Playing contact sports presents some challenges for those of us who rely on glasses to see clearly. Is it safe, or practical, to wear glasses while engaging in contact sports or other high-impact activities?
Fortunately, there are various solutions and strategies for safety, comfort, and performance. Eyeglasses are tailored to various sports, including basketball, baseball, running, cycling, and tennis.
Wearing glasses during contact sports
Wearing glasses during contact sports can present some hurdles. By nature, contact sports involve physical collisions, fast-paced movements, and a risk of equipment damage. Regular glasses can be susceptible to breaking or bending upon impact (a potential safety hazard to both the wearer and others on the field or court).
There are also comfort issues – traditional eyeglasses are not designed for vigorous activity and may slide down the nose, fog up, or become uncomfortable with extended use.
Then there’s the issue of peripheral vision, crucial for awareness and reaction time in sports. And safety issues – broken lenses or frames can cause injuries, especially if they shatter or meet the face during a collision.
Luckily, there are specialized sports glasses for athletes.
Sports glasses
Sports glasses can withstand the rigors of athletic activities and contact sports, while providing clear vision and safety.
Many top brands, like Adidas, Nike, Oakley, and Lacoste make glasses for sports. Some reputable online glasses stores offer free returns and a money back guarantee. If you’re shopping online, check reviews from other customers on a site like Trustpilot to make sure you’re buying from a reputable company.
Sports goggles are made from durable, impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate. They come with adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit and are often padded for comfort.
Prescription sports glasses combine the durability of sports goggles with corrective lenses tailored to your prescription, ensuring both safety and great vision.
Shatterproof lenses are made from shatterproof materials, with lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant lenses.
Anti-fog coatings help maintain clear vision during intense exertion.
Contact lenses as an alternative
Contact lenses are another viable option for athletes who require corrective vision. They eliminate many of the issues associated with wearing glasses during sports.
Contact lenses provide a full field of vision so peripheral vision isn’t compromised.
There’s no risk of breakage, unlike glasses, and properly fitted contact lenses remain in place, not sliding or moving during activity.
But some people find contact lenses uncomfortable, no matter how well they’re fitted, so sports glasses may be a better option in these cases.
Tips for athletes wearing sports glasses
If you choose to wear glasses while playing contact sports, there are some steps you can take to enhance safety and performance.
Choose durable frames made from flexible, impact-resistant materials like titanium or memory metal. These are less likely to break or bend under pressure.
Opt for protective, shatterproof lenses to minimize the risk of injury.
Consider lens coatings like anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings to improve visibility and extend the lifespan of your lenses.
Use a retainer strap if you need to secure your glasses in place.
Make adjustments if your glasses don’t fit snugly and comfortably before you step onto the field or court.
When you’re buying online, you can find all the relevant information on a pair of glasses, such as the size, material, shape, whether there are spring hinges, color, and whether they are eligible for progressive / bifocal lenses.
Many glasses come with a protective case and a microfiber cloth for cleaning. Both can help extend the lifespan of your glasses and ensure your vision is optimal.
Balancing performance and protection
Playing contact sports with eyewear is possible with the right preparation and equipment. Whether you choose sports glasses or contact lenses, the goal is to find a solution that offers safety and optimal vision.
Consider the challenges of your sport and invest in some high-quality eyewear so you can confidently participate in your favorite activity.
Sports stars who have worn glasses
Many athletes have worn glasses, including some of the most celebrated of all time.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, often ranked among the greatest basketball players ever, wore goggles to protect his eyes. He reportedly was poked in the eye so many times (before wearing goggles) that he had scar tissue on the cornea. Abdul-Jabbar was a six-time NBA champion, twice the NBA Finals MVP, and six-time NBA MVP. Complex named Abdul-Jabbar number 3 on their list of best NBA players of all time.
The British cyclist Bradley Wiggins often wore glasses while competing. He won the Tour de France in 2012, two individual Olympic Games gold medals (2004 and 2008) and two team Golds (2008 and 2016). Wiggins also won multiple track races at the World Championships. He’s the only rider to have won World and Olympic championships on track and road, as well as winning the Tour de France.
Last word
Glasses are certainly a good option for sportspeople and athletes. Consider the demands of your sport or activity and whether additional features like shatterproof lenses would be helpful. If you’re buying online, make sure it’s from a trusted website and see whether they offer free returns and a money back guarantee.