Eye black is a black grease-like substance used by athletes to reduce glare from bright lights. It is most commonly seen in American football and baseball, but it is also used in other sports such as lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey. Despite its popularity and effectiveness, eye black is no longer allowed in many professional and collegiate sports. Here we will discuss why eye black is not allowed, and the potential risks of using it.
History of Eye Black
Eye black has been used in sports for centuries. It was first used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who would paint the substance on the faces of their athletes to reduce the sun’s glare. In the early 20th century, it was adopted by American football players as a way to reduce the glare of the stadium lights. By the late 20th century, it had become a widespread practice among athletes in many sports.
The Risks of Eye Black
Despite the long history of eye black, it has been deemed unsafe for use in many professional and collegiate sports. This is due to the potential risks associated with using the substance. Here are some of the potential risks of using eye black:
• Eye Irritation: Eye black can cause eye irritation and dryness due to the chemicals contained in the substance. It can also cause a burning sensation when applied to the eyes.
• Allergic Reactions: Eye black can cause allergic reactions in some people, such as redness, itching, and swelling of the skin.
• Skin Damage: Eye black can damage the skin around the eyes if it is not properly applied. This can lead to scarring, discoloration, and other skin damage.
• Bacterial Infections: Eye black has the potential to cause bacterial infections if it is not applied or removed properly.
• Eye Infections: Eye black can cause eye infections if it is not removed properly.
• Performance Issues: Eye black can cause decreased vision and performance issues due to the reduced light that enters the eye.
• Legal Issues: Some sports leagues have banned eye black due to the risk of players using artificial substances to enhance their performance.
The Benefits of Not Using Eye Black
Despite the potential risks associated with using eye black, there are also potential benefits of not using the substance. Here are some of the potential benefits of not using eye black in sports:
• Healthier Eyes: Not using eye black can help to ensure that the eyes remain healthy and free from irritation and infection.
• Improved Performance: Not using eye black can improve an athlete’s performance due to increased vision and improved vision health.
• Improved Appearance: Not using eye black can improve an athlete’s appearance due to the lack of greasy black marks around the eyes.
• Increased Safety: Not using eye black can help to reduce the risk of eye injuries due to the lack of foreign substances around the eyes.
Conclusion
Eye black has been used in sports for centuries, but it is no longer allowed in many professional and collegiate sports due to the potential risks associated with using the substance. Despite the potential benefits of using eye black, the potential risks outweigh the benefits, making it an unsafe and unnecessary practice.