Hey everyone, today’s Frame Friday is going to be a little different. As spring is finally here and we are starting to enjoy the thought of warm weather, I’m reminded a lot of youth will be starting to their spring and summer sporting events. While so much focus is put on having the right equipment for the right sport, safe eyewear is often left out of the focus. All too often it is believed his or her everyday frame is fine to be worn when playing sports. I grew up when you didn’t see children wearing helmets but as our knowledge of safety and head injuries has improved, so has the visibility of almost all children wearing helmets when riding a bike, skateboarding, etc. We need to see this type of focus on safety eyewear for youth sports.
Wearing shatterproof lenses just isn’t enough. The frames are not shatterproof. I have seen too many children with a cut going down their face because the frame broke from being hit by a soccer ball or baseball. Eye injuries can also occur from being hit by a ball. Paschal Chukwu went through three eye surgeries because he was hit in the eye by a basketball, resulting in a torn retina.
Pairing the sports glasses with the correct lens combinations make a difference. For many sports, I often recommend the Transitions Vantage lens because it has a light tint at all times to help with most lighting conditions but when your child is playing outside, they transition to a polarized lens, protecting them from the sun while still giving them great vision. I have also recommended this combination for motorcyclists as well as adults needing safety glasses for outside work. Even doing chores around the yard such as cutting the grass is safer with the right eye protection.
Sometimes we forget just how dangerous any sport can be. While I don’t want to take away from the fun and enjoyment of playing a sport, I want to remind everyone to do it safely, wearing all of the necessary safety equipment, including safety eye wear. Even if your child, or you yourself, doesn’t need corrective lenses to see, it doesn’t mean you wouldn’t benefit from a sport / safety eyeglass. Sunglasses are NOT a substitute for safe eye wear.
If you have any questions about how to protect your eyes with whatever activity you enjoy, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to your optician.
Happy Friday AND Happy Spring everyone! 🤓
Paula Halifax 