Summer is the season of sunshine, sweat, and sports—from beach volleyball and soccer to long bike rides and tennis matches. While we’re slathering on sunscreen and staying hydrated, there’s one vital area of the body that often gets overlooked: our eyes.
Whether you’re on land or water, UV rays, glare, wind, dust, and even flying balls can all pose a risk to your vision. And when you’re active outdoors, your eyes are on the front line—literally.
Here’s why eye protection matters during summer sports, and what you can do to keep your vision safe without sacrificing style or performance.
Why Eye Protection Is Essential for Athletes
- UV Exposure Can Damage Your Eyes
Just like your skin, your eyes can suffer from sunburn (photokeratitis) and long-term UV exposure, increasing the risk of:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Growths on the eye (pterygium)
- Corneal damage
And remember: UV rays reflect off water, sand, and pavement, making protection even more critical for swimmers, runners, and beachgoers.
- Injury Prevention
Many sports involve fast-moving balls, flying debris, or physical contact. Without proper protection, you’re at risk for:
- Corneal abrasions
- Blunt trauma (like being hit by a ball)
- Retinal damage
- Eye infections (especially in water sports)
- Better Vision = Better Performance
Quality sunglasses or sport-specific eyewear improve contrast, reduce glare, and help athletes track moving objects more effectively—giving you an edge while also keeping your eyes comfortable and strain-free.
Top Summer Sports That Require Eye Protection
- Baseball/Softball – High-speed balls, dust, and sun = triple threat.
- Cycling – Wind, insects, and road glare can impair vision.
- Beach Volleyball – Sand and intense sunlight are constant hazards.
- Swimming – Chlorine, bacteria, and saltwater can all irritate or infect the eyes.
- Golf & Tennis – Tracking a small ball in bright light requires focus and visual clarity.
- Water Sports (Jet Skiing, Kayaking, Surfing) – Reflection off the water is intense, and salt can dry and sting eyes.
- Running & Hiking – Sun glare, pollen, and branches can be painful or even dangerous.
How to Protect Your Eyes During Summer Sports
- Choose the Right Sunglasses
- 100% UV protection (both UVA and UVB)
- Polarized lenses reduce glare—ideal for water and pavement sports
- Wraparound frames block wind and peripheral sunlight
- Shatterproof materials (polycarbonate or Trivex) for high-impact activities
Pro Tip: Tinted lenses can enhance performance—brown and amber improve contrast; gray preserves natural color.
Wear Sport-Specific Goggles or Eyewear
- Use sports goggles with impact-resistant lenses for contact or fast-moving sports (e.g., basketball, racquetball).
- Swim goggles help protect against chlorine, salt, and bacteria—make sure they fit well and are anti-fog.
- Water sports glasses with floating straps are great for jet skiing or kayaking.
Use Protective Eyewear for Kids
Children are more susceptible to UV damage and less likely to wear sunglasses without encouragement. Look for durable, flexible options designed for young athletes.
Don’t Forget Hats and Visors
A wide-brimmed hat or sports visor adds an extra layer of protection and helps reduce squinting and glare—especially during long days outdoors.
Keep Eyes Moist and Clean
- Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry, especially when biking or playing in the wind.
- Rinse eyes with clean water if exposed to sand, chlorine, or dust.
- Never rub your eyes with dirty or sandy hands—use a clean cloth or rinse thoroughly.
When to See a Professional
If you experience any of the following after a game or activity:
- Redness or pain that doesn’t go away
- Blurry vision or flashes of light
- Foreign object stuck in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Sudden vision loss
Seek medical attention immediately. Vision injuries are not something to “wait and see.”
Train Hard, See Clearly
Your eyes are one of your most important tools in sports—tracking, judging depth, reacting quickly. Whether you’re chasing a ball, racing the clock, or riding a wave, clear, protected vision makes a huge difference in performance and safety.
So this summer, don’t just gear up with shoes and sunscreen. Grab your UV-blocking shades, goggles, or protective eyewear, and give your eyes the attention they deserve.
Because no matter what sport you play, seeing the win is just as important as scoring it.
Learn more at: https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/health-and-wellness/protecting-patients-eye-summer
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The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!