Is there a little athlete in your family? Well, you need to ensure they are always safe, especially anytime they go out to play sports. But what if your little one has poor eyesight that hinders him from doing his best?
Sure, there are options such as contact lenses but they aren’t recommended for kids especially since it needs to be maintained. Also, eye injuries are among the most common risks they might face. Thus, the best option you have is to let them wear safety prescription glasses.
These sports glasses can protect them from fast-moving objects. They can also protect them from moving elbows during contact games and protect their eyes from water when swimming. It will be easier to understand why kids need sports glasses if you read this post to the end.
Here’s what you should know about kids’ sports glasses and why they are important
Why Your Athlete Kid Needs Sports Glasses
Every year, about 40000 sports-related injuries require emergency care in the United States. Research by Prevent Blindness America shows that prescription sports glasses can help reduce the injuries resulting from such accidents by about 90% which is achievable if we all lead by example.
That alone sheds light on why your kid needs protective sports glasses. In case of an accident, one might need surgery, and sometimes, people turn blind. You can avoid this by taking preventive measures and investing in the best prescription sports glasses for your athletic kid.
If your kid has no pre-existing eye conditions, buying them, sports sunglasses might be enough. But you might need to get a prescription for sports glasses if your kid has an eye condition. An eye-care expert should be able to diagnose them and prescribe the best glasses.
Once they do, the next step should be to buy them the right glasses. You can buy prescription sports glasses online if you already have a specialist’s approval. But it would be best to be sure of buying from a reputable seller. This is because you need genuine and high-quality glasses.
Ensure that the glasses you choose meet the exact requirements prescribed. Then, look at the other factors that the specialist won’t include in their prescription. This includes durability, comfort, and level of protection. We will discuss these factors in detail later in this article.
The Factors to Consider When Buying Sports Glasses for Kids
Buying sports glasses can be daunting with the wide variety in the market. But this can be easier if you are looking for prescription glasses. But there are other factors that you must keep in mind, even more, when you want to invest in the best safety prescription glasses.
Let’s see some of the main factors to consider when choosing sports glasses below.
- Protection
The level of protection sports glasses offer is among the critical factors to consider. You invest in such glasses to keep your eyes safe. Glasses won’t be of any help if they do not serve their purpose. They shouldn’t come with lenses that could shatter easily and cause severe injuries.
Ensure you buy glasses that meet the standards set by The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Not all glasses available in the market meet the ratings set by this body. You should confirm that the glasses you settle on meet these quality standards to ensure safety.
- Durability
Don’t buy sports glasses unless you are sure about the durability of the lens materials. If the lenses are weak, your kids’ eyes will be at great risk. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are the most durable in the market. They are also lightweight and perfect for playing games.
It would be best if you also looked for other features like spring hinges. The frames must also be durable and should withstand pressure. Such features will ensure your kid isn’t at risk of injuries even if they get involved in an accident. Also, you won’t replace the glasses often because they are costly.
- Comfort and Adjustability
Your kid’s comfort should be of priority when choosing glasses. Their playing experience will depend on how comfortable it is to wear the glasses. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose for their little faces. Ensure they are of the right fit and have adjustable nose pads and straps.
You should also ensure the glasses don’t impair their view. They might also need prescription sports glasses if they wear regular prescription glasses. Ensure you buy glasses with prescription corrective lenses to enable them to see and perform better in their sport.
Those are the primary factors to consider when choosing glasses. But then, they apply more when choosing sports glasses because there’s no room for error. You must ensure the glasses you choose will protect your kid. They’ll likely do if they meet the safety standards set by relevant bodies.
Why You Shouldn’t Replace Sports Glasses With Regular Glasses
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You might wonder why your kid can’t use their regular glasses for sports. You might see it as a money-saving strategy, but it is not. This is because many risks come with using regular glasses in place of sports glasses, especially in contact sports and also if going out to swim.
The lenses on regular glasses differ from those on sports glasses. Regular glasses come with lenses made from weaker materials. They can easily shatter when hit by an object and aren’t shaped in ways that provide adequate protection to an athlete’s eyes.
On the other hand, prescription sports sunglasses have more rigid lenses. They are less breakable and shatter-resistant to ensure safety while playing sports. Also, they are shaped to secure the eye from all corners. This makes it risky to try to replace them with regular sunglasses.
Conclusion: Kids’ Sports Glasses Are a Vital Safety Gear
Kids’ sports glasses are undoubtedly essential for a great sporting experience. You do not want kids to come home with blunt trauma, radiation, or penetrating injuries. High-quality sports glasses can help ensure that they are safe and can play sports without worries.
You should note that regular sunglasses don’t work like sports sunglasses. Thus, don’t let your kid go playing with prescription sunglasses. Ensure they wear prescription sports glasses with hard lenses that won’t shatter and cause eye injuries in case a moving object hits them.