Some of the more common sports eye injuries are blunt trauma, penetrating injuries and radiation injury from the sun. Blunt trauma happens when you are hit directly in the eye and causes the most sports eye injuries. Serious examples of this type of injury include a broken bone under the eyeball, a broken eyeball or detached retina. Bruising around the eye and eyelid – often called a black eye – may look bad but is usually a less severe injury.

Another type of sports eye injury is penetrating injuries which is when something actually cuts into the eye. This type of injury isn’t as common. You can possibly get a penetrating injury if eyeglasses break, another person scratches the eye or an object penetrates the eye such as fish hook. Radiation injuries, or burns from ultraviolet light, are common in sports such as snow skiing, water skiing or other water sports.

Protection against eye injuries usually involves common sense. When snow skiing, cycling or water skiing strong protective sun glasses that are strong enough to withstand sudden force from a thrown stone or being tossed into the water are necessary to protect your eyes from injury. The most common and protective form of impact resistant lenses are made of polycarbonate. They are available in plain or prescription lenses.

Don’t ever try to use a protective device without lenses. Plain sunglasses won’t protect your eyes from blunt force or penetrating injury. A helmet won’t protect your eyes and it can be knocked of the head. Consult your eye doctor for the most appropriate eye protection for your sport.