There's More To Sports Eyewear Than Meets The Eye - Part Two: Maximising Performance

The difference between winning and losing insports as they enhance the grey shadows on the
sport is often marginal and we are all searchingski slopes. This allows you to 'read' the slope
for that edge, whether you are off piste or onbetter and anticipate ridges and bumps in the
the track, optimal visual performance is crucial.snow. In very bright and sunny ski conditions,
As a sports person or athlete wishing to excel inhowever, polarised lenses are the perfect choice
your chosen field you require peak performanceto reduce the reflected glare. A popular
from your entire body including your eyes. Usingcompromise is to have amber or rose tinted
appropriate eyewear with the correct tint cangoggles for dull days and a second pair of
help maximise your visual performance bypolarised sports sunglasses for use on those
eliminating harmful ultra-violet (UV) light, reducingperfect skiing days!
glare and increasing contrast. All these factorsTennis players may find that yellow tints enhance
work together to reduce distractions and enhancethe contrast between the court and the yellow
performance. With sports participation becomingball. The enhanced visual acuity provided by yellow
more and more popular the demand for expertisetints also makes them an ideal lens for driving.
in sports vision is increasing.Another high contrast lens tint is orange. This tint
Maximise Performanceis perfect for general wear and variable light
The use of different coloured lens tints toconditions.
maximise visual performance during sport isMany manufacturers have developed
becoming increasingly popular. Lens tints work byinterchangable lens systems which allows you to
filtering out certain colours allowing you to see theput different lenses into the same frames.
most important things! Depending on your sportDepending on the weather conditions and the
certain lens tints are more appropriate thansport you are participating in, the ideal lens can be
others.inserted quickly and easily into your chosen frame.
Golfers may find that grey or grey-green lensesThis is a cost effective way of increasing your
make it easier to outline the course and giveeyewear options.
definition to course objects such as the flag andThe choice of combinations of lenses, designs and
ball. This colour lens is great for all weather use asstyles is seemingly endless. It is, however, worth
overall colour perception is unchanged.investing some time and thought into your specific
Photochromic lenses are also great for golf. Theseneeds. Ideally, if you are serious about your sport,
are lenses which darken in bright light and areyou should seek some advice from a professional.
useful when moving from light to shade.Some Optometrists are now specialising in sports
Photochromic lenses are also useful for anyvision and would be best placed to offer specific
outdoor sport when the weather is partly cloudyadvice. At the very least always insist on one
and partly sunny.hundred percent UV protection and consider the
Amber tints effectively block blue light anddemands of your sport.
enhance contrast and depth in low light conditionsWe all wear sport specific footwear, now's the
such as early morning light, twilight or rainy days.time to start thinking about sport specific
Amber as well as rose tints are great for wintereyewear!