Flying soccer balls and close physical contact make soccer a moderate risk sport for eye injuries.  Goggles not only provide protection from injury, but can also be fit with your prescription in them. Look for the following when selecting the right type of goggle:

• Polycarbonate Lenses: This is the most important property of all protective goggles. Good polycarb is virtually unbreakable, and will sustain the impact of a ball or finger.
• Durable Frame Design: The frame must also be able to withstand the impact of a ball or finger. Therefore, a frame made out of polycarbon is the the best choice. Shields are becoming more popular for this sport, however, do not offer the best protection. (see coverage below).
• Coverage: The frame must cover the entire eye socket, not only the eyeball itself. Impact to any of the "soft" parts of the eye can cause serious damage. Look for a frame that sits closely to the face, as a finger can easily make its way through any gap. Shields can easily become dislodged so a finger can penetrate underneath. Be careful if choosing this option.
• Padding: The frame should have padding at the temple points and bridge points to "cushion the blow". Padding will absorb some of the shock to lessen the overall impact, and to assure the frame itself does not cause damage to the facial structures.
• Sports Band: The frame should be secured by an elasticized band, not temple pieces. You want something that will be secured tight to the head so that it won't fall off. A frame with temples will not hold tight enough, and a jab from a finger could lift the frame off, and make its way to the eye.
• Lens Color:  A clear lens is the best for general purpose use. However, if you are playing in bright sunlight or have light sensitivity, an amber tinted lens can increase the color of the ball while providing increased depth perception.
• Prescription Lenses: A goggle gives the widest field of view for the athlete. Shield must be fit with a prescription insert that fits behind the lens, and therefore, limits the periphery a little.

Recommended Styles: Rec Specs and Libert Sport and Hilco--meet all of the above requirements, and can be fit with a prescription lens and are rated for the ASTM sport standard.  In kids, there is also the Bolle Sport Protective line and Wiley-X Youth Force Goggles.   Shields type designs these are not the safest type of frame as they can be easily dislodged and do not provide the same protection. Other good shields (not ASTM rated) are from Bolle,  Rudy Project and Wiley-X (Wiley-X is ANSI rated, not ASTM rated).  Or, if you want a prescription lens that is built directly into the frame, the Wiley-X SG-1 that can be fit with lenses directly in, but come with a strap so that they fit like goggles.  Or, you choose a regular sunglass style and put clear (or tinted) safety lenses in them.  Secure the frame with a strap.