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According to the National Society to Prevent Blindness, almost 7,000
injuries were found to be related to playing basketball. This only
represents the injuries that were reported, so the number can be
even more than that. Typically, the injury is sustained from a
finger poking 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. Even if
you need a slight vision correction, it will help you see the ball
one second sooner, or help your aim by a fraction of an inch. Look
for the following when selecting the right type of goggle:
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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 or finger.
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Durable Frame Design:
The frame must also be able to withstand the impact of a ball or
finger. Therefore, a frame made out of polycarbon is the the best
choice. Shields are becoming more popular for this sport, however,
do not offer the best protection. (see coverage below).
- Coverage:
The frame must cover the entire eye socket, not only the eyeball
itself. Impact to any of the "soft" parts of the eye can cause
serious damage. Look for a frame that sits closely to the face, as a
finger can easily make its way through any gap. Shields can easily
become dislodged so a finger can penetrate underneath. Be careful if
choosing this option.
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Padding: The frame should have padding at the temple
points and bridge points to "cushion the blow". Padding will absorb
some of the shock to lessen the overall impact, and to assure the
frame itself does not cause damage to the facial structures.
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Sports Band:
The frame should be secured by an elasticized band, not temple
pieces. You want something that will be secured tight to the head so
that it won't fall off. A frame with temples will not hold tight
enough, and a jab from a finger could lift the frame off, and make
its way to the eye.
- Lens Color:
A clear lens provides the best visual acuity indoors. An
anti-reflective coating can also be placed on the lens to absorb
additional glare off the indoor 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.
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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.
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Recommended Styles:
Rec Specs
and Hilco Sports
goggles--meet all of the above requirements, and can be fit with a
prescription lens. Shields type designs these are not the safest type of
frame as they can be easily dislodged and do not provide the same
protection. Other good shields are from Bolle, Smith ,
Rudy Project and
Wiley-X. Or, if you want a prescription
lens that is built directly into the frame, the
Wiley-X SG-1 that can be fit with lenses
directly in, but come with a strap so that they fit like goggles.
Or, you choose a regular sunglass style and put clear (or yellow to cut
glare) safety lenses in them. Secure the frame with a strap.
Shop all Basketball Glasses Now!
To Improve Your Game: Check
out our vision training products including the Bat-Rac
here.
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Look For
-Polycarbonate
lenses
-Durable
Frame Design
-Coverage
-Padding
-Lens
Color
-Sports
Band
-Prescription
Capability
Recommended Styles
Safety Rated for Sports:
-Rec-Specs
Sports Goggles
-Hilco Sports Goggles
Not Safety Rated for sports:
-Bolle
Vigillante or Parole
-Rudy Project Rydon,
Kerosene
Safety rated for
Occupational use, not sports:
-Wiley-X PT-1 or PT-2
Prescription Information
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are available with a
prescription lens. 
