Still not convinced? Well, as a teenager, you're in the age group that suffers the majority of sports-related eye injuries: 71% occur in people under age 25.***

Age isn't the only factor to consider. If your eyes are weaker than normal, you need to take particular care when playing sports. Previous eye injuries and surgery can sometimes lead to weakened eyes.

Additionally, the sport you play can make a huge difference in the kind of protection you need. Basketball usually tops the list of most injuries caused. Players' fingers are the main culprit. Baseball is often second, with most injuries stemming from a ball striking the eye. Racquet sports (racquetball, squash, tennis, badminton) are a common source of eye injuries, mainly from balls and racquets hitting the eye at very high speeds. A hockey puck also tends to do a lot of damage because it moves so fast. Chlorine in swimming pools is another problem, because too much can damage the cornea. If you play an outdoor sport, you'll need eyewear that filters the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause permanent damage.

Types of protective eyewear include: goggles, face masks, shields, sunglasses and scuba masks. Remember, everyday glasses don't provide enough protection from impact.

Goggles
For most sports, you should wear polycarbonate goggles. Polycarbonate is very resistant to impact, so it's the only reasonable choice in sports where your eye might encounter a ball, racquet, finger, etc. Goggles come with an elastic band to keep them from sliding off your head. They provide protection for basketball, racquet sports, soccer, non-helmet hockey (field hockey, for example), snow sports (skiing, snowboarding), water sports (skiing, surfing, swimming) and more. Swimming goggles are the only ones that don't need to be polycarbonate, because there is little risk of impact while you're swimming. Most styles of goggles are available as prescription eyewear, and it's important to get UV-blocking ones if you're playing outside.

With water goggles, it's important that the pair fits you and seals correctly. A Sight for Sport Eyes offers these tips: "You want the goggle to fit on the bone around the eyes, not inside the eye socket itself. An improperly fit goggle will cause 'raccoon eyes.' This is because the goggle rests on the socket, instead of the bone, and cuts off circulation." Check how the seal seems in the store, then test the goggles in some water at home. If you wear contact lenses, you'll need swim goggles to keep your lenses from floating away!

Face Masks
Face masks are another way you can protect your eyes. Usually, these are metal cages that protect all or part of your face. Hockey goalies usually wear face masks, and fencers wear a different style. If you wear a helmet that has a smaller face mask (some football helmets) or no face mask (such as a baseball helmet), you need an eye shield to protect your eyes.

Shields
Polycarbonate shields are very impact-resistant. Look for one that meets the ANSI Z87.1 optical safety standard. Football, baseball and ice hockey are examples of sports in which you should wear a shield while playing. While prescription inserts are available, many athletes opt for contact lenses in these kinds of sports. Again, it's important to make sure to get a shield that blocks UV rays if you'll be playing outside.

Sunglasses
If you play a sport where it's really unlikely that anything is going to come near your eyes (like bicycling, running, golf, fishing, etc.), you can wear sunglasses. In fact, if you're going to be outside during the day, you should wear them: the sun can do a lot of damage to your eyes, plus dust or other small particles could fly in. If you normally wear prescription glasses with a metal frame and glass or plastic lenses, don't just wear those for sports. They usually don't block much ultraviolet light, plus in some cases, you would need a special frame. For example, snowboarders who wear sunglasses instead of goggles need to have a durable plastic frame (and polycarbonate lenses). An eye care professional can fit most sports sunglass frames with prescription lenses.

While most sunglass frame styles are fine for low-risk sports, you can benefit from a frame designed specifically for the sport you're playing. For example, many bicycling glasses are in a wraparound style, which helps to protect your eyes from wind and debris. Also, some golf sunglasses are designed so that the frame doesn't interfere with your view of the ball. No matter which frames you choose, make sure to secure them with an elastic sports band so they don't go flying off your head.

Additionally, it's crucial that your sunglasses block UV light; the best ones block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB. You might also want to opt for polarized or photochromic lenses. Polarized lenses reduce glare and reflected light; two of the main sources are water and snow. Photochromic lenses are the kind that get darker when the sun is bright and lighter when it's overcast.

Underwater Masks
With diving and snorkeling masks, your best bet is a glass lens, because glass is the most scratch-resistant material. You can get masks with prescription lenses at many optical stores. A Sight for Sport Eyes offers this fitting tip: "The best way to make sure a goggle fits is to hold the mask up to your face and take a deep breath in. Let go of the mask, and the mask should 'stick' to your face. If it doesn't, then it is not creating a proper seal."