Sports Eye Safety Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Sports
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September
Holiday emoji:: 👁️

Sports Eye Safety Month champions eye protection throughout September, raising awareness about preventing sports-related eye injuries. Learn about proper eyewear, understand common risks, and join the movement to keep athletes safe.

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History
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Expected Sports Eye Safety Month Deals

Throughout Sports Eye Safety Month, expect various organizations and eyewear brands to launch awareness campaigns and special promotions. Brands like Wiley X, Oakley, and Under Armour often highlight their protective sports eyewear lines, sometimes offering discounts or educational resources on their websites. Non-profits such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Prevent Blindness may partner with retailers or sports leagues to promote proper eye safety, often encouraging donations to support their outreach programs. Look for local opticians and sports stores to host events or offer free eye screenings. We will update this page with confirmed campaigns as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Sports Eye Safety Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SportsEyeSafetyMonth. Share statistics on workplace eye injuries related to sports and promote protective gear.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SportsEyeSafetyMonth. Share quick facts about common eye injuries in sports and tips for prevention.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SportsEyeSafetyMonth. Post family-friendly content about keeping children’s eyes safe during school sports.

Sports Eye Safety Month Hero

Dr. Paul F. Vinger

Dr. Paul F. Vinger was a prominent ophthalmologist and a leading expert in sports eye injuries. He dedicated his career to advocating for protective eyewear in sports, conducting extensive research, and developing safety standards. His work significantly influenced the widespread adoption of protective measures, saving countless athletes from preventable vision loss.

History of Sports Eye Safety Month

Most outdoor sports involve projectiles that are the biggest risk of injury. This includes eye injuries that can occur while playing basketball, baseball, and racquet sports. Prevention and quick action are the keys to protecting your eyes. Ensuring proper vision while having proper eye protection for the sport is what keeps you safe.

So, we need to understand that different activities have different levels of risk for eye injury. This means we need to ensure that we use the right kind of eye protection for each activity — the regular eyeglasses that we use do not offer proper protection and can make the injury worse if they shatter. Sports eye safety doesn’t end with the players; even if you’re a spectator, you need to be careful. Balls, bats, or players can end up in the stands at any time. So, watch out for those unidentified flying objects!

If you think you have injured your eye or your child complains of eye pain during or after a game, seek immediate care from an ophthalmologist or primary care physician. Moreover, if you already have reduced vision in one eye, consider the risk of injuring your other eye before participating in a high-risk sport. Also, always consider the risks before participating in potentially harmful activities and learn about proper precautions ahead of time.

Sports Eye Safety Month timeline

1200 B.C.

The Introduction of Fencing Masks

Egyptians use a special type of mask for competing in fencing.

1877

First Catcher’s Mask in Baseball

James Tying becomes the first baseball player to use a catcher’s mask.

1965

The Skiing Goggles

Robert Earl Smith invents and patents double-lens, anti-fog ski goggles.

1984

Protective Visor in Football

Mark Mullaney of the Minnesota Vikings becomes the first N.F.L. player to use a visor.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Sports Eye Safety Month

Local businesses, especially sports retailers, opticians, and gyms, can actively participate in Sports Eye Safety Month by offering educational workshops on protective eyewear. Partner with local schools or youth sports leagues to provide free eye screenings or discounts on certified sports glasses. Highlight the importance of eye safety with in-store displays and social media campaigns, using #SportsEyeSafetyMonth. Optometry practices can offer special consultations focused on sports vision and protective solutions, emphasizing that prevention is key to lifelong eye health.

Sports Eye Safety Month FAQs

When is Sports Eye Safety Month?

Sports Eye Safety Month runs throughout September 2026, from September 1 to September 30. It’s a crucial time to raise awareness about preventing sports-related eye injuries.

How many sports-related eye injuries occur annually?

Approximately 30,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year. The good news is that about 90% of these serious injuries could be prevented with appropriate protective eyewear.

Which sports have the highest risk of eye injuries?

Sports like basketball, baseball, racquet sports, and paintball carry a high risk of eye injuries due to fast-moving objects or close physical contact. Wearing proper eye protection is essential in these activities.

What kind of eyewear is best for sports?

The best eyewear for sports is made from polycarbonate lenses, which are highly impact-resistant, and should be certified by organizations like ASTM International (e.g., ASTM F803 for sports). Regular eyeglasses do not offer sufficient protection.

How to Observe Sports Eye Safety Month

Spread the word
The best thing you can do to celebrate Sports Eye Safety Month is by spreading awareness. Educate your kids, family, friends, and colleagues about the importance of eye safety in sports.
Use safety goggles
If you truly want to observe Sports Eye Safety Month, you can buy safety equipment like safety goggles or face shields. These can give almost complete protection to your eyes and face.
Share your story
If you’re someone who has any bitter experience with sports-related eye injuries or has avoided such injuries with the use of eye safety equipment and precautions, you can share it with the world through social media. Raise awareness about this important issue.

5 Unknown Facts About Sports Eye Safety

Protective wear is effective
90% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented with protective eyewear.
The most common eye injuries
Blunt injuries, corneal abrasions, and penetrating injuries are the most common eye injuries.
It mustn’t be taken lightly
Eye injuries are at the top of the list of causes of blindness in children.
It’s more common than you think
Every 13 minutes, an E.R. in the U.S. treats a sports-related eye injury.
Kids ages 11 to 14
Most eye injuries among kids aged 11 to 14 are sports-related.

Why Sports Eye Safety Month is Important

We need this day
Sports Eye Safety Month is a much-needed month that emphasizes eye safety while enjoying our favorite sports. Awareness about sports-related eye safety can even save millions of people from serious eye damage.
It is not only for sportsmen
Sports Eye Safety Month is an awareness month that is for everyone. Even if you are a spectator, there is a risk of getting permanent eye damage. So, eye safety is important for sportsmen and spectators alike.
It promotes research
Coming together and observing this month not only helps raise awareness but also contributes to promoting research. It also promotes funding to find a better way to ensure and practice eye safety while playing sports.