Shin guards for soccer, shoulder pads for football, and batting helmets for baseball and softball. Almost every sport has its own unique safety equipment, but according to Dr. Pamela Lowe, most participants in sports forget to protect one of the most important parts of the body: the eyes. “Sports are the leading cause of eye injuries in children under 16,” Dr. Lowe said. “Most of these could be avoided simply by wearing proper eye protection.”

Protective sports eyewear can help prevent injuries such as fracture of the eye socket, scratched corneas, swollen retinas, and even cataracts caused by trauma to the eye. Parents of children who participate in sports should insist that their children wear protective eyewear and encourage schools and athletic clubs to adopt a policy requiring it.

“September is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month,” Dr. Lowe said. “Although sports may look different this year, we encourage anyone who participates in sports – children and adults alike – to remember to outfit the eyes for safety. Today’s protective eyewear is lightweight, comfortable, and available with or without vision correction.”

Dr. Pamela Lowe is the owner and practitioner of Professional Eye Care Center, 7225 N. Caldwell, Niles IL 60714  and is a member of Vision Source®. Professional Eye Care Center is a member of Vision Source®, North America’s largest network of independent optometrists. With 3,100+ practices and 4,000 members in the United States, Vision Source® comprises the most influential experts in the eye care industry. For more information, call 847-647-0707 or visit www.visionsource.com.