages
Among people ages 15 and older, basketball accounted for the highest rate of sports-related eye injuries reported by Prevent Blindness. For children ages 14 and younger, pool and water sports, including swimming, accounted for the most.
That difference is a reminder that eye safety needs can vary with both age and activity. Prevent Blindness notes that sports-related injuries may include corneal abrasions, retinal damage, and other forms of ocular trauma, depending on the type and force of the impact.
Because the risks differ from one sport to another, the type of protection used should also be appropriate for the specific activity.
Pickleball Brings a Growing Eye Safety Conversation
Pickleball is receiving particular attention as participation in the sport continues to grow. Eye injuries can occur from direct impact by the ball or paddle, as well as from falls.
Prevent Blindness identifies several possible pickleball-related injuries, including corneal abrasion, Berlin's edema, and retinal tears or detachment following direct impact to the eye. The organization also cites American Academy of Ophthalmology guidance noting that some players, including those with myopia or a history of previous eye surgery, may face more serious consequences from ocular trauma.
The growing popularity of pickleball makes the discussion particularly timely. Although it may appear less physically aggressive than some contact sports, the speed of the ball and proximity of play still create opportunities for eye injury.
Regular Glasses Are Not Sports Eye Protection
One of the clearest messages in the Prevent Blindness guidance is that everyday eyewear should not be confused with protective sports equipment.
Prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and occupational safety glasses do not provide adequate protection for sports. Prevent Blindness recommends that eye protection meet the appropriate sport-specific ASTM standards.
Depending on the activity, protective eyewear alone may not be enough. Helmet-mounted face guards, face shields, or face cages may also be recommended or required depending on the sport, the age of the athlete, and league rules.
The practical point is that sports eye protection should be selected for the demands of the activity, rather than treated as interchangeable with everyday or workplace eyewear.
Protective Eyewear Should Be Part of the Uniform
Stephanie Marioneaux, MD, a member of the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors and president-elect of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, summarized the issue directly.
“The proper eye protection when playing sports should always be considered part of the uniform.”
— Stephanie Marioneaux, MD
That approach is especially relevant for children. When protective eyewear is introduced as standard sports equipment from the beginning, it can become part of the normal routine rather than something added only after an injury has occurred.
Dr. Marioneaux also recommends speaking with an eye doctor to make sure the protection is appropriate for the sport and the individual athlete.
Prevention Starts Before the Game
Sports Eye Safety Month provides an opportunity for parents, coaches, schools, athletes, and eye care professionals to review the protection being used during practices and competition.
The more than 44,000 sports-related eye injuries treated in 2025 involved a wide range of activities and age groups. While not every injury can be prevented, appropriate protective equipment can help reduce the risk of serious eye trauma.
The most useful approach is a practical one: choose protection designed for the sport, make sure it meets the appropriate standards, and involve an eye care professional when guidance is needed.
Sources
Vision Monday. Prevent Blindness Declares September Sports Eye Safety Month, Shares Data on Eye Injuries. Published August 28, 2026. Read the original article.
Prevent Blindness. Sports Eye Safety Month 2026.
