Vision exams, along with protective eyewear, can keep athletes in the game

Regardless of the sport played, protecting the eyes can help athletes stay on top of the game.

That's why the Vision Council of America reminds all athletes- weekend warriors or otherwise- to schedule regular eye exams with an eye doctor and wear proper sports eyewear, such as goggles or masks, to protect eyes from injuries.

An added bonus to the eyewear: It can help improve performance by eliminating glare and increasing contrast, which is especially important in sports such as skiing, where eyewear can eliminate glare from snow, or for golfers, who rely on tinted eyewear for contrast sensitivity.

Remember the following tips from the Vision Council of America: •Wear protective goggles or eyewear with polycarbonate lenses when playing contact sports or sports with fast-moving objects. •Protect eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays with sunglasses when playing outdoor sports. •Consider eyewear with performance-enhancing features such as anti-fog lenses, nonslip nosepieces and rubber temples. •Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor to ensure healthy vision.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.