Easy On The Eyes | Recommended Eye Protection

www.ohioeye.org

When properly fitted, appropriate eye protection can reduce the risk of eye injuries by at least 90%. Here is the recommended eye protection for several popular sports:

Baseball	Polycarbonate face guard or other certified safe protection attached to batting helmet; sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses for playing in the field.
Basketball	Sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses.
Fencing	Full face cage.
Field Hockey	Goalie: full face-mask; all others: sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses..
Handball/ Racquetball/Squash	Sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses.
Ice Hockey	Helmet and full face protection.
Lacrosse	Helmet and full face protection for male athletes. Approved polycarbonate goggles for female players.
Soccer	Sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses.
Softball	Polycarbonate face guard on batting helmet; sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses for playing in the field.
Street Hockey	Sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses; goalie: full face cage.
Swimming and pool sports	Swim goggles recommended.
Tennis/singles	Sturdy street-wear frames with polycarbonate lenses.
Tennis/doubles	Sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses.
Water Polo	Swim goggles with polycarbonate lenses.

Reports from competitors in several sports have verified that face guards and protective eyewear do not impair their concentration or reduce their ability to focus. Some coaches feel that the extra protection actually enhances their young athletes' concentration and alleviates their fear of injuries.

The ideal situation would be if all young athletes were wearing appropriate eye protection when they compete. Today, more young people are wearing eye protection. However it's up to us-parents, coaches and educators--to continue to encourage our youth to see their way clear to wear appropriate eye protection when they are participating in sports and recreational activities.