Preventing Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Sport by Sport

All athletes should wear protective eyewear, but not just any eyewear. Use protection specifically designed for the sport. Use the guide below to find out which kind of eye protection is necessary for the sport your child plays.

Baseball: Polycarbonate or wire face guard attached to helmet; sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses while on the field

Basketball: Sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses

Field hockey: Full face mask for the goalie; sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses/wire mesh goggles while on the field

Football: Polycarbonate eye shield attached to helmet with wire face mask

Ice hockey: Helmet with full face protection

Lacrosse: Helmet with full face protection or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses/wire mesh goggles

Paintball: Full-face-protection goggles -- covering the cheeks, ears, and eyes -- with eye protection lenses at least 1/10 inch thick

Racquet sports: Sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses

Skiing: High impact resistant eye protector