Whether you hike, bike or run, climb, surf or ski, or play football, rugby or tennis, you likely have three simple requirements from your sports gear: comfort, reliability and performance enhancement. Just as you demand these qualities from your kit, you should expect the same from your vision correction.
For athletes and sports enthusiasts, choosing between prescription sports goggles and contact lenses can significantly impact comfort, reliability and performance. Each option has unique advantages and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that best suits your athletic needs. Here, we compare sports goggles and contact lenses for sports. Ready? Let’s go!
What are prescription sports goggles?
Edgar Davids from liverpoolfa.com
Prescription sports goggles are designed for athletes who need vision correction and protection during high-impact activities. These specialised goggles wrap around the eyes, acting like a car windshield to protect your eyes from:
- wind
- dust
- mud
- flying objects
- ultraviolet radiation.
Prescription sports goggles: the pros
Prescription sports goggles help you focus on your performance without worrying about your vision or eye safety. Here’s how they could work for you:
Protective against debris and the elements
If you enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, running, or skiing, prescription sports goggles offer comprehensive protection against elements like wind, dust, mud, and UV radiation. The wrap-around design keeps debris out and provides a wide field of vision, crucial for navigating challenging terrains.
Shatterproof
Unlike prescription sports sunglasses, for example, with glass lenses that can shatter on impact (like when a pebble kicks up while you’re mountain biking), sports goggles have shatterproof lenses designed for safety.
Great for water sports
For swimmers or surfers, prescription sports goggles are specially designed to handle exposure to water. They keep your vision sharp and clear, even underwater, and protect your eyes from the salt and chlorine that can cause irritation.
Functional and fashionable
Modern sports goggles come in a variety of styles and colours, enabling you to express your personal style while enjoying clear vision.
Prescription sports goggles: the cons
While prescription sports goggles offer excellent protection, they can sometimes get in the way and are less breathable than other eyewear options. They may also fog up during intense activities and may not fit comfortably with certain sports gear. Here’s what to be aware of:
Limited field of vision
One of the main drawbacks of sports goggles is the limited field of vision. The frames can obstruct peripheral vision, which is crucial for many sports, such as football and rugby, where awareness of your surroundings is essential.
Fogging issues
Fogging is one of the most significant problems with sports goggles, especially in humid conditions or during intense physical activity. Fogged lenses can impair vision and performance, posing a safety risk in fast-paced sports.
Discomfort with sports gear
Sports goggles can sometimes be uncomfortable when worn with helmets or other sports gear. The fit may be awkward, and the goggles can shift during movement, causing distraction and discomfort.
Contact lenses for sport: the pros
Research shows that athletes who need vision correction prefer contact lenses over glasses for sports. Why? Because lenses offer superior peripheral vision, comfort, and stability. Let’s see why contact lenses could be the ideal choice for you.
Comfortable
You should barely notice your contact lenses when you’re in motion – they should offer exceptional comfort and stay securely in place.
“I do a lot of sport, mainly biking and running, and noticed that your lenses seem to ‘stick’ to the eye much better than what I was using,” says one of our reviewers. “Also when running I feel that your lenses are not ‘floating’ on my eyes.”
Versatility
Contact lenses are perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re running, cycling, or playing football, they adapt seamlessly to your movements, making them versatile for all types of sports.
One of our customers, who plays golf and bowls, says: “Nothing could be more miserable playing those sports in the rain with wet glasses. [daysoft lenses are] a no brainer.”
Sharp optical quality
Contact lenses provide exceptional clarity, eliminating eyestrain and ensuring you see details sharply while in motion. This sharpness can be crucial for activities requiring precise vision and quick reflexes.
Wider peripheral vision
One of the standout benefits of contact lenses is the expanded field of vision they offer. Unlike goggles with frames that can obstruct your view, lenses move with your eyes and provide an unobstructed perspective. This broader vision is particularly advantageous in sports where awareness of your surroundings is key.
Stability
Contact lenses remain stable on your eyes regardless of how active you are. Unlike goggles that might slip or shift, lenses stay in place, allowing you to concentrate fully on your performance without distractions.
Here’s what one of our happy customers had to say: “I train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is a combat sport/grappling sport. Most everyone who wears contact lenses cannot wear them during training because they fall out of the eye. Not your contacts. THE BEST!”
Compatibility with sports gear
Contact lenses fit seamlessly with all types of sports gear, including helmets and protective eyewear. This compatibility ensures that your vision correction won’t interfere with your safety equipment, maintaining both performance and protection.
Improved performance
With their unobstructed field of vision and stable fit, many athletes find that contact lenses enhance their performance. The lack of fogging and the clear, wide view help improve focus and reaction times.
Contact lenses and sport: what you need to know
If you’re aiming to boost your sports performance while enjoying the freedom and comfort that contact lenses offer, there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure a safe and effective experience.
Maintain good hygiene
Proper hygiene is essential when using contact lenses, especially during sports activities. Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling your lenses to prevent any risk of infection or irritation.
Avoid wearing lenses in water
For your safety, avoid wearing contact lenses in water, such as swimming pools, lakes or the ocean. Water can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infections, so it’s best to use protective eyewear designed for water sports if needed.
Choose lenses designed for an active lifestyle
Daily disposable contact lenses are a top choice for people on the move:
- eliminating the need for cleaning
- reducing the risk of contamination
- ensuring you always have a fresh, clean pair of lenses
For the best results, consult with your eye care professional to find the right type of lenses suited to your specific sport and lifestyle needs.
Do I need prescription sports goggles or contact lenses for sport?
Managing vision correction in sports can be challenging, but both prescription sports goggles and contact lenses offer solutions tailored to different needs. While sports goggles provide ease of use and no direct eye contact, they come with limitations like fogging and reduced peripheral vision.
Contact lenses, on the other hand, offer a wider field of vision, stability, and compatibility with sports gear, making them a preferred choice for most people. For example, rugby prohibits wearing spectacles or goggles completely, making contact lenses the only option.
When deciding between the two, consider your specific sport, personal comfort, and lifestyle needs. Need some help? Have a look at our article Eyes on the Game: Choosing the Right Contact Lenses for Sport. Always consult with your eye care professional to ensure you choose the best option for optimal performance and eye health.
With the right vision correction, you can enhance your sports experience and achieve your athletic goals with confidence: try daysoft daily disposable contact lenses today.
