You can protect your athletic child's vision without pulling him or her out of the lineup. The first step is to have your child's eyes examined. Good vision is as important to sports performance as good physical conditioning and consistent mental concentration. Correction of any vision problem will help athletic performance as well as lessen the chance for injuries. Parents should also talk with an eyecare professional about what type of protection is best for what sport.
Experts recommend lenses made of shatterproof polycarbonate plastic, fitted with elastic headbands.
The National Society to Prevent Blindness warns that glass and ordinary plastic lenses do not provide enough protection for children involved in active sports. In addition, parents should also remember that some outdoor sports may require sunglasses to protect against ultraviolet rays. In encouraging children to wear protective eyewear, be sure to remind them that many professional athletes wear sports eyewear prominently. Dry eyes cause blurred vision, burning, itching, headaches, sinus congestion, and remarkably, watery eyes. In addition, eyes can feel scratchy, dry, and painful.