The EYES Have It.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 100,000 sports-related eye injuries occurred in 1996. Of these injuries, 90 percent could have been prevented had the athlete been fitted with protective eyewear. The most common injuries suffered were abrasions and contusions, detached retinas, and corneal lacerations.

Although baseball leads the pack as the No. 1 sport for eye damage, any a ctivity that involves ocular contact with a bail can place an athlete at risk. This includes, among others, football, basketball, golf, and tennis. In fact, for athletes ages 24 and older, racquet sports are responsible for the majority of eye injuries.

To this end, Bolle, the world's No. 2 brand of sports eyewear, in particular the tennis-specific Competivision sunglass, was named the official eyewear supplier to the officials and linespeople at this year's French Open Tennis Championships. According to Gary Kiedaisch, Bolle president and CEO, the endorsement is part of the company's campaign to emphasize the importance of eye protection.

"We've been campaigning to convince tennis players around the world that eye protection on court doesn't mean you must sacrifice great vision," Kiedaisch said. "Tennis players have assumed that wearing sunglasses for UV protection, something we know is critically important, would compromise their ability to see the ball and make good shots. With Competivision, that is not the case."

Bolle's crusade to promote eye protection among athletes will not go unchallenged. Athletes commonly complain that protective eyewear interferes with vision, has a tendency to fog up, and is difficult to wear comfortably with certain helmets or face masks. Kiedaisch's support of the Competivision sunglass, however, is unwavering. "We think it is the most comprehensive sports eyewear system available on the market today," he said.

For more information on the Bolle line of products, please call [phone].