Influence of Eyewears on Sports Performance
In the realm of sports, eyewears play a crucial role in safeguarding athletes’ vision and enhancing their performance. Let us delve into the specific sports where eyewear becomes an indispensable asset.
The majority of eye injuries occur in a small number of sports, often due to bodily contact or accidental contact with the ball, shuttle, or implement. It is crucial to have the perfect eye protector for sports that can prevent visual injury without causing additional harm or restricting the field of vision. This protector should consist of comfortable, securely mounted lenses on a single-piece frame made of proven resistant material, such as polycarbonate.
However, it is important to note that polycarbonate cannot be used for high correction prescriptions. In such cases, the ideal solution would be to wear plain eye protectors along with corrective contact lenses. It is essential to understand that contact lenses do not provide any protective benefits and hard contact lenses can potentially be unsafe. Similarly, glass lenses are also unsafe. Open eye guards offer no more protection than wearing nothing at all.
There are specific sports where eye protection is of critical importance. Let’s take a closer look at some of them:
SWIMMING:
Goggles used by swimmers are highly recommended to protect the eyes from chemical irritation caused by chlorinated water. These goggles should be made of clear or tinted plastic, contoured to fit the face, and held in place by elastic straps around the head to minimize movement during diving.
BASEBALL / SOFTBALL:
Eye injuries are a leading cause of concern in these sports. A batted baseball is 3.5 times more likely to cause an eye injury than a pitched baseball. Wearing protective eye gear can effectively prevent injuries such as corneal abrasions, orbital fractures, hyphema, cataracts, and detached retinas.
PAINTBALL:
While paintball can be an enjoyable hobby, it is important to be aware that high-speed projectiles can cause serious eye injuries. These injuries may include hyphema, corneal abrasions, ruptured eyeballs, and detached retinas.
ICE HOCKEY:
Ice hockey, a sport characterized by high speeds, razor-sharp skates, and full-contact hits, inherently carries a significant risk of eye injuries. While players wear helmets for protection, the absence of a visor leaves their eyes vulnerable.
Research indicates that the risk of sustaining an eye injury is a staggering 4.23 times higher for those who opt not to wear a visor. By neglecting this essential piece of equipment, players expose themselves to potential harm that could have been easily prevented.
MOUNTAIN BIKING:
The exhilarating world of mountain biking presents riders with a myriad of challenges as they perform daring tricks, navigate treacherous trails, and hurtle down slopes at breakneck speeds. Amidst this adrenaline-fueled adventure, numerous hazards lurk, posing a threat to the eyes.
Standard tumbles, falls, and encounters with pesky insects can unexpectedly put the eyes at risk. Moreover, the rough terrain, littered with sticks, branches, and debris, increases the likelihood of these objects striking the eyes, potentially causing significant damage.
HURLING:
Originating from Ireland, hurling is a captivating game played with a hard leather ball and a Hurley. The ball, measuring 23-25 mm in diameter, can be propelled astonishing distances of up to 80 meters, reaching speeds of 42 meters per second.
In the event of a direct hit, the orbital bone, unfortunately, fails to provide adequate protection, leaving the eye vulnerable to compression within the orbit. This highlights the critical need for protective eyewear in hurling, as it can shield players from potentially devastating eye injuries.
In conclusion, the influence of eyewear on sports performance cannot be understated. Whether it be swimming, baseball, softball, paintball, ice hockey, mountain biking, or hurling, the risks associated with eye injuries are significant. By incorporating proper eyewear, athletes can enhance their safety, protect their vision, and ultimately improve their overall performance on the field.