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Clear vision is essential for athletes, whether they’re navigating a football field, driving a race car, or performing intricate gymnastics routines. Various aspects of vision—depth perception, hand-eye coordination, contrast sensitivity, and reaction time—must be at peak performance for athletes to excel.
Fortunately, advancements in contact lenses have made it possible for athletes with refractive vision conditions to maintain optimal visual acuity, enhancing their ability to compete. As a result, studies indicate that contact lens use among athletes is four times higher than in the general population, underscoring their status as the preferred vision correction option over glasses or refractive surgery.
Below, we explore how contact lenses impact sports performance and offer tips for athletes to maximise their effectiveness.
Contact lenses provide several vision and practical advantages for athletes compared to glasses. According to a study published in Acta Scientific Ophthalmology, lenses enhance sports performance in the following ways: first, contacts provide sharper and more natural vision. Contact lenses present objects in sizes consistent with real-world dimensions, resulting in sharper, distortion-free vision.
Contacts also boast improved peripheral vision. More specifically, contact lenses offer a 15% wider field of vision than glasses, enabling athletes to track fast-moving objects and anticipate movements more effectively. This enhances hand-eye, body, and foot coordination. Finally, contacts offer better visual stability and safety. Unlike glasses, lenses don’t dislodge, fog up, or pose a safety risk during physical impacts.
To capitalise on these benefits, athletes must begin by selecting the right lenses for their vision and performance needs. Among the most popular options are soft contact lenses due to their comfort and flexibility. They’re also available in various types found through trusted online retailers, including dailies such as the 1 Day Acuvue Moist lenses, biweekly Acuvue Oasys lenses, and monthly Biofinity contact lenses. Soft lenses are also remarkably durable. Research from Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice reveals they can withstand forces far greater than what typically causes corneal abrasions, making them suitable for contact sports.
Athletes may also benefit from sports-tinted lenses, such as Altius lenses from Performance Vision Technologies, Inc. (PVTI). According to a company press release, these sports-specific lenses are designed to enhance contrast and reduce glare. Available in amber and grey-green tints, these lenses filter 100% UV and over 99% of blue light, which can reduce eye strain. Per PVTI, amber-tinted lenses are ideal for use during dynamic, reactive sports such as baseball and American football. On the other hand, grey-green lenses can be beneficial for sports in high-contrast lighting like golf and surfing.
To make the most of contact lenses, athletes should follow these essential tips:
Prioritise hygiene: Proper cleaning and storage of contact lenses are crucial to prevent eye infections. Always wash your hands before handling lenses and adhere to your prescribed replacement schedule.
Stay hydrated: As we discussed in a previous post, hydration is critical for maintaining optimal performance. All athletes should take considerable care to ensure adequate hydration before, during, and after exercise to avoid thermal distress. At the same time, physical exertion can dry out contact lenses, particularly during intense training sessions. Use rewetting drops like those by Systane Ultra if needed and drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.
Monitor eye health: Schedule regular eye exams to ensure your lenses fit correctly and address any changes in vision or eye health promptly. Consulting an eye care professional can also help you choose the best lenses for your sport.
Contact lenses offer athletes a significant edge by enhancing visual clarity, stability, and safety. With the right lenses and proper care, athletes can focus on their performance without worrying about their vision.