Choosing Prescription Sports Glasses for Contact vs. Non-Contact Sports

Sports glasses are an important investment for any child who wears prescription glasses and participates in sports. However, when choosing the right pair, it’s crucial to consider whether the sport is a contact or non-contact sport. Each type of sport presents unique challenges, and the glasses must be able to handle these differences while providing clear vision and maximum protection.

In this article, we’ll explain how to choose the best prescription sports glasses for contact and non-contact sports. By understanding the needs of both, you can ensure your child stays safe and performs their best, whether they’re playing soccer or running track.

What Are Contact and Non-Contact Sports?

Before diving into the details, let's quickly define what we mean by contact and non-contact sports:

• Contact Sports: These are sports where physical contact between players is common. This can include tackling, pushing, or hitting. Examples include football, rugby, basketball, and hockey.
  
  

• Non-Contact Sports: These sports have minimal to no physical contact between players. The emphasis is usually on speed, agility, or accuracy. Examples include track and field, tennis, golf, and swimming.
  
  

Each type of sport requires different types of protection, so the sports glasses you choose will need to reflect those requirements.

Choosing Glasses for Contact Sports

When your child plays a contact sport, the glasses need to provide more than just vision correction — they must offer extra protection. In these sports, players are likely to experience bumps, falls, or even accidental hits from balls or other players. This means the glasses must be durable, secure, and impact-resistant.

1. Impact-Resistant Lenses

In contact sports, the most important feature of prescription sports glasses is the lens material. Regular prescription glasses are not designed to withstand impacts from balls, elbows, or tackles. For safety, look for lenses made from polycarbonate or Trivex materials. These materials are lightweight yet extremely durable and are resistant to impact.

Polycarbonate lenses are especially tough and can withstand high-speed impacts, making them perfect for sports like basketball or football, where balls or players can hit the face with force.

2. Strong, Flexible Frames

When choosing sports glasses for a contact sport, it’s essential that the frames are both strong and flexible. Traditional frames can break easily when put under pressure. For contact sports, look for frames made from nylon or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). These materials are flexible, which means the frames can bend without breaking. They can also absorb impact from hits or falls.

Frames with a wraparound design are ideal because they cover the sides of the face, offering extra protection. These frames also keep the glasses in place, which is important during fast movements.

3. Secure Fit

A secure fit is important in contact sports. Glasses that move around or fall off during play can distract your child and cause accidents. Look for glasses with adjustable nose pads, rubberized ear grips, and head straps to keep the glasses in place. A secure fit ensures that the glasses will stay on throughout the game, even during the roughest moments.

Choosing Glasses for Non-Contact Sports

In non-contact sports, while protection is still important, the demands are slightly different. These sports focus more on comfort, clarity of vision, and lightweight design since there’s less risk of physical impact. Here’s what to look for when choosing sports glasses for non-contact sports:

1. Lighter, Comfort-Focused Lenses

For non-contact sports, you still need lenses that are impact-resistant, but the focus should be on keeping the glasses light and comfortable. Polycarbonate or high-index plastic lenses are great options because they are durable and thin, making them light enough to wear for long periods without causing discomfort. This is especially important for sports like track and field or swimming, where your child will be active for extended periods.

2. Flexible, Lightweight Frames

Frames for non-contact sports should be lightweight and comfortable. Bulky or heavy glasses can be distracting when your child is running or jumping. Look for frames made from materials like acetate or memory plastic, which are both light and flexible.

Frames in a semi-rimless or full-rimless design are ideal for non-contact sports because they are lightweight and provide an unobstructed view, which is great for sports like cycling or golf where clear vision is important.

3. UV Protection for Outdoor Sports

For non-contact outdoor sports like tennis, cycling, or golf, it’s important to choose glasses that offer UV protection. Prolonged exposure to the sun can harm your child’s eyes, so make sure the lenses protect against harmful UV rays. Photochromic lenses are a great option for these sports as they automatically adjust to changing light conditions, keeping your child’s eyes comfortable in both bright sunlight and dimmer environments.

Key Features for Both Types of Sports

Whether your child is playing a contact or non-contact sport, there are a few features that are important for both:

1. Comfortable Fit

Regardless of the sport, comfort is key. Glasses should fit well and not slide around during play. Look for glasses with soft nose pads and adjustable ear grips. These features will help keep the glasses secure and comfortable, allowing your child to focus on the game.

2. Custom Prescription Lenses

Always make sure that the glasses are made with your child’s exact prescription. Many sports glasses come with prescription-ready lenses, but be sure to confirm that they are designed to match your child’s specific vision needs. Clear vision is essential for performance and safety, so getting the right prescription is critical.

3. Style Preferences

Let your child be involved in choosing their sports glasses. If they like the way the glasses look, they will be more likely to wear them. Many sports glasses come in a variety of styles and colours, so your child can find a pair they love.

Conclusion

When choosing prescription sports glasses for your child, it’s essential to consider whether they play a contact or non-contact sport. For contact sports, glasses need to be extra durable with impact-resistant lenses and secure frames to protect your child’s eyes. For non-contact sports, lightweight, comfortable, and UV-protected glasses are more suitable.

By focusing on the right materials, fit, and features, you can ensure that your child’s glasses keep them safe, comfortable, and confident during every game. Always consult with your optometrist to find the best pair of glasses for your child’s sports activities and prescription needs.

For a great selection of high-quality prescription sports glasses, visit Bluecut Glasses. They offer a wide range of durable and stylish sports glasses that are perfect for kids, ensuring both protection and clear vision on the field or court. With their expert guidance and variety of options, your child will have the right pair of glasses for any sport they play.