The Importance of Using Protective Sports Eyewear
Each year, emergency rooms across the United States see over 40,000 sports-related eye injuries. That’s nearly one injury every 13 minutes, according to the National Eye Institute. Specifically, school-age children are more susceptible to eye injuries as their balance, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination aren’t fully developed. In fact, injuries to the eye are the leading cause of blindness in children in the U.S. Fortunately, with the proper use of protective sports eyewear, 90 percent of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented. All of which, include sports that propose a higher risk for eye injuries, such as baseball, basketball, water sports, racquet sports, and even biking.
What is Protective Sports Eyewear?
Cyclists are particularly prone to eye injuries and eye irritation while riding, as a result of wind, debris, UV radiation, and falls.
For certain athletes, who participate in moderate to high-risk sports, protective eyewear is essential. Protective sports eyewear are specialized goggles or wrap around frames which are specifically manufactured and designed to reduce or eliminate your risk of eye damage. Each pair of glasses or goggles is comprised of polycarbonate lenses, a durable and impact-resistant material that boasts full UV protection for outdoor action.
Moreover, sports eyewear is available to suit the specific needs of each sport. Some types are even designed to fit into the athlete’s helmet. Special features include the following:
- A frame made of high-impact nylon
- An advanced eye rim design, allowing for a wide range of prescriptions
- Molded padding for comfort, grip and durability
- A soft nose bridge providing added comfort
Biking with Protective Eyewear
In particular, cyclists are more prone to eye injuries and eye irritation. This comes as result of wind, debris, UV radiation from the sun, and of course falls. Therefore, it’s very important to incorporate a pair of protective eyeglasses into your collection. Especially if you have a visual impairment and require prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. When selecting the right pair for you, consider the following aspects:
- Lens Color – If your biking takes place at different times of the day and in varied weather conditions, interchangeable lenses will work well. At night, a clear lens is best. While a grey, brown, or amber lens will work better in full sunlight. It’s also possible to get a photo-chromatic lens that changes color with the amount of sunlight outside.
- Prescription Lenses – First of all, make sure the frame you choose can accommodate your lenses. Most cycling glasses have an Rx insert that fits behind the lens of the glass. Thus, allowing you to change out the lenses for various lighting conditions.
- Frame Style – Because cycling typically takes place at high speeds, where wind, dirt and debris can easily enter the eyes, a wrap-around style is often the best option. For proper ventilation, look for a frame with air holes or channels at the top to prevent fogging.
Sports Eyewear vs. Sunglasses
When it comes to your eye health and protection, wearing sunglasses while engaging in any outdoor activity is essential. This is because long-term exposure to UV radiation may lead to serious eye diseases, such as cataracts and even cancer. However, not all eyewear is protective eyewear!
Sunglasses block UV light, but not debris and other harmful objects. And, upon impact, eyeglass frames and/or lenses can break and potentially injure the face and eyes. Luckily, protective sports eyewear not only blocks harmful UV rays, but also withstands impact without causing injury to you. So, whether you’re an athlete/cyclist or just cruising around the neighborhood, it’s important to consider your eye health. After all, you want to be able to see all the fun you’re having for as long as possible.
Find Your Pair at Looking Glass
Make an appointment at Looking Glass Optical to find your perfect pair of protective lenses. Our frames and lenses are specifically tested to meet or exceed the strictest safety standards. And, we can handle any prescription. Stop in to pick up a pair and keep your eyes protected from life’s hazards.
