Eyeglasses VS Contact Lenses: Which One Should You Wear While Working Out?
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Working out when you have bad eyesight can be risky.
You might miss the barbell bracket and drop the barbell on yourself, press the wrong speed button on the treadmill, or trip on gym equipment and fall on your face.
These make you more prone to common workout injuries, like muscle strains, shin splints, and wrist dislocations. In worst cases, you may get concussions or head trauma.
This is why wearing proper eyewear—even when working out—is necessary.
You might think it’s inconvenient, but it keeps you safe while doing physical activities.
Moreover, you have options, such as glasses and contact lenses.
If you’re unsure which one you should wear while working out, this guide might help you decide:
Benefits of Wearing Eyeglasses for Working Out
Thanks to advancements in eyeglass technologies, wearing eyeglasses when working out has become safer and more comfortable.
Many eyeglasses today have durable lenses because they’re made from polycarbonate.
This material is impact-resistant, so your glasses won’t break if you accidentally hit or drop them.
Moreover, they’re very thin, so you won’t experience discomfort with thick and heavy lenses.
There are also sweat- and corrosion-resistant eyeglasses, particularly those with aluminum-magnesium alloy frames.
For instance, the sports glasses from EFE are made for different workout activities—like cycling.
With these, you can ensure safe workouts with clear vision.
Wearing eyeglasses while working out is perfect if you exercise outdoors and want to keep dust and debris from your eyes. Lastly, eyeglasses won’t irritate your eyes if they’re dry or sensitive.
Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses While Working Out
Wearing contact lenses to work out, on the other hand, is very convenient.
They comfortably sit on your eyes and give you unobstructed vision, reducing potential accidents.
You can also move, run, and jump freely since there won’t be disturbances on your face.
You can also wear contact lenses for extended periods for uninterrupted workouts.
They’re particularly useful if you play contact sports as exercise, as these won’t prevent you from wearing protective gear, like helmets.
Finally, contact lenses don’t steam or fog when the weather changes.
It’s best to wear soft contact lenses for comfort, as they don’t add pressure to your eyes.
You can also opt for gas-permeable contact lenses that allow oxygen to enter your eyes.
The 1-Day ACUVUE OASYS with HydraLuxe has a tear-infused design to keep your eyes moist throughout your workout.
Contact lenses are best for people who play contact sports, often wear headgear, and need good peripheral vision when working out.
They’re also suitable if you work out for long periods and want uninterrupted gym sessions.
Eye Care Tips for Working Out
Since you’re wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, it’s even more important to follow this eye care tip: consume vitamins and minerals to keep your eyes healthy.
Even if you need prescription glasses, it doesn’t mean all is lost for your vision.
Sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals—like omega-3 fatty acids that prevent dry eye and macular degeneration and vitamin E that lowers cataract risk—preserves your vision in the long term.
If you prefer wearing eyeglasses, you can use straps to secure them around your head so they keep from falling—even though they’re impact-resistant.
For contact lens wearers, remove your contacts after workouts and clean them to prevent infection due to sweat.
You can achieve safe and efficient workouts when you wear proper eyewear.
Whether you opt for eyeglasses or contact lenses, you’ll enjoy more fitness activities with clear vision.
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