Sports are great for health, but fast-moving balls, shuttlecocks and rackets can cause serious eye injuries, including bleeding inside the eye and retinal tears.
Higher-risk sports
- Cricket, especially for batters and close fielders
- Badminton, where shuttlecocks travel very fast
- Squash and tennis
- Hockey, football and basketball
- Air guns and paintball
Protection
- Helmets with a face grille for cricket batters and close fielders
- Polycarbonate sports goggles for racket sports, made to recognised safety standards
- Prescription sports goggles if you wear glasses, since regular glasses can break and injure the eye
- Replace damaged or cracked eyewear
After an injury
- Apply a cold compress gently, without pressure
- Seek care for pain, blurred vision, double vision, blood in the eye, flashes or floaters
- Do not return to play until checked
See our eye injury first aid guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do children need sports goggles?
Yes, especially for racket sports and cricket. Children are more prone to eye injuries in sport.
Can I play sports with contact lenses?
Yes, but lenses do not protect against impact. Wear protective eyewear over them for high-risk sports.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.