SEDL / STP / STP1313-EB / STP11865S

Baseball Eye Protection: The Effect of Impact by Major League and Reduced Injury Factor Baseball on Currently Available Eye Protectors

Vinger, PF
DirectorAssociate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Assistant Clinical Professor of Community Health, Vision Performance and Safety ServiceTufts Medical,

Pages: 9    Published: Jan 1997

Download this paper for $25 PDF (260K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

Currently used eye protectors were tested with major league (ML) and reduced injury factor (RIF 1) baseballs at normal speeds of play. Catchers’ face masks and protectors which passed ASTM F910 gave satisfactory protection. The helmet mounted C flap and most other protectors were not satisfactory. Eye protectors which pass the standard for women’s lacrosse come the closest to giving adequate, but incomplete protection for baseball. Three-mm center thick polycarbonate spectacle lenses have satisfactory impact resistance, but none of the tested frames could retain the lens and prevent eye contact. The data is insufficient to comment on the influence of ball hardness on the effectiveness on eye protectors in baseball.