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Can You Play Football with Glasses?
Yes, you can absolutely play football if you wear glasses. But your average glasses may not be the best choice for going head-to-head in a helmet.
Regular plastic lenses can break if there’s a high impact on the face or head. The same goes for acetate frames that are popular for everyday glasses. Once broken, the glasses can become a hazard for the wearer and their eyes.
To help keep your vision clear and your eyes safe, consider investing in a pair of glasses for sports like football. There are plenty of football eyewear options available to make sure your preferences are met. So, strap on your shoulder pads, fasten your helmet, and keep reading to find out what qualities are ideal when shopping for football glasses.
What to Look For in Football Glasses
When you consider all of the actions a football player performs during a game — running, jumping, tackling, etc. — it’s no surprise that football goggles and glasses need to be durable. Some things to consider to help ensure durability are frame and lens material, and how the eyewear rests on the face.
Impact-Resistant Frame Materials
Frames made with impact-resistant materials can absorb energy to reduce the risk of injury and damage. When it comes to glasses for football, materials like titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber are often used for their ability to withstand impact:
- Titanium– Strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant
- Aluminum – Often used in sports eyewear for its lightweight durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand impact
- Carbon fiber – Lightweight and incredibly strong, which makes it an excellent choice for football glasses
Our pick for impact-resistance frames:
- Titanium frames: OX5099 TINCUP™ 0.5 TI
- Carbon fiber frames: Ray-Ban RB8903 OPTICS
For optimal durability, make sure the frame materials have been tested for impact resistance and meet safety standards. You may also want to consult an eyewear professional to find out which frame material is best for your specific needs.
Polycarbonate Lenses for Added Safety
Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice for children and athletes due to their unique properties. Characteristics like scratch and impact resistance make them a reliable option for those who need frames that can withstand just about anything.
Some benefits of polycarbonate lenses include:
- Impact resistance – Polycarbonate lenses are 10 times more impact-resistant than regular plastic lenses.
- Thin and lightweight – The design is sleek and lightweight, so athletes aren’t bothered with the “clunkiness” of thick, heavy glasses.
- Durability – Polycarbonate lenses are designed to resist impact, meaning they are less likely to shatter compared to traditional plastic or glass lenses.
- UV protection – Polycarbonate lenses filter harmful UV rays, further protecting your eyes.
- Prescription compatibility – A wide range of eyeglass prescriptions can be accommodated with this lens material.
- Scratch resistance – Polycarbonate lenses often come with a scratch-resistant coating that can reduce the risk of lens damage on and off the field.
- Versatility – Lens tints and treatments, like photochromic and anti-reflective coating, can be applied for extra comfort and convenience.
Anti-slip Nose Pads
Lightweight, durable glasses mean nothing if they slide down your nose during football practice or games. This is distracting and interferes with an athlete's ability to see, which puts them at risk for injury.
Opting for a pair of football glasses with anti-slip nose pads can keep your specs in place from kickoff until the final seconds of the game.
Our pick for glasses with anti-slip nose pads: Oakley OX8153 METALINK
Choosing the right football glasses for you also depends on details like your facial features and personal preferences. But the tips above are a great starting point when shopping for football glasses or goggles. If you’re in doubt, talk to an eyewear professional who can help you find your perfect pair. Now, ready…set…HUT!
