Around 30,000 sports-related eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year. Wearing the proper protective eye gear can prevent almost all severe eye injuries. The appropriate eyewear can improve your focus and protect your eyes from potential injuries and harmful UV rays.
Here’s a quick guide to selecting sports eyewear from your local optician.
Inappropriate eyewear can harm your performance and put you at risk of severe eye injuries. Different sports have unique visual needs and challenges. For instance, baseball and cricket require laser-sharp focus and stellar depth perception. If you play water sports, you could benefit from eyewear that reduces glare. Meanwhile, mountain biking necessitates protection from debris and wind.
Protection and Safety
Quality sports eyewear features shatter-resistant lenses and sturdy frames that withstand impact during rigorous activities. Consider options with a wrap-around design because they cover a larger area of your face, providing extra protection from flying objects. If you swim or ski, look for water- and fog-resistant eyewear to maintain clear vision in all conditions.
Comfort and Fit
Your eyewear’s frame should be both durable and comfortable. Flexible materials like nylon are well-preferred due to their strength and resistance to temperature fluctuations. Those who engage in intense sports will benefit from frames with a grip on the nose or temples. These products are less likely to fall when performing vigorous movements.
Remember, eyewear that does not fit properly can cause discomfort and distractions, impeding your performance. Always go with adjustable, flexible, lightweight frames that work best with your face’s natural contours.
Lens Material
Many sports eyewear come with polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material designed for aerospace applications. However, it has found its way into many other fields due to its high-impact resistance. Polycarbonate lenses can withstand high-speed collisions without breaking and possibly causing injury.
Another great thing about polycarbonate lenses is that they naturally block UV rays. They don’t require additional coating to reflect harsh UVA and UVB rays. Do you play outdoor sports? If so, your specialist might recommend this option during your eye exam. Moreover, despite the strength and durability of polycarbonate, it’s surprisingly lightweight. It can enhance your comfort by reducing the strain on your nose and ears.
Lens Color and Tint
When selecting lens color and tint, consider the lighting conditions in which you’ll be playing your sport. For example, gray tints reduce brightness and glare without distorting colors, making them ideal for bright and sunny environments. Green tints, on the other hand, can enhance contrast and visual sharpness, making them excellent for precision sports like golf. Blue or purple tints can increase contrast with yellows and greens, perfect for baseball or tennis. A clear or lightly tinted lens might be your best option if you play indoor sports.
Prescription Needs
Prescription sports eyewear can correct your vision while safeguarding your eyes. Your eye doctor can recommend the best lens material, color and additional protective features for your eyewear. For instance, they could suggest anti-glare or UV-protective coatings based on your specific activity. They can also guide you on the most suitable frame design that provides a comfortable and secure fit, ensuring your eyewear stays in place during active play.
Fog Resistance
A common issue athletes face with sports eyewear is fogging, which can severely hamper vision and performance. You can save yourself from this problem by choosing eyewear with anti-fog coating. This coating can reduce condensation buildup, especially in humid conditions or during high-intensity sports.
Good ventilation can also prevent fogging and provide comfort during strenuous activities. Some sports eyewear come with vented lenses or frames, allowing air to circulate and keeping the wearer cool. Cyclists and runners will particularly benefit from this feature.
Peripheral Vision Coverage
Peripheral vision is an indispensable aspect of sports performance. Many sports, such as soccer, basketball, and hockey, require players to have a wide field of view to track teammates, opponents, and the ball or puck. Consider designs that do not block or limit your peripheral vision when selecting sports eyewear. Wrap-around styles can provide a wider field of vision and offer additional protection.
Adaptability to Changing Conditions
If you’re an athlete, you must be able to adapt to changing environments. Whether transitioning from a sunny afternoon to an overcast evening during a game or coping with varying indoor and outdoor lighting conditions, your eyewear should be versatile enough to handle these changes.
Photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint based on the lighting conditions. They darken when exposed to bright lights and lighten in overcast or low-light conditions, improving visibility. Their versatility can be a game-changer in sports where conditions change rapidly, such as cycling or skiing.
On the other hand, interchangeable lens systems could be a good option for athletes who play in various environments. They allow you to easily swap out lenses with different tints and features, adapting your eyewear to your specific needs at any given time.
Performance Sunglasses
Performance sunglasses are different from conventional sunnies. They typically come with anti-fogging, anti-scratch and impact-resistant lenses. These sunglasses work best in baseball, cycling and fishing.
Goggles
Athletes who participate in water and winter sports tend to wear goggles. This type of eyewear offers optimal peripheral vision and protection from wind, debris and UV rays. Sports goggles are also available in various tints and designs for different activities and conditions.
Prescription Glasses
If you have a refractive error, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you’ll need prescription sports eyewear. Your eye doctor will be able to determine the ideal lenses and frame for you after a comprehensive eye examination. They can customize your sports glasses to meet your prescription requirements, ensuring clarity and focus.
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