Sports glasses help protect your eyes and improve performance while playing sports. Choosing the right sports eyewear can be challenging due to the various styles available. This guide will walk you through the key things to consider when shopping for sports glasses.
Types of Sports Glasses:
There are a few main types of sports eyewear to choose from:
- Wraparound Glasses – These wrap around the face for a secure fit during activity. They offer a wide field of vision and protection from debris entering the eyes from the sides.
- Shield Glasses – This style has a single large lens shaped like a shield to protect the entire eye area. They provide excellent visibility and coverage.
- Goggles – Goggles form a seal around the eyes to keep out water, dust, and wind. They are popular for swimming, skiing, and motocross. The seal prevents debris from entering from any angle.
- Fitover Glasses – These are worn over your prescription eyewear to give sun or impact protection while maintaining optical correction. Great for those who cannot wear contacts.
Consider when and how you will use your sports glasses to determine the most suitable style.
Key Features to Look For
When looking for sports glasses, there are some important things to consider. You want glasses that will protect your eyes while you play sports. The lenses should be made of strong plastic or polycarbonate so they don’t shatter if you get hit in the face by a ball or other equipment. That could prevent a serious eye injury. The lenses also need to block UV rays from the sun, which can damage your eyes over time. Glasses that say they have 100% UV protection or UVA/UVB protection are best.
You also want sports glasses that reduce glare. Glare can make it hard to see while playing outside in the bright sun. Polarized lenses help cut down on glare so you can see more clearly. And you don’t want the lenses to fog up either. Many sports glasses have vents or anti-fog coatings to prevent sweat and humidity from fogging them up.
The earpieces of sports glasses should have a rubber grip to keep them from slipping off your head during activity. A strap that goes around the back of your head is also useful for keeping glasses in place.
The most important thing is to get sports glasses with features that protect your eyes and let you see well during your sport. Don’t go cheap on eye protection!
Pick Styles and Colors You Like
Sports glasses come in lots of different styles and colors. You can find choices that are comfortable and also show off your personality! If you play tennis or basketball, look for cool shield-shaped sunglasses. They make you look like a pro athlete. For swimming, you may need goggles that seal tightly and won’t leak. Some goggles have colored or mirrored lenses which look awesome. There are also sports glasses that are shaped like your favorite characters or have neon colors to stand out. There are sports prescription glasses that are shaped like your favorite characters or feature neon colors to help you stand out. Having fun glasses can excite you to play your sport while protecting your eyes. Just make sure they have the right protective features first before choosing them for looks and style. Tell your parents what glasses you think look the coolest for your sport!
Finding the Right Fit
Fit is key to finding sports glasses that won’t be a distraction. Keep these tips in mind:
- Try on glasses and move around to test the fit. They shouldn’t slip or feel loose during activity.
- Shield styles should have some ventilation to reduce fogging based on your sport.
- Adjustable nose pads help customize the fit. Opt for cushioned pads for comfort.
- Look for glasses that are lightweight. Heavy glasses can feel uncomfortable over time.
- Consider opting for prescription sports glasses if you prefer not to wear contacts during sports.
- If you’re opting for the fitover style, try on glasses over your prescription eyewear.
Take time to test different sizes and styles for your face shape and activity needs. A precision fit means better performance and safety.
Ideal Sports Glasses for Different Activities
Not all sports eyewear is suitable for every sport. Here are solid glass choices for popular activities:
- Tennis – Shield style for side impact protection, polarized lenses for glare reduction
- Basketball – Wraparound glasses for wide vision, anti-fog for humidity
- Baseball – Shield sunglasses for tracking the ball, durable impact lenses
- Soccer – Wraparound style for expansive vision, vented for airflow
- Football – Goggles for all-angle protection, polarized lenses, durable frames
- Skiing – Goggles to seal out snow and wind, anti-fog lenses
- Cycling – Shield or wraparound with wind/debris protection and glare reduction
- Swimming – Goggles for water seal, UV protection, anti-fog
Match key features and styles to the visual demands of your favorite sports.
Protective Sports Eyewear for Kids
It’s extremely important for kids to wear protective eyewear while playing sports. Here are some solid glass options for young athletes:
- Flexible frames – Kids’ glasses should have flexible, rubberized frames for durability.
- Retainer strap – A strap keeps glasses securely on small heads during activity.
- Vented goggles – Look for anti-fog vents in swimming goggles so they don’t get steamed up.
- Adjustable – Kid-sized glasses with adjustable nose pads and strap lengths accommodate growth.
- Shatterproof lenses – Lenses should be polycarbonate or plastic for impact resistance.
- UV blocking – Ensure 100% UV protection for outdoor sports.
- Prescription options – Some brands make prescription sports glasses for kids.
Investing in quality sports eyewear helps ensure your child’s safety on the field, court, or slopes.
Answers to Common Sports Glasses Questions
Are less expensive sports glasses okay?
Look for reliable brands even in lower price points. Don’t compromise on lens impact and UV resistance.
Should I get a prescription or a non-prescription?
Get a prescription if you can’t wear contacts during sports. If not, focus on protection and fit features in non-rx.
Do more expensive glasses offer better protection?
Not necessarily. Less expensive options from reputable brands can still provide excellent protection.
How should I clean smudged or dirty lenses?
Use mild soap and water or a lens cleansing spray. Never wipe with paper products which can scratch.
How often do I need to replace sports glasses?
Replace glasses that get damaged or worn. Also when the prescription changes. Every 2-3 years is a good rule of thumb.
Final Thoughts
Finding sports eyewear with the right mix of fit, features, and style takes some effort – but protecting your eyes is worth it. Use this guidance to shop wisely. Stay safe and see clearly on the field or court with new sports glasses.
