Dr. Amy Bakelaar
Table of Contents
- Basketball Eye Injuries Happen to the Biggest Stars
- Why Basketball Leads the League in Eye Injuries
- The Rise of the WNBA and the Spotlight on Player Safety
- What To Do After an Eye Poke or Sports Eye Injury
- Prevention: Sports Vision Isn’t Optional
- Why This Matters for Parents in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County
- Final Whistle: What Paige and Caitlin Taught Us About Eye Health
In the past few weeks, the WNBA, women’s basketball, has dominated headlines—and not just for record-breaking attendance and viewership. Two viral moments reminded us of something every athlete, parent, and coach needs to know: sports and eye injuries go hand in hand, especially basketball eye injuries.
Paige Bueckers made the internet chuckle when it seemed like she asked the official, “Do you need my glasses?” However, it was later revealed that she was actually inquiring about her teammate who had just taken an eye poke during the game. The moment quickly went viral as fans found humor in the misunderstanding.
Bueckers is all to familiar with basketball eye injuries. Specifically, she was poked in the eye while playing against Maryland in November 2023. The incident put her on the sideline with an eye pack over her eye to control the swelling, and although she briefly left the court to visit the bench, she returned to continue playing.
Basketball Eye Injuries Happen to the Biggest Stars
Caitlin Clark, one of the WNBA’s biggest stars and a fan favorite, suffered an eye poke during a heated game against a rival competitor. This moment triggered a series of unexpected events that ultimately made Sophie Cunningham into a hero among fans and teammates alike, showcasing her toughness and support in a challenging situation.
- Beyond the humour and highlight reels, these moments shine a light on a real risk: basketball eye injuries has one of the highest rates of eye injuries in sports, and too often, they go unchecked.
As an optometrist in Spruce Grove, I see how common these injuries are—not just for professionals, but for kids and teens playing school and community sports. And if your child plays basketball, volleyball, or any fast-moving sport, there’s a good chance they’re at risk, too.
Why Basketball Leads the League in Eye Injuries
When most people think of sports injuries, they picture sprained ankles or concussions. But basketball eye injuries are surprisingly common—and consistently ranks in as the top sport for vision trauma.
Why?
- Fast movement and tight spacing under the hoop
- Frequent hand-to-face contact, intentional or not
- Flying elbows and tipped balls at high speed
- Lack of protective eyewear (most players don’t wear any)
The most common basketball-related eye injuries I see include:
- Eye pokes and scratches (corneal abrasions)
- Swelling or bruising around the eye
- Subconjunctival hemorrhages (broken blood vessels)
- Blurry vision or temporary vision loss
- Retinal damage in severe cases
While Paige and Caitlin walked away, not every athlete is so lucky—and even minor eye injuries can worsen without prompt care.
The Rise of the WNBA and the Spotlight on Player Safety
The last few months have seen an explosion of interest in women’s basketball. The WNBA is surging in popularity, with record-breaking viewership and social media buzz fueled by players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers.
This rise in visibility has a hidden benefit: parents and young athletes are paying attention. When a viral clip shows a star player wincing in pain or squinting through an injury, it sparks an important conversation:
“What would we do if that happened?”
The answer should always include immediate assessment and follow-up with an optometrist. Whether it’s a backyard scrimmage or a high-stakes game, your vision is irreplaceable.
What To Do After an Eye Poke or Sports Eye Injury
If your child—or you—takes a hit to the eye, here’s what to do right away:
- Stop play immediately.
Continuing to play can worsen the injury or cause lasting damage. - Avoid rubbing the eye.
Rubbing can deepen scratches or push debris further into the eye. - Rinse with sterile saline or artificial tears.
This helps flush out particles but avoid tap water, which can introduce bacteria. - Check for lingering symptoms:
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Pain or tearing
- Feeling like “something is in the eye”
- Seek professional care.
Even if symptoms improve, a corneal abrasion or internal damage can go unnoticed. A quick eye exam can prevent complications.
Prevention: Sports Vision Isn’t Optional
If your teen is serious about their sport, protecting their vision should be part of their game plan. Here are my top recommendations:
- Sports Glasses or Goggles:
Polycarbonate lenses can prevent most finger or ball-related injuries. - Annual Eye Exams:
Not just for prescriptions—these check overall eye health and resilience. - Quick-Response Training:
Teach athletes (and coaches) how to respond immediately to eye impacts. - Myopia Management for Young Athletes:
Kids with nearsightedness are more likely to miss plays and react late; correcting and managing their vision can boost safety and performance.
Why This Matters for Parents in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County
As both a doctor and a parent, I see this all the time:
- Teens tough it out because they don’t want to miss game time.
- Parents assume it’s “just a poke” if the redness fades quickly.
- Coaches aren’t always equipped to handle eye injuries beyond an ice pack.
The reality? Even small injuries can have long-term consequences. And with the rise in screen time and myopia, young eyes are already under more strain than ever.
That’s why I encourage every athlete to have an annual eye exam—not just to check their prescription, but to make sure their eyes are healthy, resilient, and protected.
Final Whistle: What Paige and Caitlin Taught Us About Eye Health
Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark gave us more than highlight reels this season.
They reminded us that:
- Eye injuries in basketball are common—and can happen to anyone.
- Quick action and professional care are the difference between healing and harm.
- Protective eyewear and annual exams aren’t optional for athletes—they’re essential.
So, the next time your child steps on the court—or field, or rink—ask yourself:
“Are their eyes as ready as the rest of their game?”
If not, now is the time.
📍 Book an eye exam at Specsavers Spruce Grove today—because every game, and every pair of eyes, matters.
Are eye pokes in sports dangerous?
Yes. Even if the pain fades, corneal scratches or internal damage can cause long-term issues. Always get checked by an optometrist.
Can my child wear contact lenses to play basketball?
Absolutely. Daily disposable lenses are a safe option for athletes and pair well with protective sports goggles.
When should my teen athlete have an eye exam?
At least once a year—or immediately after any eye impact during sports.
