Category
Contacts
Megan Maybee, 10 Aug 2023

Why You Should Wear Contact Lenses During Sports

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Do you actively participate in sports? Do you currently wear glasses? If you answered YES to these questions, you are not alone. According to the Vision Council of America there are just over 79% of adult Americans that use some form of correctional eyewear including eyeglasses, reading glasses, and contact lenses. Of that percentage, a large number wear glasses.

If you’ve played sports and worn glasses, you have probably experienced glasses breaking, frames bending, or even losing your glasses. The mix of wearing glasses and playing sports can cause unintended inconveniences. Considering the problems that wearing glasses while playing sports can cause, it might be time to consider switching to contacts.

What are the Advantages to Wearing Contact Lenses?

While glasses may be the ideal form of eyewear for some, here are five advantages of wearing contact lenses when participating in sports activities:

1. Contacts increase your peripheral vision
2. There is a significantly lesser chance of contacts fogging.
3. Snow, rain, and other splattering substances are less likely to obstruct vision
4. Enhanced comfort when wearing goggles, masks, and other protective eyewear.
5. Contacts are less likely to be broken or lost than glasses.

One thing to keep in mind is that while contact lenses will help improve your vision, keeping your eyes safe is a priority when playing sports! Plan on wearing eye protection when playing sports.

What are Contact Lens Options for Those Who Play Sports?

Though there are several different brands and types of contacts that are good options for sports, typically wearers are faced with choosing between soft contacts, hard contacts, and hybrid lenses. The type of contact lenses that work best for you will depend on your vision and the sports activities you participate in. Set up a contact lens exam appointment with a VSP eye doctor near you to discuss the pros and cons of the different types of contact lenses.

Some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of Contact Lenses

After making the decision to switch from glasses to contacts, here are four “do’s” and “don’ts” to keep in mind:

1. Never try-on someone else’s contacts.

If your contact lenses are not prescribed lenses from an eye care provider and are not prescribed specifically for you, you risk injuring your eye or even worsening your vision. Also, don’t assume your glasses prescription will work for contacts; contacts require specific measurements.

2. Visit a licensed optometrist.

Seeing an eye doctor is beneficial when getting contacts because they have the professional tools which they use to help measure your eye, gauge your real eyesight and, through a series of tests, can quickly prescribe the ideal correctional lens information.

3. Take time to get used to wearing contact lenses.

Though innovative contact lens technology and materials allow for increased comfort and optimal vision it’s not uncommon for contacts to take some getting used to. Discuss concerns about wearing your contact lenses and how long it may take you to get used to wearing them with your eye doctor.

4. Use your VSP vision insurance plan to help save on contact lenses.

Vision insurance can help with savings on eye exams, coverage on top-quality lenses, and a competitive allowance for glasses or contacts. If you don’t have a vision insurance plan, learn more about the benefits of VSP vision insurance

If you have additional questions about VSP vision benefits and savings or want to learn more about VSP vision plans visit VSP Individual Vision Plans.

Information received through VSP Vision Care's social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.