Spending time in the sun is a good thing. There are many benefits to being out in the great outdoors, from the increase in mood bought on by exercise to the vitamin D acquired from the sun’s rays. However, vitamin D isn’t the only thing that comes with the sun, according to Salt Lake City wholesaler of sunglasses, Olympic Eyewear. Powerful UV rays can be harmful to us. Sunglasses can help to protect the corneas and prevent short- and long-term conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It is important to protect our eyes as much as possible while playing sport outside.
What Sports Can I Wear Sunglasses For?
There are a number of sports that go hand in hand with sunglasses. Sports that have us outdoors for an extended period, in sunny (but not necessarily always warm) conditions. Sunglasses can improve vision, which in turn may actually help boost performance.
Cycling – Cyclists, both amateur and professional, travel at fast speeds with their faces directly at the mercy of the elements. In warm, cold, and windy conditions, sunglasses can be helpful. The sun’s glare, from the sky and reflecting off the road, can cause temporary blindness. The wind in the eyes can affect a cyclist’s performance, too.
Skiing – The vast majority of skiing takes place in the snow. Glare from the snow can be hugely disruptive, and snow blindness is a real problem. So much so that sunglasses or ski goggles form an essential part of skiers’ and snowboarders’ equipment.
Running – Runners, especially those that cover long distances and marathons, need protection from the elements. The fastest ever marathon was run by Eliud Kipchoge, in just under two hours. Most runners take at least twice as long, and more, to run such a distance. Running is much more appealing in sunnier conditions, and extended exposure to the sun can seriously affect the eyes.
Golf – Like running, golf is more fun, as well as significantly easier, in sunny weather. The average round of golf can take 4-5 hours to complete, and sunglasses can protect from the effects of this prolonged exposure to the sun.
Cricket – Cricket, and more specifically test cricket, is a long game. A test match lasts five days, and due to the pitch, the ball, and other conditions required to play the game, sunny and dry weather is a must. Much of Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, and England consider cricket their major summer sport, and sunglasses are an important piece of kit for fielders, bowlers, and batters to help see the ball.
What to Look for in Sporting Sunglasses?
Sporting sunglasses may not always be the most stylish or aesthetically pleasing. Their main aim is to be functional and assist sportspeople as best they can. Each sport requires different sunglasses. What is uniform among all sporting sunglasses though, is how they fit. They must be sturdy but light, and comfortable but stay fitted to the wearer’s face.
Lenses for cricketers and golfers need to be different to lenses for cyclists and runners. The material is a key difference. Lenses made of glass are less prone to scratches and are marginally clearer. Polycarbonate lenses have more impact resistance and are thus less likely to shatter and cause serious injury. Wraparound sunglasses offer a wider field of vision as well as more protection. At the same time, they provide a more secure fit on the face, which allows for freer movement while staying on securely. This is quite clearly of the utmost importance when it comes to partaking in sport and other outdoor activities.
