Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month, observed during September and sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is the time to raise awareness about eye safety. Eye injuries suffered while participating in recreational sports are a leading cause of eye-related visits to emergency rooms. Permanent, significant visual loss can occur from these injuries.

Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month raises awareness that any participant in recreational sports who suffers an eye injury, has an eye disease, or had eye surgery should discuss with their eye doctor when they can safely return to their sport and what precautions they should take. A common sense approach to the real eye risks inherent in sports activities can make participants safer and minimize the chances of losing their precious eyesight.