Category
Eye Care
VSP Contributor, 17 Dec 2017

Can I Wear My Glasses When I Play Sports?

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Even though glasses help improve vision or correct astigmatism, they can get in the way of many things, including sports and other recreational activities.

A common question for those who wear glasses, and from the parents of teens or children who wear glasses is—“Can I wear my glasses when I play sports?” or “Can my child wear his or her glasses during sports?”

In terms of sports and vision correction, wearing the correct eyewear is crucial to helping you see clearly, protecting your eyes from injury and helping you play your best. However, it can be frustrating when you or your child want to be active, but can't because of something like vision and wearing glasses.

Wearing Glasses In Contact Sports

Do you play a contact sport—or a sport that may not be “contact” by definition, but runs the risk of an accident that could break your glasses? If yes, it is a good idea to look into an alternative to wearing your regular glasses.

Wearing your “regular” glasses—the eyeglasses you wear day in and day out to work, school, while driving and so on—during a contact sport could result in your glasses breaking or a potential injury. For example, if your glasses break during a flag football game, what will you wear to drive home, to work the next day, etc.? Or, what if you collide with another player during the game and your glasses hurt your face during the impact? The potential of bodily harm is something to be considered. Glass lenses can break, running the risk of getting glass in your eye.

Consider the cost of replacing your regular glasses if they were to break during a contact sport. Is that a surprise expense you want incur? Be proactive, and before you hit the field or court, come up with a solution that's best for you, whether it's wearing contact lenses instead of glasses or buying a less expensive, more durable pair of glasses to wear when playing sports.

Wearing Glasses In Non-Contact Sports

You may be able to wear your glasses in non-contact sports, such as golf or tennis, without any of the issues you would have in a contact sport. In deciding whether it's safe to wear your glasses, consider the environment in which you will be playing—is there any potential that the game or match could go from non-contact to contact (even by accident)? Most likely, the answer is no.

You may find that wearing your glasses in a non-contact sport actually helps you be a better player or perform better, due to the sharp vision.

Consulting An Optometrist

Always talk with your eye doctor about the specific activities or sports you want to take part in before you actually play or are active. Protect your eyesight and make sure you're wearing the safest gear for the sport or activity at hand. Working with an optometrist will help you find the right solution for that particular activity or sport.

Don't let your vision or wearing glasses prevent you from being active and involved in sports. Contact an eye doctor today to find a solution.

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