Basketball is the leading cause of sports-related eye injury in athletes age 15 to 24. A study found that nearly all (96.6%) NBA basketball players suffering eye injuries were not wearing protective eyewear at the time of their injury.
Protective eyewear is available in either a goggle design or a shield;
- Regardless of the design you chose for your child, the frame should cover the entire socket and not just the eyeball;
- If selecting a shield, look for a frame that fits closely to the face, so as to minimize the potential for a finger to get underneath and displace the frame.
- The frame should be padded at the temple and bridge to absorb some of the shock, lessen the overall impact, and limit damage the frame may cause to the face;
- An elasticized band works best to hold the frame in place. Regular temples will not secure the frame tightly enough and a finger could displace the frame and end up in your child's eye; and
- In addition to having an impact resistant lens, the frame must also be able to withstand impact. Frames molded with propionate are lightweight and offer strength and flexibility.
- Look for polycarbonate lenses since they are virtually unbreakable.
Most importantly, says optician Noah Shriber, buy goggles that your child actually likes. Sport goggles now come in a variety of colors and shapes to fit every child's needs.
Source: AthleticOptics.com
