For children who need to wear glasses, playing sports can sometimes be a daunting experience. Glasses can cause inconveniences, such as slipping off, getting damaged, or even leading to potential eye injuries. However, with the right approach and gear, children can enjoy sports confidently and safely. Here are some helpful tips to help your child see clearly while staying active in sports.
Choose Durable Frames with Sports Straps
Selecting the right pair of glasses is crucial for active children. Look for frames with special designs for active children, which are typically more durable and flexible. These frames are more likely to withstand the rough and tumble of various sports activities.Our professional dispensers will guide you to choose frames that sit well on your children’s face so they don’t fall off easily. Additionally, sports straps can be a game-changer. They secure the glasses firmly on the child’s head, reducing the chances of them falling off or getting lost during play. For kids who needs to fit their glasses under their helmet, some of our frames comes with special arm design to make the fit possible. Please let our optometrist or dispensers know, when you select frames.
Opt for Polycarbonate Lenses
When it comes to lenses, safety and durability are paramount. Polycarbonate lenses are an excellent choice for children who play sports. These lenses are impact-resistant and significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries from shattered lenses. They are also lighter than traditional lenses, making them more comfortable to wear.
While durable frames and polycarbonate lenses enhance safety, it’s important to know that no glasses are completely risk-free during sports. If your child has a tendency to break their glasses or if they participate in high-risk sports, it’s a good idea to discuss with their optometrist and explore other options.
Explore Contact Lenses
For older children and teenagers, contact lenses can be an excellent alternative to glasses. They eliminate the risk of breaking glasses during sports and minimise the concern of eye injury from shattered glasses. Moreover, contact lenses allow a wider field of view and more stable vision, which can enhance your children’s performance in sports. However, it’s important to note that not all prescriptions are suitable for contact lenses. Discuss with your optometrist to find out if contact lenses are appropriate for your children.
Orthokeratology Lenses for Water Sports
Orthokeratology (orthok) lenses are a specialized type of contact lens worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Read our previous blogs to find out more about OrthoK lenses.This option is particularly beneficial for water sports, where traditional soft contact lenses may pose risks such as infections or loss. Ortho-k lenses provide the convenience of clear vision without the hassle of managing lenses in water. Orthok is also one of the best interventions to help slow down myopia in children. Nevertheless, there is a limitation on the prescription that can be corrected with Orthokeratology lenses, it’s necessary to consult with your optometrist if you want to consider Orthok lenses for your children.
Consider Sports Goggles
Sports goggles are designed to provide maximum protection and stability during intense physical activities. They provide more comprehensive coverage for the eyes than regular glasses, offering better protection against impacts. Sports goggles are particularly recommended for high risk sports, read our sports safety blog to learn more on this. If your children have a specific eye condition or need to wear special contact lenses during sports, they might also require sports goggles to provide extra protection for their eyes.
Conclusion
Playing sports with glasses can be challenging, but with the right equipment and precautions, your child can stay active and confident. Durable frames, polycarbonate lenses, and sports straps can significantly reduce the inconveniences associated with wearing glasses during sports. For high-risk sports to break glasses or getting an eye injury, consider sports goggles or alternative options like contact lenses or orthokeratology lenses. Always consult with an optometrist to ensure your child receives the best advice and care for their vision needs. By taking these steps, you can help your child enjoy sports safely and confidently.