Prevent Blindness has reported a 33% increase in sports-related eye injuries since 2023 and more than 43,300 cases in the United States last year, Basketball accounted for the highest number of sports-related eye injuries. Other leading categories include injuries from projectile and flying toys, soccer, pool and water sports, and exercise and exercise equipment.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the spectrum of sports-related ocular injuries includes:

• Corneal abrasions

• Eyelid and periorbital contusions

• Retinal detachments, which may cause permanent vision loss if left untreated

• Traumatic cataracts

• Subconjunctival hemorrhage

• Internal ocular bleeding

• Orbital fractures

• Optic nerve damage or secondary glaucoma

• Open globe injuries with risk of irreversible vision loss

To raise awareness of sports-related eye injuries, Prevent Blindness has designated September as Sports Eye Safety Month. Free educational materials, including a webpage, fact sheet, and shareable social media graphics, are available on the Prevent Blindness site. Sports eye safety is also being featured in a Focus on Eye Health Expert Series episode with Keith Smithson, OD, of Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry and Sports Vision Pros.