x& 
Eye protection is of utmost importance any time you’re playing outdoor sports. Without the proper eyewear, you’re at risk of eye injury due to UV exposure, impact, wind, or debris. When you have the right glasses, you ‘re not just safer — you can focus more on your performance rather than dealing with glasses that slip down your nose or create a glare in the sun.
At Wolcott Optical, we understand that eye protection is essential, which is why we offer a wide range of eyewear designed with outdoor sports in mind. Whether you’re a cyclist, runner, water sports enthusiast, skier, snowboarder, or play an outdoor sport with a ball, keep reading to learn some best practices when it comes to eye protection and get some tips for choosing the right gear.
Why Eye Protection Matters in Outdoor Sports
Many common sports — such as baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and tennis — come with the risk of high-speed impacts to the face. And any time you spend time outdoors, you can get dust, insects, or debris in your eyes.
Another risk that people don’t often think of is UV exposure. Just like your skin, your eyes can get sunburned, too. And that’s not the end of it — long-term UV exposure can lead to eye cancer, macular degeneration, cataracts, and growths on the eye.
Key Features to Look for in Sports Eyewear
If you’re shopping for eye protection for outdoor sports at Wolcott Optical, here are some features to look for:
- UV protection: Glasses should have 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.
- Impact resistance: Choose polycarbonate or Trivex lenses that are ANSI-rated for impact resistance.
- Lens tint: A brown or gray tint can help reduce eye strain due to bright sunlight.
- Polarization: Polarized lenses reduce glare from water, snow, and pavement.
- Wraparound design: These glasses provide full coverage to block peripheral light and debris and are more likely to stay in place during movement.
- Anti-fog: For high-exertion sports, anti-fog coatings can help the lenses stay clear.
- Secure fit and comfort: You’ll want adjustable nose pads and temple grips, along with lightweight materials, to stay comfortable.
- Retention straps: Add a retention strap if you won’t want to worry about your glasses flying off your face.
Sport-Specific Eyewear Recommendations
At Wolcott Optical, we have helped countless customers find eye protection that’s perfect for their favorite outdoor sports. Here are our expert recommendations:
- Cycling: Lightweight, aerodynamic frames, possibly with transition lenses for changing light conditions
- Running and trail sports: Properly fitted glasses that stay in place
- Water sports (boating, fishing, kayaking): Polarized lenses are essential to reduce glare off the water, as are retention straps to avoid losing glasses in the water
- Winter sports (skiing, snowboarding): Prescription glasses with anti-fog technology that can fit under your goggles
- Ball and contact sports: Impact-rated sports goggles with secure straps and cushioning around the ears and nose
Outdoor Sports Eye Protection at Wolcott Optical
At Wolcott Optical, we want our customers to be able to participate in their favorite outdoor sports without putting their safety or vision at risk. If you’re looking for high-quality protective eyewear, drop by our store in Salt Lake City, Utah, for personalized recommendations and fittings.
