Page 124 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition July-August 2024
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ENHANCED VISION AND irritation or injury. Sports glasses act as a barrier,
PERFORMANCE preventing these elements from reaching
the eyes. For instance, cyclists and runners
One of the primary benefits of sports benefit from the protection against wind and
glasses is the improvement in vision quality debris, which can be particularly troublesome
they provide, which directly influences athletic at high speeds.
performance. Here’s how:
UV Protection ̶ Prolonged exposure to the
Improved Clarity and Focus ̶ Sports glasses sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause significant
are designed with high-quality lenses that offer damage to the eyes, including conditions like
superior optical clarity. This means athletes can photokeratitis and cataracts. Sports glasses with
see more clearly and sharply, which is essential UV protection shield the eyes from harmful rays,
for quick reactions and precise movements. For making them essential for outdoor sports such
example, in sports like tennis or baseball, being
able to track the ball accurately can make the as skiing, snowboarding, and beach volleyball.
difference between winning and losing. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPORTS GLASSES
Enhanced Contrast ̶ Certain sports glasses Selecting the right pair of sports glasses
come with lenses that enhance contrast, is crucial for ensuring maximum protection,
making it easier to distinguish objects from comfort, and performance. With various options
their background. This is particularly beneficial available, it’s essential to consider your specific
in sports like skiing or cycling, where varying needs, the fit and comfort of the glasses, and the
light conditions can affect visibility. By improving lens technology and options that will best suit
contrast, sports glasses help athletes see your sporting activities.
obstacles and changes in terrain more clearly,
reducing the risk of accidents. ASSESSING YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS
Anti-Glare and Anti-Fog Features ̶ Different sports have different demands,
Glare from the sun or artificial lights can be a and understanding these can help you choose
significant distraction and can impair vision. the right pair of sports glasses. Here are some
Sports glasses often come with anti-glare factors to consider:
coatings that reduce reflections, allowing Type of Sport ̶The nature of the sport
athletes to maintain clear vision even in bright you play greatly influences the type of sports
conditions. Additionally, anti-fog coatings glasses you should choose. For example,
prevent lenses from fogging up during intense high-impact sports like basketball, soccer, or
activity, ensuring uninterrupted visibility.
hockey require glasses with robust frames
Safety and Injury Prevention ̶ The primary and shatterproof lenses to withstand potential
benefit of sports glasses is the protection they collisions and impacts. Conversely, sports like
provide against various types of eye injuries. cycling or running might benefit more from
Here’s why they are indispensable for athletes: glasses that offer excellent UV protection and
PROTECTION FROM BLUNT TRAUMA anti-glare features to enhance visibility in
varying light conditions.
Sports glasses are designed to withstand Indoor vs. Outdoor ̶ Consider whether you
high-impact forces, protecting the eyes from primarily play indoors or outdoors. For outdoor
blunt trauma caused by balls, racquets, or sports, UV protection is paramount to shield
elbows. The durable materials used in the your eyes from harmful rays. Glasses designed
lenses and frames can absorb and disperse the for outdoor use often come with polarised or
energy from impacts, minimising the risk of photochromic lenses that adapt to changing
serious injury.
light conditions. Indoor sports glasses, on the
Shielding from Debris and Particles ̶ In other hand, prioritise anti-fog features and
many outdoor sports, athletes are exposed to lightweight design to maintain clarity and
dust, dirt, and other particles that can cause eye comfort in controlled environments.
120 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | JULY-AUGUST 2024 SPORTS VISION
