Every year, hospital emergency departments throughout the country treat over 45,000 sports-related and recreational eye injuries. More than half are suffered by players under 18.
Eye injuries are often the result of a high-speed ball, aggressive body contact or a moving piece of sports equipment. Young players often lack the reflexes, coordination, strength or experience to avoid these eye hazards.
When properly fitted, appropriate eye protection can reduce the risk of eye injuries by at least 90 percent.
Your league can get free protective equipment through the Ohio Ophthalmological Society's sports eye safety program, Play Hard. Don't Blink.