Why Use Sports Goggles in Basketball?

You’re at the park, in the gym, in a league, or with your friends playing basketball when you go up for a rebound. It feels like you’re flying through the air, time stands still, and you feel your fingertips on the ball. The next thing you know, your opponent's finger is poking into your eye, or your feet slam to the floor followed by an elbow hitting you in the face as you fight for a rebound.

 

It feels like this has happened to all of us. When playing sports, injuries almost seem like a part of the game, but when it comes to your eyes, you want to do all you can to avoid them.

 

So, how would you save yourself from getting injured? Yep, that’s where basketball goggles kick in. You’ve probably got a plethora of questions running around in your head and it is time to put them to rest. Give this blog a quick read and by the end of it, you’ll know how to take that layup without ending up with a bruised eye. 

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Goggles ?

 

Have you ever wondered why some NBA players like Horace Grant or Kareem Abdul Jabbar wear a pair of basketball goggles? Some players wear basketball glasses for vision correction; others wear them as a precaution against eye injuries on the court. Take a look at the reasons that make many ballers rush to basketball eyewear: 

 

1. Wearing Basketball Glasses for Vision Correction

 

Let’s face it- you cannot avoid hampered vision. However, that should not stop you from throwing some hoops. Playing basketball with glasses can be challenging; you might risk them falling off or playing with impaired vision if you don't wear them.

 

Basketball goggles let players with vision issues play without having to worry about their vision. With loads of prescription basketball glasses available, players can get them customized to their requirements. Additionally, The adjustable elastic retention straps ensure a secure fit keeping your focus on the ball. 

 

2. Avoiding Eye Injuries With Basketball Glasses

 

Imagine you are on the court, moments away from a three-pointer, when an elbow comes your way, and before you know it, the world turns blurry and your moment of victory is long gone. Ouch, right? Eye injuries are no new thing when it comes to basketball. While some may leave you with a temporary black eye, other injuries can cause much more drastic effects. The scariest part of eye injuries is the potential for vision loss.

 

With the risk to your vision and the highest rates of eye injuries in basketball, wearing a proper set of protective eyeglasses or sports goggles will reduce your risk and put your mind at ease (whether you’re the player or the parent in the stands). Basketball goggles create that barrier you need between your eyes and an opponent's blow.

 

3. Glare-Free Vision with Basketball Goggles

 

Critical thinking and accuracy are what define a good basketball player. However, if you were to shoot a basket with the sun/court lights blinding you for a moment, your accuracy wouldn’t be at its highest. Whether you play out on a sunny day or in a stadium, you’ve probably experienced what it feels like to be blinded by lights. 

 

Basketball goggles are made with a variety of lenses that help increase contrast, reduce glare and give you a clear vision. Whether you are playing in a really bright environment or a dim environment, these pairs of sports eyewear can help you concentrate on the game without worrying about glare. 

 

How To Choose The Right Basketball Goggles

 

Now, you may be thinking, “With so many options that offer safety and clear vision, how do I know which pair of basketball glasses to buy?” This is a great question!

 

Fortunately, you can begin by following some simple guidelines. The key prerequisite is understanding the purpose of these glasses. Do you need them for safety, poor vision, court clarity or all of the above? Once you have that in mind, you can  choose the right pair while keeping the following things in mind.

 

First and foremost, you will want a pair of glasses or goggles that meet ASTM F803 standards (American Society for Testing and Materials). This is the current standard for protective eyewear in basketball and will offer you the highest levels of protection. The lenses and frame of these glasses are made of polycarbonate which is highly resistant to breaking. 

 

While regular polycarbonate is only 1mm thick, the kind used in these glasses is at least 3 mm thick to meet a high safety standard. Moreover, these glasses can have prescription lenses, ensuring clear vision along with eye protection!

 

Of course, style is a consideration in anything we wear, and is always a subjective hurdle based on your tastes and preferences. A few might prefer protective glasses, whereas others will go with full sport goggles. Either way, there are a few things to consider:

 

• Do the glasses/goggles cover your entire eye and eye socket?
• Do the glasses or goggles come with padding at key points to reduce shock?
• If goggles are your choice do they offer ventilation points to reduce fogging?
• Does your selection have the option of a sports band for added security?

 

If yes, then shop away for the style that best suits you! 

 

Conclusion

 

There is a lot to consider when selecting your protective eyewear, but it is an important choice to make. Vision loss is scary, but the threat of it does not mean you can’t participate in your favorite sports. Take the necessary precautions with a good set of glasses or sports goggles, and play ball to your heart's content!