Published April 11, 2018 By Justin Bazan

Reviewed for accuracy by Justin Bazan, OD on September 14, 2026.

Sports and recreational activities can expose the eyes to balls, fingers, elbows, sticks, racquets, debris, and other fast-moving objects. The right protection depends on the activity.

1. Use sport-specific protective eyewear

Ordinary prescription glasses and contact lenses are not protective sports equipment. For activities with an eye-injury risk, use eyewear or face protection designed for that sport and meeting the applicable safety standard. Sports frames commonly use impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, and some sports require goggles, helmets, or full-face protection.

If you need prescription correction, many protective sports frames can be made with a prescription.

2. Make sure the protection fits correctly

Protective eyewear should fit securely, provide appropriate coverage, and stay in place during the activity. Equipment that is damaged, badly scratched, loose, or inappropriate for the sport may not provide the intended protection.

3. Do not play through an eye injury

Stop the activity after a significant blow to the eye or surrounding area. Sudden vision loss, severe pain, double vision, significant bleeding, a visibly misshapen eye, or an object penetrating the eye requires emergency evaluation.

Do not rub or press on a seriously injured eye, and do not try to remove an embedded object. A rigid shield placed loosely over the area can help protect it while emergency care is arranged.

4. Keep vision correction current

Clear vision helps an athlete track the ball, field, other players, and obstacles. If you normally need glasses or contacts to see clearly, make sure your correction is appropriate for the activity—but remember that vision correction and eye protection are separate needs.

This article is general sports-eye-safety education. Park Slope Eye does not present sports vision as a separate specialty service.

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