Using eyewear on or off the field is nothing new for footballers. For instance, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is known for sporting shades away from the football field. Occasionally, he can be seen wearing square or metallic sunglasses as part of his pre-game outfits.
On the playing field, athletes have also sported eyewear to aid their vision during games, as evidenced by former Indianapolis Colts kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, who wears thick glasses to manage his near-sightedness.
In addition to sunglasses and eyeglasses, contact lenses are a viable eyewear option for football players. In fact, research shows that the use of contact lenses for vision correction among the sports-playing population is four times higher than in the overall adult population. It’s also the preferred option compared with glasses or refractive surgery when providing vision correction for sports. But why exactly are contact lenses preferable? Read on to find out some of the precise benefits footballers can enjoy from contacts.
Preventing dry eyes
Dry eyes are among the most common ocular concerns, affecting over 16 million people in the US alone. As it happens, contacts are some of the most effective interventions for this particular issue, given that they can provide consistent aid so long as they’re worn reguarly. This comes as no surprise as there are contact lenses that have additional eye-caring properties like ACUVUE Oasys and Dailies. On top of providing vision correction, these contacts, which are available on retailer Clearly, have unique technologies that automatically replenish moisture, helping prevent dry eyes. Footballers may have a relatively higher risk of experiencing dry eye symptoms due to factors like wind exposure and dehydration, making contact lenses with hydrating properties essential for visual comfort during games.
Providing UV protection
Some contacts also specialize in filtering the sun’s harmful UV rays, helping reduce the risk of developing photokeratitis and other long-term conditions like cataracts among footballers. Nike’s MaxSight UV-blocking contacts are a good example, and former NFL player Kyle Vanden Bosch even vouched for these sport-tinted lenses, highlighting the benefits of contacts for footballers. Although these Bausch & Lomb-designed contacts have been discontinued, other UV-blocking lenses are still available on the market, like Biotrue. Research published by the National Institutes of Health shows that individuals who practice outdoor sports are exposed to substantially higher amounts of UV rays, making these UV-blocking contacts beneficial for athletes.
Wider field of vision
According to research published in Acta Scientific Ophthalmology, contact lenses can enhance sports performance by providing a sharper and more natural field of vision. They are placed directly on the eyes, so they eliminate ocular obstruction that other eyewear options create, thereby impairing peripheral vision. In fact, previous studies mention that contact lenses can increase peripheral view by approximately 15% compared with glasses. Research published in PubMed Central also noted that visual perception is considered the first step in a footballer’s decision-making process, highlighting the importance of a clear field of view.
What to consider…
Although wearing contact lenses can benefit footballers, there are still some important things to remember before wearing them. It’s essential to consult a doctor who can prescribe the safest options available, especially since some contacts may have quality issues that can compromise your vision. Contact lenses may also dislodge from the eyes, especially in high-contact sports like football. This is why experts typically recommend wearing soft lenses for sports since they are less likely to move around the eyes than rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. Wearing contacts may also make you prone to irritation, especially if a foreign particle gets into your eyes, highlighting the importance of extra caution when wearing contacts on the field.
Wearing contact lenses can offer a range of benefits for footballers, from providing a wider field of vision and UV protection to preventing dry eyes while playing. Just make sure to use contacts that your doctor prescribes to ensure visual comfort and safety during games.