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CABVI encourages athletes to consider eye protection during Sports Eye Safety Month

April 1, 2025

UTICA, N.Y. – The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) designates April as Sports Eye Safety Month, and the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) would like to remind people of the importance of protecting vision while engaging in sporting or recreational activities.

Every year, nearly 30,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms, according to AAO.  Over 13,000 of these injuries result in permanent vision loss.  However, 90% of these injuries can be prevented with the proper protective eyewear.

“Wearing the proper eye protection is the easiest way to prevent unnecessary injuries and medical visits. The old adage holds true, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” says Dr. Kimberly Wadas.

Eye injuries can happen in almost any sport.  Some of the most common eye injuries include:

  • Corneal Abrasions: Scratches on the surface of the eye caused by fingers, debris, or equipment
  • Blunt Eye Trauma: Injuries from balls, sticks, or other players, which can result in retinal detachments, orbital fractures, or glaucoma
  • Penetrating Eye Injuries: Sharp objects like broken glasses or debris can penetrate the eye, causing serious damage
  • Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Blood spots appearing on the eye due to broken blood vessels
  • Traumatic Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens due to injury

Athletes can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries by following safety guidelines and wearing protective eyewear like ProGear Eye Guards, which are available at the CABVI Optical Shop, 408 Elizabeth St., Utica.

ProGear Eye Guards are designed and developed to correct, improve and protect vision during active sports. Athletes can get prescription lenses in the goggles or wear them as is.

These protective glasses have been subject to tests of high-speed impact which are simulated for a variety of sports to ensure athlete safety.

For more information, visit the CABVI Optical Shop or call 315-797-2233 ext.4000.