Ophthalmologists strongly recommend protective eyewear for teenagers participating in sports where there is a risk of eye injury. According to a study sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 70 percent of eye injuries sustained during sporting activities occur in people under the age of 25. Nearly 40 percent of those injured are teens under the age of 15.

What is teen sports eyewear?

Some parents are confused when it comes to picking out eyewear for teens participating in sports. Every sport is different and requires a unique type of eyewear. It is best to ask your eye doctor what type of eyewear they would recommend for your teen, but here are a few characteristics you can look for in eyewear for virtually any sport: 

• Lightweight, high-impact frames 
• UV protection 
• Rubber cushioning for comfort 
• Secure fit 
• Side protection from wind, dust, and flying objects

If your teen wears prescription lenses, it is important to keep in mind that they can pose a safety risk to the face and eyes. Prescription glasses can break and shatter upon impact. Ophthalmologists recommend buying a pair of sport specific glasses that can be customized with prescription lenses.

Why is sports eyewear recommended for teens?

Sports eyewear for teens is becoming more commonplace, but many parents still do not realize the full value of athletic eyewear. Protective sports eyewear pays off in several ways. Most importantly, sports lenses protect teens against eye injury sustained during athletic activities. Some of the most popular sports for teens also come with a high risk of eye injury. Hockey pucks, balls, and rackets are all sources of potential eye injuries. Even when teens play sports with no flying objects, there is always a risk of being hit in the eye with a fellow player’s finger, hand, or elbow.

Athletic eyewear also provides a performance enhancing benefit. Sports lenses sharpen vision and increase overall visual acuity. They can even improve contrast sensitivity and peripheral vision, making it easier to see the dimensions of the field and the approach of tennis balls, baseballs, softballs, basketballs, soccer balls, and hockey pucks.

Benefits of teen sports eyewear

Sports eyewear for teens provides the following benefits:

• Protection from eye injury 
• UV protection 
• Enhanced vision 
• Reduced glare 
• Higher contrast sensitivity 
• Increased peripheral vision