How sports glasses can help young children who aren’t ready for contacts

Protect their eyes so they can play hard and stay safe

Vision impairments such as myopia (nearsightedness) shouldn’t keep kids from playing the sports that they love. Wearing eyeglasses on the field or on the court can be bothersome and even dangerous. Plus, contact lenses aren’t for everyone. But this doesn’t mean your child is out of options.

Besides feeling “bulky” or uncomfortable, there’s a risk of their glasses falling off during a game and becoming damaged. Youngsters who are frustrated with their glasses may even take them off if they are irritated. Not to mention regular eyeglasses do not provide a great deal of eye protection during contact sports.

Sports glasses, on the other hand, can be a great option for your active child.

Eyewear for active children who aren’t ready for contacts

How can you keep your child’s vision in check during sports without the hassle of glasses or contacts? These alternatives may be just what your child needs to keep their head in the game:

• Sports glasses are designed to protect your child’s eyes while also correcting their vision. Look for polycarbonate and Trivex lenses for optimal protection and lightweight comfort.

• Sports sunglasses are great for outdoor sports such as baseball, tennis and soccer. The ultraviolet protection and shaded lenses of these styles offer a huge advantage. They protect both vision and overall athletic performance in sunny conditions.

• Sports goggles can be worn on the field or the court. They are great for fast-paced and contact sports. The wraparound design ensures the frames will stay put, even during intense activity. And waterproof sports goggles are a great option for swimmers.

Sports glasses and goggles can enhance your child’s vision. They also provide protection that they likely can’t get with regular eyeglasses. In fact, according to Prevent Blindness America, more than 25,000 people encounter a sports-related eye injury every year. With the right protection, most eye injuries can be prevented.

Helpful lens features for athletic kids

In addition to the comfort and protection of sporty frames or goggles, you may want to consider features like anti-reflective or anti-fog lens coatings. 

Anti-reflective lenses help keep vision clear in bright environments. 

Body temperature tends to warm up during exercise, which can cause lenses to fog up. Anti-fog coatings can help prevent this from happening and, in turn, keep vision clear during a game.

SEE RELATED: Features to consider when purchasing sports glasses for kids 

Vision correction is just as important as eye protection

Young children who need glasses may get frustrated and even discouraged when it comes to playtime. This is especially true for kids who aren’t ready for contacts.

Your child’s myopia or other vision impairment doesn’t have to get in the way of outdoor activities and sports. But with the help of sports glasses or goggles, they can see clearly and feel protected during their favorite sporting activities.

See an eye doctor for more information about sports glasses. And don’t forget to have your child’s eyes checked once a year. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to shop around for sports glasses and goggles online.

Page published on Friday, December 17, 2021