Which Sports Have the Highest Risks for Eye Injuries?
Submitted by Michael J. Elman, M.D. on June 22, 2024
When it comes to sports, the thrill of competition and the joy of being active often overshadow the potential risks involved. At Elman Retina Group, our doctors emphasize the importance of knowing your risks and taking protective measures.
Read on to learn the sports with the highest risk of eye injuries — and what you can do to avoid harm.
Basketball: A High-Risk Game
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, basketball is the single most common sport for eye injuries. Because it’s such a fast-paced game and features close physical contact, the sport can leave you vulnerable to accidental pokes or elbows to the eye. Collisions are also common in basketball.
Common basketball eye injuries range from minor scratches on the cornea to severe trauma like retinal detachment.
Baseball and Softball: Speed and Small Objects
Baseball and softball might seem less risky because there’s not a lot of person-to-person contact. However, both sports have a high eye injury risk due to the force and power of speeding balls.
A baseball or softball to the eye can cause blunt trauma, leading to fractures of the orbital bone, inner-eye bleeding, or even permanent vision loss.
Racquet Sports: Speed and Precision
Racquet sports like tennis, badminton, and squash can be dangerous for your eyes. As with baseball and softball, the small, high-speed balls can easily strike the eye.
This can lead to serious eye trauma, from fractures to soft tissue damage and vision loss.
Ice Hockey: High-Impact Play
Ice hockey is another sport with a high incidence of eye injuries. The combination of flying pucks and frequent physical collisions creates a hazardous environment.
Even with helmets and face shields, hockey players are not necessarily completely safe from lacerations, abrasions, fractures, and penetrating eye injuries.
Soccer: A Surprising Contender
Soccer, widely played and enjoyed globally, surprisingly carries a substantial risk for eye injuries. Heading the ball, collisions, and accidental pokes are common sources of eye trauma in this sport.
In many countries abroad, soccer is the most common source of sports eye injuries. Here in the United States, soccer-related eye injuries may have a higher potential to be severe than those that occur with other sports.
Protect Your Eyes from Sports Injuries in Baltimore
Don’t let an eye injury sideline your sports ambitions. We can help you take proactive steps to safeguard your vision, including quality eyewear and protective gear. Consult with our experts now: Call us at (410) 686-3000 or make an appointment online today. We’re here to help you play smart, stay safe, and keep your eyes on the prize!
