Date
Tuesday
Apr

April 1-30

Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

"Don't let a sports-related eye injury ruin your game. Be proactive and celebrate Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month with us!"

Yearly Date
April 1
Type
Month
Category
Health

Introduction

Get ready to protect your eyes and stay in the game because April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month! This month-long observance was established by Prevent Blindness America in 1982 to raise awareness about the importance of eye safety while participating in sports. Did you know that every year, thousands of people suffer from eye injuries related to sports? But with proper precautions and gear, many of these injuries can be prevented. So let's celebrate this month by spreading awareness and taking care of our precious peepers while we play our favorite sports!

Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month Timeline

1963
First Sports Goggle Invention
Dr. Robert M. Levy creates and patents the first sports goggle to protect against eye injuries during sports activities.
1976
PPE Standards for Sports
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) develops standards for personal protective equipment (PPE), including sports eyewear.
1982
Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month
Prevent Blindness America establishes April as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month to increase public knowledge about eye injuries in sports.
1990
Specialized Sports Eyewear
Companies begin to produce specialized protective eyewear for specific sports, enhancing the prevention of eye injuries in those activities.
2003
Mandatory Eyewear in Women's Lacrosse
The Women's Lacrosse Association makes protective eyewear mandatory, setting a precedent in sports for eye safety considerations.
2010
Increased Awareness and Incidence Decline
Increased awareness and regulations result in a significant decline in sports-related eye injuries reported.

How to Celebrate Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

1

Get a Vision Check-up

Schedule an eye exam during Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month. This is a great way to ensure your eyes are healthy and ready for all your favorite sports activities.

2

Host a Sports Eye Safety Event

Organize an event at your local community center or school to educate others about the importance of eye safety in sports. This can include presentations, demonstrations, and fun activities for people of all ages.

3

Promote Eye Protection Gear

Spread awareness by wearing eye protection gear while participating in sports activities and encouraging others to do the same. You can also hand out flyers or stickers with important eye safety tips.

4

Share Tips on Social Media

Use your social media platforms to share tips and facts about eye safety in sports. This is a great way to reach a larger audience and spread awareness about the importance of protecting our eyes while playing sports.

5

Organize a Fundraiser

Host a fundraising event and donate the proceeds to organizations or charities that focus on promoting eye safety in sports. This is a great way to give back and support a cause that is important to you.

Why Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month is Important

A

Protecting our eyes is crucial for overall well-being

Our vision allows us to experience and enjoy the world around us. Therefore, taking measures to protect our eyes while engaging in sports activities is vital for maintaining good eye health and preventing long-term damage.

B

Preventing sports-related eye injuries can save money and time

Eye injuries from sports activities can result in costly medical bills and potential loss of work or school days. By promoting sports eye safety awareness, we can reduce the risk of these injuries and save both money and time in the long run.

C

Spread love and support to athletes with visual impairments

Participating in sports can be challenging for individuals with visual impairments, but with proper precautions and accommodations, they can still enjoy playing. By raising awareness about sports eye safety, we can show support and inclusivity towards athletes of all abilities.

Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 31
Friday
2024
Mar 31
Sunday
2025
Mar 31
Monday
2026
Mar 31
Tuesday
2027
Mar 31
Wednesday