When most people think of sports-related injuries, sprains and strains, broken arms or legs tend to come to mind. Many don’t realize there are also tens of thousands of eye injuries caused each year as the result of sports and recreation-related activities.

Tyler knows those statistics all too well. An active teenager who enjoys sports, Tyler knows those statistics all too well. A run-in with a baseball while playing catch with friends left him with more than a shiner.

“A pitch was thrown to him at that time and hit him in the face,” said Tom, Tyler’s father. “It caused a couple of fractures in his face, his upper cheek bone, his orbital bone.”

In some ways, Tyler was fortunate. The eye itself was not injured, but his injury did require surgery just the same. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, between 40 and 50 thousand sports and recreation related eye injuries are reported each year. Eye experts with OU Physicians and Dean McGee Eye Institute urge parents to take precautions this summer and throughout the year to protect their young athletes’ eyes.

“Some of the most common things are being struck in the eye with a ball, whether it’s a tennis ball, a racquetball or a baseball,” said Michael Siatkowski, MD. “When you get to sports such as basketball or football, it’s being poked in the eye, elbowed in the eye or being punched in the eye.”

Dr. Siatkowski and his colleagues with OU Physicians and the Dean McGee Eye Institute see their fair share of eye injuries. That’s why they strongly recommend protective eyewear for all children and adults who participate in any sport in which there is a risk of eye injury. Siatkowski said there are more options than ever in shatter-resistant, protective eyewear, but there are some important criteria to keep in mind:

He explained one should pay attention to the padding and make sure the eyewear contours to the child’s nose and face. When choosing goggles, be sure they fit properly and are comfortable to wear. Siatkowski added goggles that are too large won’t do the job they are designed to do. It is also important to be sure to get the right goggles for the right sport.

“If you are going to be choosing goggles for a specific sport, we suggest that you bring the helmet or the headpiece in with you,” Siatkowski explained. “That way you can actually try them all on together before you buy.”

In addition, Siatkowski also stressed that whether prescription or clear, all lenses in safety eyewear should be shatter-resistant polycarbonate, adding that any sports eye protectors that are damaged or yellowed with age need to be thrown away.

Finally, don’t underestimate the possible severity of an eye injury. If a parent or caregiver suspects a child has sustained an eye injury while playing a sport or just playing outside, Siatkowski said that child should be seen by the family doctor or pediatrician right away.

“Your doctor can help determine if a referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist is warranted,” he said. “Some of these injuries at first may appear very benign and minor, but when you really examine the eye closely, you may find there is a significant problem.”