The Importance of Eye Protection While Playing Basketball

Posted on February 18, 2026 in Vision Health

Key takeaways about eye protection while playing basketball:

• Basketball has the highest number of sports-related eye injuries compared to any other sport.
• Every athlete, no matter how young, should wear eye protection to preserve their vision and eye health.
• Different sports require different types of eye safety gear. If you’re unsure about the right option, be sure to talk with your coach or eye doctor.

March Madness is officially underway, and with its fast breaks and free throws comes flying elbows and diving for loose balls. While fans are focused on the brackets and buzzer-beaters, there’s an important part of the game that often gets overlooked: eye protection.

 Basketball may not be the first sport you think of when it comes to eye protection, but eye injuries are surprisingly common on the court. Adding the right eye protection is a simple step to help safeguard your vision.

Eye protection prevents serious harm

Sports-related eye traumas are more common than you may think. According to data from Prevent Blindness, “there were 43,379 sports-related eye injuries treated in the United States in 2024, an increase of 33 percent from the previous year.”

Prevent Blindness also found that the highest instances of eye injuries occurred in basketball players.

Damage to the eyes can do far more than knock you out of a game. Depending on the severity and nature of the impact, athletes risk long-term vision problems or even permanent loss of sight.

What types of injuries does eye protection prevent?

Sports-related eye injuries range from minor to life-altering. Common traumas to the eyes include:

• Corneal scratches or abrasions
• Optic nerve damage
• Fractures around the orbital bones
• Bruises on eyelids
• Retinal detachments
• Internal bleeding 
• Open globe injuries (a break in the eyewall, which can cause permanent vision loss)

Proper eye protection in sports is a crucial physical barrier that shields eyes from high-speed impacts, penetrating injuries, and even harmful UV rays.

Properly fitted, sport-specific eye protection made from impact-resistant polycarbonate materials absorbs and disperses force from balls, pucks, elbows, and sticks, preventing serious trauma. In fact, a study in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery shows that proper eye gear can prevent an estimated 90 percent of sports-related eye injuries. 

How to choose the right eye protection for you

Different sports require specific types of protective eyewear to keep players safe. If you're unsure what type you need for your sport, consult with your eye doctor or coach to ensure you have the right equipment to stay safe while playing.

For sports like baseball, basketball, softball, racquetball, squash, and mountain biking, safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses are recommended.

When batting in baseball or softball, or playing hockey or tackle football, helmets with attached polycarbonate face shields or face masks are the best options.

Swim safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses offer essential eye protection for water sports such as surfing, water polo, and water skiing.

Certain sports and positions may require specialized eye and face protection beyond standard goggles or helmets. Sports like fencing, lacrosse, paintball, and specific positions like goalie often need additional gear.

Don’t forget to pack eye protection before your next event

Before you head out to your next practice or game, take a moment to think about your eyes. A simple pair of polycarbonate sports goggles can be the difference between finishing the season strong and facing a life-altering injury.

Don't let a preventable accident sideline you or your loved ones. As spring sports ramp up and March Madness sets the tone for another exciting championship, remember to gear up, stay safe, and protect your vision on and off the court.

Looking for more information about eye protection? Check out “The Importance of Eye Protection when Playing Sports”