Prevent Blindness has designated September as Sports Eye Safety Month. According to new data from the nonprofit, 43,379 sports-related eye injuries were treated in the U.S. in 2024, a 33% increase from 2023.

Basketball accounted for the highest number of eye injuries, followed by injuries related to projectile or flying toys, soccer, pool and water sports, and exercise or exercise equipment.

To educate the public on preventing sports-related eye injuries, Prevent Blindness offers free resources, including a dedicated webpage, fact sheets, social media graphics, and an episode of its Focus on Eye Health Expert Series. The episode, “Sports Eye Safety,” features sports vision specialist Keith Smithson, OD, of Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry and Sports Vision Pros.

Prevent Blindness recommends athletes wear sports eye guards rather than prescription glasses, sunglasses, or standard occupational safety glasses, which do not provide adequate protection. Sports eye guards can take various forms, including glasses with temples or straps or shields attached to headgear, and should fit securely while allowing the use of a helmet if needed.

For sports use, polycarbonate lenses meeting or exceeding American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standards are advised. Polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant, shatterproof, lightweight, and provide UV protection. ASTM standards vary by sport to address specific injury risks.

“Fortunately, most eye injuries can be avoided by wearing the proper eye protection, including while playing sports,” says Jeff Todd, president and CEO at Prevent Blindness. “By taking the proper precautions and consistently wearing sports protection recommended by an eyecare professional, we can keep our vision and eyes healthy today and for some years to come.”