Sports Vision Options

 

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As an active person who wears glasses, you have various options to correct your vision and allow you to excel in your chosen sports. Considerations that should guide your choice of eyewear include proper prescription availability, peripheral vision coverage, safety in case of blunt trauma, and light or glare control.

Below is a list of options for sports vision correction, which your doctor may recommend based on your exam findings and personal needs: 

Contact Lenses: available in rigid or soft materials, with soft lenses preferred from a safety perspective in case of eye trauma. Options available for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Offers wide field of clear vision in any direction of gaze, can be paired with non-prescription sunglasses, ski goggles, or in some cases swim goggles. Patients who wish to swim while wearing soft contact lenses should ask about a prescription for daily disposable contact lenses that can be thrown away after exposure to pool water.

Laser Vision Correction: best results are for nearsightedness and astigmatism, although motivated individuals with farsightedness may consider as well.  If over age 45, will likely require reading glasses for near work.  To avoid extensive use of reading glasses, patients may consider monovision surgery.  Similar advantages to contact lenses, without the hassle of contact lens wear.  Distance vision prescription must stabilize before surgery can be considered.

Athletic Goggles/Glasses: great for patients who are poor candidates for contact lenses, or who prefer glasses to contacts. Come in a variety of shapes and styles, with options available for lenses that are light and impact resistant. Lenses can be made clear or with Transitions® technology that allows them to darken in response to increased light levels.

Prescription Sunglasses: perfect for outdoor activities such as golf,cycling, and fishing. Polarized lenses are important to selectively cut out glare and improve visual contrast and comfort. Drivewear® lenses not only are polarized, but they also incorporate Transitions® technology to allow them to darken in response to increased light levels.

Prescription Swim and Ski Goggles: to avoid the need for contacts or glasses during water and snow sports, prescription goggles can also be made.  Even if you are accustomed to wearing contact lenses with non-prescription goggles, this is a great option to have as a back-up, in case of eye infection or a lost contact lens.  Some prescription limitations may exist, so ask your optician if this option is right for you.