Why are players required to wear eye guards when playing squash?
The risk of eye injury in racquet sports such as squash is high according to the American Academies of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics, the American Optometric Association, and eye care professionals who have studied sports eye injuries. Fortunately, these injuries are almost totally preventable with appropriate protective equipment.
US Squash policy states that all players and coaches must wear protective eyewear whether playing singles or doubles, hardball or softball squash during all activities involving racquets and balls that take place on a court at US Squash accredited events.
Regular eyeglasses do not provide adequate protection, even if equipped with shatter-resistant lenses. There are products which are designed to provide protection over the top of existing eyewear.
The eyewear must meet or exceed the current American Society for Testing and Materials standard (ASTM-F803). Selecting protective eyewear that meets or exceeds the ASTM-F803 standard is the responsibility of individual participants. A list of eyewear that is approved by the ASTM-F803 standards is available here, as well as the full US Squash Eyewear Policy.