September is Sports Eye Injury Prevention Awareness Month — just in time for the start of basketball season, the leading sport for eye injuries, according to research by Prevent Blindness.

Basketball is big in this town, both among fans as well as the numerous school and recreational leagues in our area. Prevent Blindness estimates that more than 6,000 people a year suffer eye injuries related to basketball. Water and pool activities, gun sports (air, gas, spring and BB), baseball/softball and, another fall favorite, football round out the top five sports that pose the greatest hazard to the eyes.

The good news is that 90 percent of eye injuries are preventable with proper eye protection, which means gear that is specifically designed for the dangers of specific sports. In the case of basketball, for example, this means protective goggles that feature impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and offer a snug, comfortable fit. Even if you wear contact lenses or do not need vision correction, these goggles should be as much a part of dressing for the game as the right shoes.

We carry Liberty Sport eyewear, a leading provider of protective sports goggles, and can work with you to make sure your eyes stay safe when you are on the court, course or field.