Eye health

Eye protection for sports and recreational activities

Sport and outdoor activities can put your eyes at risk. Here is how to choose protective eyewear, including for high-risk sports and swimming.

Published Updated 2 min read
On this page
  1. 1. Choose proper protective eyewear
  2. 2. Eye protection for high-risk sports
  3. Protect your eyes and enjoy sport safely
  4. More eye safety and vision care reading

Sport and outdoor activities are fun and exciting, but they can also put your eyes at risk. Protecting your eyes during sport and recreation is essential to prevent injuries and keep your vision healthy. Proper protective eyewear and a few simple safety measures help you stay safe while enjoying your favourite activities.

1. Choose proper protective eyewear

Sport-specific safety eyewear is crucial for protecting your eyes. Sports goggles, safety glasses, or helmets with visors or shields give important protection against impact, UV rays and debris.

Polycarbonate lenses are highly recommended because they are impact-resistant and can withstand fast-moving objects. If you wear prescription glasses, consider sports goggles or protective eyewear that can hold prescription lenses, so you keep both clear vision and safety.

2. Eye protection for high-risk sports

Some sports carry a higher risk of eye injury. Choosing the right eyewear is especially important for these activities.

Tennis, racquetball and squash

Flying balls and fast-paced play can cause eye injuries. Use sports goggles with secure straps that keep them in place during intense play.

Basketball

Elbows, fast movements and accidental contact increase the risk of eye injury. Padded sports eyewear gives added protection from impacts.

Football and soccer

Collisions and sudden hits are common. Helmets with visors or face guards give the eyes extra protection in these high-contact sports.

Swimming

Chlorine and germs in swimming pools can irritate the eyes. UV-protective goggles shield the eyes from harmful UV rays and contaminants, keeping your vision safe and clear.

Protect your eyes and enjoy sport safely

To prevent eye injuries and keep your vision healthy, always choose the right protective eyewear for your sport. Assess the risks of each activity, wear suitable goggles or helmets, and make eye safety a priority. The team at Sanjivani Eye Hospital, with centres in Navrangpura and Saraspur, can advise you on eye protection and prescription sports eyewear.

More eye safety and vision care reading

Protecting your eyes during sport and recreation is part of looking after your vision for the long term. These articles cover more on eye care, prevention and treatment:

This guide explains general information. Your own treatment depends on an examination; talk to your eye doctor.

More on eye health

Talk to us about your eyes

Request an appointment at Navrangpura or Saraspur, or call us and we'll help you choose the right centre and time.