Protective Glasses for Sports

It's no secret that if you can't see what you're doing in sports, you can't play sports, period. With that in mind, if you have particularly vulnerable eyes or are playing in a game that carries a high risk of an eye injury, proper attire can go a long way to preventing injuries and allowing you to play. Having the right protective glasses can ensure that you stay in the game for as long as the rest of your body allows.

  1. Type of Glasses

    • There are two basic types of protective glasses -- goggles and shields. Goggles will wrap around the head and seal tightly on the face, while shields are worn just like normal glasses and can come off easily. While shields may be more comfortable, they do come off easier, so if you choose shields, make sure they fit snug and tightly to prevent a finger or ball from getting beneath the lens. A contoured lens can also help for high-speed sports like biking.

    Frame Size

    • Make sure the frames cover the entire eye socket and not just the eyeball. Failure to do so may result in the glasses leaving parts of the eye vulnerable to damage, and even if the eyeball isn't directly hit, the damage done to the bones may be equally damaging to your vision and eyes. However, make sure the frames are not so restrictive that your peripheral vision is obstructed for performance purposes.

    Lenses

    • Without a doubt, polycarbonate lenses are the best because they are virtually indestructible, even in high-speed contact sports. If you play an outdoor sport like volleyball or baseball, you can also add a tint or some UV protection to aid against sunlight and radiation. Make sure your lenses have a layer of scratch-resistant coating because in most sports, your glasses will get jostled around and sometimes can be put in a position to suffer damage.

    Glasses for Youths

    • If you are buying glasses for youth, do not attempt to save money by buying a larger pair of glasses that your child may grow into. The risk of injury to the eye is not worth it and will likely cost you more money in the long run with medical bills. At the same time, letting your child wear glasses he or she has outgrown will hinder performance and can be uncomfortable, so always monitor to see if the glasses still fit.