Each year there are more than 100,000 sports-related eye injuries that are reported to physicians. The most common kinds of eye injuries related to sports are detached retinas, lacerated corneas, contusions and corneal abrasions as well as cataracts, hemorrhages, and the loss of an eye. With proper eye protection it is estimated that 90% of these injuries can be prevented. Because of this, the American Academy of Ophthalmology supports mandatory eye protection for young athletes.

Safeguard your sight by using the recommended eye protection for each sport, and see your eyecare professional for appropriately designed and fitted eyewear. Ask for Optima's RESOLUTION lenses for all your prescription eyewear – the only polycarbonate lenses offering superior impact protection and the superior optics you need to see well.

Badminton -

FACT: Badminton has become the most common racquet type sport associated with eye injury in Canada. Did you know a badminton shuttlecock can go as fast as 140 mph?

PROTECTION: Polycarbonate closed eye protectors.

Baseball -

FACT: Baseball is responsible for 21% of eye injuries for those aged 5-14.

PROTECTION: Polycarbonate faceguards attached to helmets recommended by many leagues (but not mandated by Little League) for all players. Polycarbonate sports eyeguards also recommended.

Basketball -

FACT: Basketball is responsible for 32%of eye injuries for those aged 15-24.

PROTECTION: 3mm polycarbonate sports goggles that have been fitted by an eyecare professional.

Boxing -

PROTECTION: None. This high-risk sport has no suitable eye protection. Athletes with only one functional eye (defined as visual acuity worse than 20/50 in the weaker eye) should not participate in this sport.

Football -

FACT: For those aged 15-24, Football and Basketball yield the highest injuries.

PROTECTION: Polycarbonate shield attached to a faceguard or polycarbonate sports eyeguards recommended.

Handball -

PROTECTION: Polycarbonate closed protectors

Hockey -

FACT: Ice-Hockey accounts for the greatest number of sports-related eye injuries in Canada and Sweden. Did you know a Hockey puck travels at 90-100 mph?

PROTECTION: Wire or polycarbonate mask or polycarbonate sports eyeguards.

Martial Arts (Full Contact)-

PROTECTION: None. This high-risk sport has no suitable eye protection. Athletes with only one functional eye (defined as visual acuity worse than 20/50 in the weaker eye) should not participate in this sport.

Racquetball -

FACT: Experienced Racquetball players can propel a ball 120-145 mph.

PROTECTION: Polycarbonate closed eye protectors.

Soccer -

FACT: Soccer accounts for the greatest number of sports-related eye injuries in Holland.

PROTECTION: Sports polycarbonate eyeguards.

Squash -

FACT: A Squash ball yields more energy than a .22 caliber bullet because of the inherent weight of the Squash ball.

PROTECTION: Polycarbonate closed eye protectors.

Tennis -

FACT: Ophthalmologists are now encouraging Tennis players who participate in competitive doubles play at the net to wear polycarbonate closed protectors.

PROTECTION: Polycarbonate closed eye protectors.

Wrestling -

PROTECTION: None. This high-risk sport has no suitable eye protection. Athletes with only one functional eye (defined as visual acuity worse than 20/50 in the weaker eye) should not participate in this sport.

If you missed it, be sure to check out our

Exotic Sports Trivia Quiz.