When it comes to eye safety, baseball and softball are considered high-risk sports. However, you can reduce the risks of any sport-related injury with proper protection. Start by doing a bit of research and following the established equipment guidelines. We also recommend that you speak with your pediatrician regarding the best way to prevent injuries for any sport your child participates in. If specific eye protection is required, it’s recommended that these glasses be fit by an eye care professional.
According to Lighthouse International, polycarbonate lenses are the material of choice when it comes to sports protection. “The lenses of the different types of protective eyewear should be made of polycarbonate, which is 20 times stronger than the lenses of typical eyewear. Polycarbonate can withstand a ball or other projectile traveling at 90 miles per hour. Contact lenses offer no protection, and street wear glasses are inadequate to protect against any type of eye injury.”
Most eye injuries from baseball and softball are a direct result of the ball being thrown or pitched at a player. Many youth leagues require that batting helmets with protective face shields are worn by batters. If your league does not require helmets and face shields, you should take these preventative measures on your own for the safety of your child and the team.