Summer is a great time to get outside and stay active. Whether you’re playing baseball, biking, swimming, golfing, or spending weekends at the lake, warm-weather activities are a big part of the season for many families in Fort Kent.
While most people remember sunscreen and hydration, eye protection is often overlooked. At Valley Eye Care Associates in Fort Kent, we see a variety of sports- and activity-related eye injuries each year, many of which could have been prevented with the right precautions.
In this blog, we’ll cover common causes of sports-related eye injuries, why protective eyewear matters, and how to help keep your vision safe all summer long.
The importance of sports eye safety
The eyes are especially vulnerable during physical activity. A fast-moving ball, accidental elbow, fishing hook, flying debris, or prolonged UV exposure can all affect your eye health and vision.
Sports-related eye injuries can include:
- Scratches on the surface of the eye (corneal abrasions)
- Blunt force injuries
- Foreign objects in the eye
- Eye inflammation or irritation
- More serious internal eye injuries in severe cases
Fortunately, many of these injuries are preventable with proper eye protection and awareness.
Summer activities that can increase eye injury risk
Certain sports carry a higher risk due to speed, equipment, or close physical contact. These include:
- Baseball and softball
- Basketball
- Tennis and pickleball
- Soccer
- Biking
- Swimming and water sports
- Yard work and outdoor recreation
Even activities that don’t seem high-risk can still lead to eye irritation or injury without proper protection.
Why protective eyewear is important
Everyday glasses and sunglasses are not designed to protect the eyes during sports or high-impact activities. In some situations, regular eyewear can even break or shift during impact.
Sports-specific protective eyewear is designed to:
- Resist impact during activity
- Stay securely in place
- Provide clear, stable vision
- Help reduce glare outdoors
- Offer UV protection when needed
We often recommend polycarbonate lenses because they are durable, lightweight, and highly impact-resistant.
Don’t forget about UV protection
Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin. When you reach for the sunscreen, don’t forget to grab your sunglasses too.
Long-term UV exposure can increase the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), and growths on the eye surface. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays can help protect your eyes during long days outdoors, especially during activities near water where sunlight reflects more intensely.
Eye safety tips for swimming and water activities
Pools, lakes, and other water activities can expose the eyes to chlorine, bacteria, and environmental irritants.
To help protect your eyes:
- Wear swim goggles when swimming
- Avoid rubbing your eyes with wet hands
- Remove contact lenses before swimming when possible
- Rinse your eyes if irritation develops afterward
What to do if an eye injury happens
If an eye injury occurs during sports or outdoor activities, try to avoid rubbing the eye or attempting to remove anything lodged in it. This can sometimes worsen the injury.
Instead:
- Gently rinse the eye with clean water if needed
- Avoid putting pressure on the eye
- Seek prompt professional care if you experience pain, redness, vision changes, or ongoing irritation
At Valley Eye Care Associates, we provide emergency eye care in Fort Kent for urgent eye injuries and sudden eye concerns.
Even injuries that seem minor can become more serious without proper evaluation, so it’s important not to ignore persistent symptoms.
Keep your eyes protected this summer
Summer activities should be fun, comfortable, and safe for your eyes. Taking a few preventative steps now can help reduce the risk of injury and protect your long-term vision.
At Valley Eye Care Associates, we provide comprehensive eye exams and guidance on protective eyewear to help patients of all ages enjoy summer activities safely.
Schedule an appointment today to help keep your eyes healthy and protected all season long.
