Prevent Blindness once again declared September as Sports Eye Safety Month to educate the public on the risk of painful and potentially blinding eye injuries while playing sports without the proper eye protection, the organization said in a press release.

Prevent Blindness released new data that shows there were more than 32,600 sports-related eye injuries treated in the United States in 2023. The category of “pool and water sports” had the highest rate of eye injuries, while “non-powder guns, darts, arrows, and slingshots” had the second highest rate. For those ages 15 and older, basketball had the highest rate of injuries.

Pickleball is also increasing the number of eye injuries. According to the AAO, injuries may occur from being struck by the ball or by the paddle. The AAO states “the risk of eye injury is higher in doubles games because two players are always close to the net and have less time to duck and avoid a fast-flying ball.”

Types of sports-related eye injuries include blunt trauma, including retina tears or detachment, penetrating injuries, corneal scratches and abrasions. Some eye infections are contracted through water sports, with contact lens wearers at higher risk. Prevent Blindness recommends that athletes wear eye guards when participating in sports as prescription glasses, sunglasses and even occupational safety glasses do not provide adequate protection.

As part of its education initiative, Prevent Blindness offers the new Focus on Eye Health Expert Series episode, “Sports Eye Safety,” sports eye safety fact sheets, shareable graphics for social media and a dedicated webpage.

For a list of sports eye safety guidelines from Prevent Blindness, click here.