The benefits of prescription eyewear when playing sport

If you are someone that enjoys taking part in sport, you will understand the concept of always trying to gain a competitive advantage and being the best, you can be in your chosen activity. But however competitive you may be, sometimes wearing glasses whilst playing sport can inhibit performance.

In this article we highlight the important role that sports eyewear, particularly those with prescription lenses can play in ensuring your sporting set up helps to maximise your enjoyment and performance.

Why should I wear glasses when taking part in sport?

Sports eyewear is designed specifically for use during physical activities and sports. They are designed to protect the eyes and enhance visual performance during activities like running, cycling, tennis, and golf. Sports glasses can be either prescription or non-prescription and can come in various styles.

Vision Enhancement

If you wear prescription glasses, then it goes without saying that finding a suitable pair of glasses that can be worn during sporting activities will help you gain a competitive advantage.

As well as having your prescription, sports glasses can also enhance your vision during movement and changing conditions. Polarised sports sunglasses, can reduce glare and improve contrast, allowing you to see more clearly in bright sunlight or on reflective surfaces like snow or water.

Additionally, glasses or sunglasses can also be customised with lenses that enhance specific colours, making it easier to see a ball or other objects in their natural environment. Some sports glasses even have lenses that automatically adjust to changing lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visual performance no matter where you are.

Products like Oakley Prizm’s and Zeal lenses are designed to enhance colour and contrast so you can see more detail.

Better protected from the elements

Protection is one of the most important benefits of sports glasses. Sunglasses are typically worn in outdoor sports and are designed to provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays and reduce glare in bright conditions. They are typically made with polarised lenses that filter out reflected light and improve contrast.

Eyewear made for sports are also designed to protect the eyes from potential hazards like flying objects and collisions. Sports glasses often have impact-resistant lenses and frames made from durable materials that can withstand the force of a ball or flying stone. By providing this protection, sports glasses can help prevent serious eye injuries and allow you to focus on your performance without worrying about your safety.

What prescription can I get in my glasses?

If you are in need of prescription glasses, there are many sports glasses options that can be customised to your specific vision needs. Prescription sports glasses can be made to correct a number of conditions and come with either tinted or clear lenses, depending on your preference and the sport you participate in. In addition, they can be designed with wraparound frames or inserts that fit inside the frame, allowing for a secure fit and optimal vision correction. Sports glasses with prescription options offer you the best of both worlds by providing protection and comfort while catering to your specific vision needs.

What about contact lenses?

While contact lenses will provide an option for many, this won’t be the ideal solution for all.

Nowadays almost all patients requiring corrective lenses would be suitable for contact lens wearers regardless of their prescription. We provide a full contact lens service, offering all types of contact lenses. Please keep in mind though that contact lenses will not protect you from harmful UV rays if intending to wear for outdoor activities.

When asked about wearing glasses for sport, Ben Cree of Lesley Cree Opticians said “We are always surprised when we see new patients that they aren’t aware that prescription lenses are an option for their sports eyewear. It shows that our patients need guidance from the profession when it comes to sports eyewear.”

Elliot Cook, a patient of Lesley Cree Opticians added “I was one of those people that wasn’t aware that you could get specific lenses for sport. I used to struggle terribly when playing golf in both sunny and gloomy light conditions. My only solution was to either wear my non-prescription sunglasses or squint, which ultimately caused me to have headaches. During my annual eye check-up, I mentioned this problem to the team at Lesley Cree Opticians and they recommended that Oakley Prizm sunglasses would be hugely beneficial to me. I can honestly say that being able to have my prescription within Oakley Prizm frames has massively improved the quality of my life, as I also wear them for driving, and they have also helped my golf game immensely.”

If you have any issues with your vision or would like to explore the benefits of wearing prescription lenses when taking part in sporting activities, please call us on 0115 933 2999 or email us and we would be delighted to help.