September is Sports Eye Safety Month, and it’s the perfect time to think about protecting your child’s vision on the field, court, or track. Every year, thousands of children visit the emergency room for sports-related eye injuries—and the majority of those injuries are preventable.
Whether your child plays soccer, basketball, baseball, or flag football, their eyes are at risk from flying balls, elbows, and fingers. The good news? Protective eyewear dramatically reduces the chance of a serious eye injury.
What Parents Can Do:
- Invest in sport-specific protective eyewear. Polycarbonate sport goggles are impact-resistant and can be fitted with prescription lenses if your child needs them.
- Make it part of the uniform. Just like shin guards and helmets, eye protection should be non-negotiable.
- Talk to the coach. Ask whether the team encourages or requires protective eyewear during practice and games.
- Schedule a pre-season eye exam. Good vision is essential for athletic performance. An eye exam can uncover problems like poor depth perception or blurry distance vision that may affect your child’s game—and safety.
One in four children has an undiagnosed vision problem, and sports performance is often one of the first places it shows up. If your child seems to shy away from catching or hitting a ball, it may not be a lack of coordination—it may be a vision issue.
Don’t let an avoidable injury sideline your child. A simple pair of protective goggles and an annual eye exam can make all the difference.
NOTE: The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. It is inherently limited and should not be solely relied upon. Always seek the advice of a medical professional for any medical questions or concerns.
The content of this blog post does not create a patient-physician relationship and is not intended as medical or patient advice. Consult a doctor for answers to all medical matters.
Contact EyeCare4Kids for more information.
EMAIL ADDRESS: info@eyecare4kids.org
CALL US: Global Headquarters: (801) 285-5443
VISIT US: Global Headquarters: 6911 State St. Midvale, UT 84047

