Sports are an important part of childhood…building friendships, teaching teamwork, and keeping kids active. But along with the fun comes some risk. In fact, more than 28% of eye injuries among children ages 11 to 18 happen during sports, and each year an estimated 636,000 eye injuries occur in people under 20.

The good news is that most of these injuries are preventable. With the right precautions, parents can help protect their children’s vision while still letting them enjoy the activities they love. Here are a few simple tips to keep young athletes’ eyes safe.

1. Invest in Youth Sports Protective Eyewear

Fall is prime time for kids’ sports, with many young athletes heading onto the field or court for football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis, volleyball, and more. Each of these sports carries its own risks for eye injuries, but sport-specific protective eyewear can make a big difference.

Prescription glasses or goggles designed for athletic play not only shield your child’s eyes from impact but can also provide clear, 20/20 vision, helping them stay safe while performing at their best.

2. Replace Damaged or Poor-fitting Gear

Protective gear only works if it’s in good condition and fits properly. From helmets to uniforms, inspect everything before the season starts and replace items that are damaged, worn out, or too loose. A complete preseason fitting ensures your child can focus on the game without worrying about equipment that slips, breaks, or leaves them unprotected.

3. Schedule a Vision Exam

The start of the season is an ideal time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child. A comprehensive exam ensures their eyes are healthy, their vision is sharp, and they’re set up for success on the field or court.

Already in the middle of a season? It’s not too late. Schedule an exam now to make sure your child continues to play safely and at their best.

4. Learn to Recognize the Signs of Eye Injuries

Children often “push through” or disguise injuries because they don’t want to get pulled from the game, miss out on part of the season or let their team down. Parents must recognize the signs of eye injuries to get their children the care they need as soon as possible.

Common signs of eye injuries are:

• Redness
• Constant blinking
• Bruising around the eye
• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excess discharge from the eye
• Swelling around the eye
• Difficulty opening the eye

5. Reinforce Good Safety Habits for Your Kids

Wearing protective eyewear and following good safety habits is sometimes harder than it sounds for children. Some kids may feel self-conscious, while others simply don’t want to stand out. You can play a critical role in reinforcing good safety habits by:

• Explaining the importance and risks to your child
• Praising them for making safe choices
• Modeling good safety habits yourself

If your child needs an eye exam or has any other eye care needs, the physicians and staff at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care are here to help. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.