Parents:

Eye injury from sport is a risk to any person young or old participating in a variety of sports. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Ophthalmology has stated their position that protective eyewear is strongly recommend for all participants in sports in which there is a risk for eye injury. A significant number of eye injuries occur yearly related to sports. Some sports are considered low risk while others are considered high risk. Baseball and softball are considered high risk.
Unfortunately, we are unable to find eye protection, which is specified by the manufacturer as safe and effective for reducing the risk of eye injury. There are options available for anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of eye injury to themselves or to their children in high risk sports including baseball/softball. Polycarbonate lenses are unbreakable and are the only thing that is truly safe. Lacrosse eyewear is available and the cost is about $20 a pair; this is what we have found which is likely most applicable to anyone who wishes this type of protection. Certainly anyone who already has significant diminished function of one of their eyes is at greater risk and should strongly consider use of protective eyewear.

Sincerely,

David C. Borgstrom
President,|
Cooperstown Youth Baseball

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