As Thanksgiving rolls around, many youth baseball players enjoy a break from school and get extra time for the activities they love—like honing their skills on the field! But with holiday downtime often spent in front of screens and under bright sun for outdoor practice, eye protection becomes essential. Here are some tips to help young athletes stay active in baseball and keep their eyes safe both on and off the field.
Outdoor Practice: Don’t Forget UV Protection
Thanksgiving break may bring more time outdoors, so it’s important to protect young eyes from UV rays, even in cooler weather. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to long-term damage, including an increased risk of eye conditions like cataracts.
Tip: Invest in high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses for outdoor baseball practice. These help shield your child’s eyes from harmful rays, making it easier to focus on the ball and their performance.
Extra Tip: Choose wraparound styles to prevent UV rays from sneaking in from the sides, especially when the sun is lower in the sky.
Screen Time and Blue Light Exposure
Thanksgiving also brings downtime with family, often spent watching holiday movies, gaming, or catching up on favorite shows. While this is all part of the fun, increased screen time means more exposure to blue light, which can cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.
Tip: Have your child wear blue light-blocking glasses during screen time. This helps reduce the impact of blue light and allows for better focus without strain.
Bonus Tip: Set screen time limits to give their eyes regular breaks. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Warm Up with Vision in Mind
Warming up the eyes is just as important as warming up the body. Quick eye-tracking drills can help your child practice tracking fast-moving balls, an essential skill for baseball.
Drill Idea: Hold a ball at arm’s length and move it slowly in various directions while your child follows it with only their eyes, keeping their head still. This trains eye muscles and enhances hand-eye coordination.
Extra Benefit: These drills help young players maintain focus on the field, especially when dealing with the sun’s glare or lights during early evening games.
Plan for Varying Weather Conditions
November weather can vary wildly, from bright sunshine to overcast days. Make sure your young athlete is prepared for any conditions with a cap, UV sunglasses, and, if necessary, a visor to shield against sunlight or glare.
Tip: Encourage your child to keep a “practice pack” with essentials like UV-blocking sunglasses, a hat, and an extra sweatshirt for cold days. This way, they’re prepared for anything without skipping out on eye protection.
Stay Hydrated for Eye Health
Hydration is often overlooked, but it’s critical for eye health. Proper hydration helps prevent dry eyes and irritation, which can be intensified by outdoor elements or prolonged screen time.
Tip: Pack a water bottle for practice and remind your child to take sips regularly. Hydrated eyes stay clear and focused, giving young players a performance edge.
Use Eye Protection Even on Cloudy Days
Many parents and players assume sunglasses are only for sunny days, but UV rays penetrate even through clouds. A lack of proper eye protection on overcast days can lead to the same harmful exposure as on sunny days.
Tip: Make UV-blocking sunglasses a consistent part of your child’s outdoor gear, regardless of the weather. This habit will ensure their eyes are always protected.
Encourage Proper Rest and Sleep Habits
Eye health and athletic performance both benefit from quality sleep, and blue light can interfere with natural sleep cycles. Encourage early “tech off” times each evening to help your young athlete wind down naturally.
Tip: Aim for a screen-free hour before bed. Instead, encourage relaxing activities like reading or chatting with family, allowing eyes to rest and prepare for a good night's sleep.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving break is the perfect time for young athletes to relax, have fun, and put in extra practice. By taking a few simple steps to protect their eyes from UV rays and blue light, you’re setting them up for success both on the field and during holiday downtime. With these eye protection strategies in place, young baseball players can enjoy a safe, active, and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday!
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