Eyewear for Baseball

According to the National Society to prevent blindness, almost 7,000 injuries were found to be related to playing baseball. This only represents the injuries that were reported, so the number can be even more than that. Typically, the injury is sustained from a ball striking the batter or runner directly in the eye. Injuries can be prevented through the use of sport goggles. These goggles not only provide protection from injury, but can also be fit with your prescription in them. Look for the following when selecting the right type of goggle:

• Polycarbonate Lenses: This is the most important property of all protective goggles. Good polycarb is virtually unbreakable, and will sustain the impact of a ball.

• Durable Frame Design: The frame must also be able to withstand the impact of a ball . Therefore, a frame made out of polycarbon is the the best choice. A popular choice for baseball is also a shield design where the whole front of the frame is a lens made out of polycarbon, with temples made of plastic or some other material. This is also a suitable choice, and if you play at different times of the day, the shield can be interchanged with other colors to block sunlight (see Lens colors).
  

• Ultraviolet Protection: Since baseball is played outdoors, you need to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation.  (For more information, see UV and its Effects on the Eyes).
  

• Lens Color: If you are playing during the day, the sun can be blinding, especially for outfielders. Therefore, a tinted lens, typically a brown in color, can help you distinguish the ball better against the blue of the sky or the green of the grass. If playing at night, you want the lens to be clear to give the best visual acuity. An anti-reflective coating can also be placed on the lens to absorb additional glare off the stadium lighting. A regular lens reflects 8% of incidental light, while an anti-reflective coating applied to the lens will allow 99% of the light to pass through the lens, giving the best visual acuity.  A yellow lens can also be used to cut the glare of overhead lighting. However, the lens color will reduce visual acuity slowing down reaction times.
  

• Sports Band: A goggle has a sports band attached to it, but for shield designs, it advisable to get a sports band to ensure the frame stays on your face.
  

• Prescription Lenses: A goggle gives the widest field of view for the athlete. Shield must be fit with a prescription insert that fits behind the lens, and therefore, limits the periphery a little.
  

  Recommended Styles: Rec-Specs or Hilco for sports goggles that meet ASTM standards for sports, or Bolle,  Wiley-X for a shield (do not meet ASTM standards but are more stylish and do offer some protection).   These styles can be fit with a prescription lens or insert. Rudy Project has a flip up styles: the RB-3, Perception, Exception which are also available with a prescription lens.  Kaenon is also popular for baseball as many major leaguers are now wearing this brand. Also, the Gargoyles has the Ken Griffey, Jr. baseball style called F8.  Peakvision also has their dual lens technology so that the lens i darker at the top and lighter at the bottom. This blocks more light from above, but makes sure it is not too dark for more natural vision when looking at the field. The lower portion of the lens is also an amber color to increase contrast.

  Shop All Baseball Glasses Now!

  To Improve Your Game:  Check out our vision training products including the Bat-Rac here.