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Tips
for Buying Sports Eye Protectors
Prevent
Blindness America recommends that athletes wear sports eyeguards
when participating in sports. Prescription glasses, sunglasses and
even occupational safety glasses do not
provide adequate protection. Sports eyeguards come in a variety
of shapes and sizes. Eyeguards designed for use in racquet sports
are now commonly used for basketball and soccer and in combination
with helmets in football, hockey and baseball. The eyeguards you
choose should fit securely and comfortably and allow the use of
a helmet if necessary. Expect to spend between $20 and $40 for a
pair of regular eyeguards and $60 or more for eyeguards with prescription
lenses.
The
following guidelines can help you find a pair of eyeguards right
for you:
- If you
wear prescription glasses, ask your eye doctor to fit you for
prescription eyeguards. If you're a monocular athlete (a person
with only one eye that sees well), ask your eye doctor what sports
you can safely participate in. Monocular athletes should always
wear sports eyeguards.
- Buy eyeguards
at sports specialty stores or optical stores. At the sports store,
ask for a sales representative who's familiar with eye protectors
to help you.
- Don't
buy sports eyeguards without lenses. Only "lensed" protectors
are recommended for sports use. Make sure the lenses either stay
in place or pop outward in the event of an accident. Lenses that
pop in against your eyes can be very dangerous.
- Fogging
of the lenses can be a problem when you're active. Some eyeguards
are available with anti-fog coating. Others have side vents for
additional ventilation. Try on different types to determine which
is most comfortable for you.
- Check
the packaging to see if the eye protector you select has been
tested for sports use. Also check to see that the eye protector
is made of polycarbonate material. Polycarbonate eyeguards are
the most impact resistant.
- Sports
eyeguards should be padded or cushioned along the brow and bridge
of the nose. Padding will prevent the eyeguards from cutting your
skin.
- Try on
the eye protector to determine if it's the right size. Adjust
the strap and make sure it's not too tight or too loose. If you
purchased your eyeguards at an optical store, an optical representative
can help you adjust the eye protector for a comfortable fit.
Until
you get used to wearing a pair of eyeguards, it may feel strange,
but bear with it! It's a lot more comfortable than an eye injury.
For
more information on sports eye safety, email us at info@preventblindness.org,
contact us online,
or call
1-800-331-2020.
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For
a free copy of
Prevent Blindness
America's Don't Play Games
With Your Eyes
brochure, call
1-800-331-2020,
or contact us
online.
Become
a
grassroots advocate
for eye health
and safety!
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