According to the National Eye Institute, most eye injuries affecting youth ages 11 to 14 are sports-related. Injuries can even lead to severe vision problems, including blindness. This Sports Eye Safety Month, take initiative to equip your child with proper protective equipment and eye care practices. Learn what to look for in the right gear with the following breakdown.

5 Qualities of Effective Athletic Eyewear for Kids

1. Coverage Needs

The coverage area required for athletic eye protection varies depending on the sport and the position. For example, baseball outfielders would benefit from protective glasses or goggles, whereas catchers require masks with full face coverage. Swimmers, on the other hands, should be equipped with watertight goggles that can keep the eyes dry.

2. Impact Resistance

Many sports-related eye injuries involve objects hitting a player in the face. If your child plays any sport that incorporates flying objects, such as baseball, hockey, or soccer, outfit them with polycarbonate eyewear, which can withstand the impact of projectiles.

3. UV Protection

For proper eye care, all athletes who engage in outdoor sports should invest in UV protection. Tinted and polarized lenses help block harmful rays from the sun that can cause eye damage and skin cancer. Sports sunglasses can also reduce glare and make it easier for your child to see when they’re out on the field.

4. Visibility

When athletes play in humid conditions, it’s common for their protective eyewear to fog up. If this is an issue for your child, look for gear that offers ventilation and anti-fog coating to keep the lenses clear. By maintaining a clear line of sight, these products help reduce the risk of visibility-related injuries like trips and falls.

5. Scratch Resistance

Sports are tough, so athletic eyewear should be too. While polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof, your child’s activity may also require scratch-resistant eye protection. For example, athletes who engage in wilderness-type sports, such as running or biking, will want anti-scratch lenses to defend their goggles from brushes with nature.

To choose the right features for your child’s protective eyewear, turn to Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates on Oahu, HI. With a friendly approach, this eye care specialist offers a variety of comfortable, secure, and durable solutions, from glasses and contact lenses to nutritional counseling and emergency service. Visit the award-winning optometrists online to learn more about their eye care services, or call (808) 487-5500 to schedule an appointment.