Have you ever wondered why both new and experienced athletes emphasise proper safety measures? The primary reason is the prevention of sports injuries. Whether you’re cycling, running, or playing golf, one crucial yet often overlooked piece of equipment is sports sunglasses. While helmets and gloves are typically at the top of our minds, we frequently forget the importance of sunglasses, leading to avoidable injuries. Astonishingly, around 2 million emergency cases each year are due to sports-related injuries. This statistic underscores the necessity for every athlete to step onto the field equipped with the right pair of sunglasses. In this blog, we’ll explore why sports sunglasses are essential and their numerous benefits for an athlete or amateur sports lover.
What is the importance of sports sunglasses?
Sports sunglasses go beyond regular sunglasses by offering impact resistance, which is crucial for preventing injuries from airborne particles or falls. The TR90 material makes them durable and less likely to break or move around during activity. By blocking glare and unwanted light, sports sunglasses can enhance vision and reduce eye strain. This can be especially helpful in sports like badminton where clear vision is essential for precise shots. They provide a secure fit that stays in place even during intense movement. Additionally, they can block airborne dust, insects, or other debris from entering your eyes, keeping you comfortable and focused on the game.
Benefits of Sports Sunglasses
For athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, sports sunglasses are more than just a stylish accessory. They provide a significant advantage in terms of protection, performance, and comfort. Here are some benefits of sports sunglasses:
Impact Resistance
Sports can get intense, and flying objects like balls, twigs, or even dust can pose a threat to your eyes. Sports sunglasses are built with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and strong, lightweight frames (often made from TR-90 material, Grilamid nylon, or even titanium) that can withstand a blow, significantly reducing the risk of injuries. On the contrary, normal sunglasses can’t take harsh impacts. If they break or get damaged on impact, they can also cause potential damage to your eyes and other parts of your face. Sports sunglasses ensure that your eyes are protected from such threats while offering you optimum protection.
UV Protection
Just like your skin, your eyes need protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems down the line. You should always go for sports sunglasses that offer 100% protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Reduce Glare
Having a clear, glare-free vision helps you focus better and also contributes to your better performance during the game. If you play such sports where you need glare reduction like swimming or cycling, you can go with polarised sports sunglasses. Polarised lenses give your sunglasses the power to cut glare and give you clear vision.
Prevent Eye Strain and Eye Fatigue
By blocking excess light and glare, sports sunglasses allow your eyes to relax and function without strain. This reduces eye fatigue and discomfort, preventing headaches and blurred vision that can sometimes occur from squinting excessively. It helps you stay focused on the game and your performance.
Increased Contrast
Sports sunglasses can come in various lens tints, some specifically designed to boost colour contrast for certain activities. For example, yellow or amber lenses can improve depth perception in low-light conditions, while rose-coloured lenses can sharpen details on cloudy days.
Secure Fit
Unlike regular sunglasses that might slip during movement, sports sunglasses are designed for a snug yet comfortable fit. They often have rubberised nose pads and temple tips that prevent them from bouncing or falling off during vigorous activity.
Lightweight Design
Modern sports sunglasses are incredibly lightweight, thanks to advanced materials. This minimises pressure on your nose and ears, ensuring maximum comfort for extended wear.
Types of Lenses for Sports Sunglasses
Polarised Lenses
For athletes battling the sun’s glare, polarised lenses are a game-changer. These lenses contain a special filter that blocks horizontally polarised light, the kind responsible for the blinding reflections bouncing off water, snow, or even wet pavement. By filtering out glare, polarised lenses allow you to see objects with greater clarity and definition. This is crucial for activities like fishing, where spotting subtle movements underwater is essential, or baseball, where tracking a fast-moving ball is key.
Prescription Sunglasses Lenses
Athletes who require corrective lenses needn’t sacrifice performance for clear vision. Prescription lenses are integrated directly into the sports sunglasses, ensuring sharp, clear vision tailored to your specific needs. This allows you to participate in sports without relying on contact lenses or regular glasses that might slip during movement.
Photochromatic Lenses
For athletes who encounter varying light conditions throughout their activity, photochromic lenses offer a unique solution. These lenses contain special molecules that react to UV light. In bright sunshine, the lenses automatically darken, reducing glare and protecting your eyes. Conversely, in low-light conditions, they lighten up, allowing for better visibility.
Key TakeawaysÂ
Sports sunglasses offer multiple benefits for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. From superior protection to enhanced performance and improved comfort, they can make a significant difference in your overall experience during the game. As an athlete, it becomes crucial for you to invest in a good pair of sports sunglasses.