What’s the secret to enhanced performance in your chosen sport? It might be your choice of eyewear.

Your everyday glasses and even your fashion-focused prescription sunglasses shouldn’t be worn out on the field, course or trail. Why not? Those frames aren’t designed to take impact and are more likely to snap if hit. The lenses can also shatter more easily, which could damage your eyes.

What should you wear instead? Prescription sports eyewear is an essential piece of gear that can give you an edge. Here are two reasons to talk to your eye doctor about prescription sports glasses.

They help protect your eyes.

Perhaps the most important reason to wear prescription sports eyewear is that it can protect you from eye injuries. Every year, 30,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in the U.S., and the American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 90% of serious eye injuries could be prevented by wearing protective eyewear.

Choosing the right prescription sports eyewear can protect your eyes from fast-moving objects or other debris you might encounter, including dust, dirt, and sand. Covering up with prescription sports glasses is also preferable to wearing contacts, since debris plus contact lenses is a recipe for serious eye irritation and other potential problems.

Sports sunglasses also protect against harmful ultraviolet rays, including rays that bounce off snow or water. Otherwise, the surface of your eyes could become sunburned, a condition called photokeratitis.

Look for lenses made of polycarbonate, which resist shattering. Also be sure to wear glasses or goggles with UV protection.

They’re designed to be sport-specific.

Whether you play basketball or field hockey, are a cyclist, runner or snowboarder, or you’ve just taken up fencing, there’s specific sports eyewear for you. Even better? You can get the eyewear with your prescription.

Specialized sports glasses and protective eyewear have several technical features that make them not just more comfortable, but safer than your regular, everyday eyewear.

They’re built to be lightweight and durable.
Frames are constructed to fit securely and stay in place when you move and sweat.
Wraparound styles ensure your entire field of vision is covered.
Lenses come in a variety of tints to selectively filter glare, as well as add clarity and contrast in a variety of light conditions.
Special lens treatments and tints enhance different colors to improve visibility.
Vented and no-fog features, as well as hydrophobic coatings, mean you’ll still be able to see, despite precipitation, humidity, dripping sunscreen or sweat.

Not just for grownups

There are plenty of protective eyewear options for kids, as well. Because 43% of sports-related eye injuries were in children younger than 15 years old, if your kids need prescription eyewear and play sports, be sure to chat with your eye doctor about the best protective sports glasses options.

Want help finding the right protective eyewear for your sport that can be fit with your vision prescription? Schedule an appointment to get an eye exam today, or visit our eyewear boutique to talk to one of our knowledgeable opticians.

Sources:

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-sports

https://www.aao.org/clinical-statement/protective-eyewear-young-athletes