Contact lenses offer substantial advantages over glasses when playing sports, such as larger field of view and unaltered by bad weather. In addition, with contact sports, such as football, both the player and opponents are safer if glasses are not involved.

Balance is the prime consideration when playing most sports, and wearing soft contact lenses offers consistent vision despite rapid eye movements. For more rigorous or dangerous activities, where optimal perception is necessary, toric soft contact lenses are recommended. In all cases, the biggest disadvantage of contact lenses is if they dry out and cause eye discomfort. If you’re wondering what lenses are best for your sport, read on.

Skiing – Most types of contact lens work well for skiing. Of course, it is necessary to use either goggles or sunglasses to provide protection from wind and cold, and therefore prevent lens dehydration.

Climbing at high altitude – Because of the reduced level of oxygen in the atmosphere at high altitude, high oxygen transmissibility soft lenses should be worn. Consider extended wear contacts to avoid difficulties with both handling and solutions in inclement conditions.

Swimming – in general, lenses are not recommended for swimming unless well-fitted goggles are worn as well. If you need to wear lenses, Soft contact lenses can be worn fairly successfully. However, use with caution, as some patients are very sensitive to chlorine absorbed by the lenses.

Scuba Diving – Overall, good results have been achieved with water content soft lenses when used for scuba diving. Keep in mind that air bubbles can form beneath lenses at depths of about 150ft or greater.