How to Choose the Right Sports Eyewear
Eye protection is just as important as pads, helmets, shoes, and other protective gear when playing sports. Sports eyewear prevents eye injuries and may even enhance your performance. Whether you have 20/20 vision or wear glasses or contact lenses, sports eyewear is an essential part of your sports gear.
Why Wearing Sports Eyewear Is So Important
A scratch or blow to the eye could cause pain, redness, infection, or even temporary or permanent vision loss. Eye injuries are much more likely to occur in people who don't wear adequate protection. In 2023, more than 32,000 Americans were treated for eye injuries, according to Prevent Blindness. Pool and water sports caused the highest number of injuries, followed by arrows, guns, darts, and slingshots.
Your everyday glasses or sunglasses aren't designed for athletic activities. The frames may bend or break if you're hit in the face by a ball or slide down your nose just as you're ready to make the perfect jump shot. Eyeglass lenses could shatter or crack if you receive a blow to the face or fall during a game or practice.
Specks of dust or dirt can fly into your eye through the sides of your glasses as you race to the goal. In addition to being uncomfortable, flying debris could scratch your eye, making it easy for germs to enter your eye.
What to Look for When Selecting Sports Eyewear
Sports eyewear is designed to stay in place, protect your eyes from injuries, and provide clear vision. When you're choosing sports eyewear, keep these features in mind:
- Impact Resistance. Impact-resistant lenses don't break, even when subjected to strong pressure. Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses are a good choice for any athlete, but are essential for those who participate in sports like hockey, basketball, and racquetball. Pair your impact-resistance lenses with frames specifically designed for sports. Sports frames are much tougher and won't break or twist if they fall or are hit by a stick, ball, or another player's arm or leg.
- UV Protection. Lengthy exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause photokeratitis, a painful sunburn of the eye. Although photokeratitis symptoms quickly improve, you may experience eye pain, tearing, redness, and light sensitivity until your eyes return to normal. Long-term sun exposure may also increase your risk for developing cataracts or macular degeneration. Cataracts cloud the eye's lens causing hazy vision, while macular degeneration affects central vision. Follow the American Optometric Association's advice and choose sports eyewear that provides 100% protection from UV light.
- Snug Fit. Sports glasses should fit tightly enough to stay in place during the action without hurting your nose, ears, or cheeks. Cushioned frames offer a good fit without sacrificing comfort. Some glasses also include adjustable straps for extra security. When you try on the glasses, jump, bend, and run (if space allows) to ensure the glasses stay put when you're active. Make sure your eyewear includes ventilation if foggy lenses are a problem for you.
- Superior Vision. Sports glasses are available in prescription and non-prescription varieties. You can also add tints to the lenses that make a ball stand out from the sky or field. Polarized lenses reduce glare and are a good idea if you participate in water or snow sports. Photochromic lenses that darken in the sun can also be a worthwhile addition to your sports eyewear.
- Excellent Protection for Your Sport. Not sure if you need sports eyeglasses, goggles, or a helmet with an attached polycarbonate face shield? Ask your optometrist which type of sports eyewear is ideal for your sport. Goggles may be the best choice if you're likely to come in contact with a ball, puck, or your opponent. If you play racquet sports, basketball, hockey, or soccer, or participate in water or winter sports, goggles are a good option. Wraparound glasses protect your eyes on all sides and are an excellent choice if you bike or run. Adding polarization to the lenses protects your eyes from glare.
Need help choosing sports eyewear? Stop by our office to check out our selection, or make an appointment with the optometrist if you're due for an eye exam.
Sources:
Prevent Blindness: Prevent Blindness Raises Awareness on the Need for Eye Protection While Playing Sports, 8/27/2024
https://preventblindness.org/sports-eye-safety-2024/
American Optometric Association: The Heat Is On: Ensure Patient's Protective Eyewear Is, Too, 5/22/2024
https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/health-and-wellness/protecting-patients-eye-summer
All About Vision: Eyeglasses That Enhance Sports Performance, 2/26/2019
https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/specialty/high-performance-for-sports/
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Sports Eye Safety, 3/11/2025
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-sports
Optometry Advisor: When It Comes to Sports Safety, Optometrists Need to Get in the Game, 5/13/2022
Cleveland Clinic: Photokeratitis, 11/7/2023
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15763-photokeratitis