As the weather gets warmer and people start enjoying more outdoor activities, it’s important to remember the risks of sports-related eye injuries and the importance of proper eye protection. Regular glasses can easily fall off or break during physical activity, potentially causing harm. Sports glasses, on the other hand, are designed to stay securely in place, protecting your eyes and your regular glasses from damage. Here, we’ll look at the types of sports eyewear available and what to look for when buying these accessories.

Water Sports

Protective eyewear can help improve visibility in water sports such as kayaking, surfing, sailing, or jet skiing. Water sports glasses come in many different forms and offer many features you can pick and choose from, including:

  • UV protection: For extra sunny days, UV protection can protect you from the sun’s glare, allowing for better performance during intense activities. 
  • Splash guard: Sloshing around in the water risks splashes, which can blur your vision. Many water sports glasses have a built-in splash guard, which can be handy. Typically, these adjust to the contour of your face and protect you from wind and water.

Sports Eyewear

Outside of the pool, lake, river, and ocean, your eyes still need protection during land-based sports. UV protection should still be top of mind when picking a pair of sports eyewear, but there are a few additional considerations. This includes what kind of activity you’ll be doing:

  • Racquet sports that involve a small ball, such as tennis, pickleball, squash, or even badminton, can fly pretty fast and cause harm to your eyes without proper protection. 
  • Team sports like soccer, basketball or football can involve close contact with other people and risk finger pokes or elbows. 
  • Running and cycling require wind and sun glare protection while providing speed and comfort.

You might try on a few different pairs to find the best option for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:

  • Wraparound designs or straps: This helps ensure sports glasses stay in place and won’t fall off during the heat of the match.
  • Polycarbonate lenses: Far more robust than typical glass or plastic lenses. The extra impact-resistant lenses ensure your safety from anything and everything.
  • Aerodynamic design: For sports like cycling, sports eyewear with an aerodynamic design can provide UV protection, protection from insects or debris, and a fit that offers wind resistance, enabling faster speeds.

All in all, sports glasses can be convenient in any sport you play. Whether you’re starting a new sport or just want an expert opinion on how to protect your eyes when playing, reach out to us today.