Sports Prescription Glasses: A Complete Guide

Not all who play sports want to dive into contact lenses. With this in mind, what options do you have if you prefer wearing regular eyeglasses or sunglasses while playing sports?

Sports prescription glasses come in many shapes and styles. This guide can help you figure out which frames and materials are best for different low-intensity, low-impact sports.

Why are sports glasses important?

In addition to helping you see clearly, a good pair of prescription sports glasses can also prevent injury. In fact, some health clubs and sports facilities require members to wear corrective eyewear when participating in certain activities.

A good pair of sports eyeglasses should fit on your face snugly, yet comfortably. This will prevent them from slipping off during more intense activities. Of course, your regular, everyday eyewear should have the correct fit for work and leisure activities, too.

Finding your face shape and using accurate measurements for your prescription glasses will ensure you get it right with every set of frames you buy.

What glasses should I wear for sports?

Some sports, such as swimming, lacrosse, and ice hockey, require specific safety eyewear. However, for many other sports and outdoor activities, you can use a regular pair of prescription glasses.

These sports are typically low-impact and include:

• Fishing
• Hunting
• Golf
• Tennis
• Skiing & Snowboarding

Wraparound frames and shield-style glasses are often used thanks to their sporty look and full-coverage design. These frames offer unique protection from injury by spanning a larger area around and to the side of your eyes.

Alas, not everyone is a fan of these super-sleek designs. Whether you like them comes down to your own personal preferences.

What regular glasses can I wear for sports?

Regular prescription glasses and sunglasses are great for many sports. Generally, it’s all about finding a pair that is comfortable while providing ample protection.

Frame Styles & Materials

Aviator, semi-rimless, and square frame styles are popular among sports enthusiasts.

As for materials, synthetic frames made from Ultem and TR90 provide superior comfort and durability. These two materials are also known for their ultra-lightweight flexibility.

Prescription Sunglasses

Choosing prescription sunglasses will allow you to see clearly and enjoy a ton of great benefits. For many outdoor sports, you’ll want the strong UV protection that darker tints provide.

Mirrored sunglasses give you a brighter field of view along with anti-glare protection. Meanwhile, polarized sunglasses provide strong anti-glare in addition to increased visual clarity.

People who play indoor sports will opt for something more subtle. For example, light tints or even an anti-glare coating may work best for them.

Why Wear Lightly Tinted Glasses Indoors?

Outdoor sports players may also want to keep a pair of lightly tinted shades handy for overcast or rainy days. For added versatility, your prescription sunglasses can be combined with any of the frame styles and materials mentioned above!

Which sunglasses are best for which sports?

Certain sports lend themselves better to certain prescription glasses and sunglasses. Activities that don’t require contact benefit from a wide variety of styles. Choosing the right lens type is important, but it depends on what sport you’re playing.

Here are a few examples of the right lenses for the right sport:

• Fishing: Polarized lenses will provide clarity, allowing you to see past the glare of the water’s surface
• Hunting: Polarized lenses are also the best choice for hunting. The glare reduction and greater visual clarity will make it easier to spot your target.
• Golf: Polarized wins again! Choosing brown or amber colored lenses will provide perfect contrast with the greens of the golf course.
• Tennis: Mirrored lenses work best for tennis. The glare-reduction will be extra helpful on the court. Polarized lenses are actually a detriment to tennis players thanks to their negative effect on depth perception.
• Skiing & Snowboarding: Skiers and snowboarders will get the best benefits from mirrored lenses. There are a lot of reflections out on the snowy slopes.

If you’re looking for sports eyewear, you’ll also want lightweight frames that suit your face shape. If you don’t know your face shape, try our Face Shape Finder. You’ll know which frame shapes are best for you in a matter of minutes.

Find Your Face Shape

Sports prescription glasses from Yesglasses are a guaranteed win!

The right pair of sports prescription glasses will help you see clearly and protect your eyes during sports or outdoor activities. Naturally, we want you to completely love your new eyeglasses or sunglasses, which is why we offer our 100% Fit Guarantee.

At Yesglasses, all of our frames are designed in-house, cutting out the middleman and saving you money. Browse all eyeglasses and find the right pair of glasses for you.

Need help getting started on your prescription glasses order? Check out our guide on ordering prescription glasses online.