According to statistics released by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 100,000 eye injuries occur each year during sports or recreational activities, and 90 percent could be prevented. Teach older children to use safety goggles with equipment such as lawn mowers and saws. Contact lenses are not a form of eye protection. Eye care specialists recommend children wear sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses and side shields when playing basketball, tennis, racquetball and soccer. A helmet with polycarbonate face mask or wire shield is recommended for those playing baseball or hockey.
Eyes face other risks in addition to injuries.
Dim lighting or video terminals can lead to eyestrain, with symptoms of eye irritation, difficulty focusing and headaches. But these symptoms do not mean the eye is being damaged. Your ophthalmologist can examine you to rule out eye disease and provide proper glasses, if needed. Eye exams are recommended at several points in life, even when there seems to be no eye problems. Until age 40, adults need only be examined if eye problems occur.