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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
--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.
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
-Rec-Specs (all)
-Bolle Vigillante or Parole
-Rudy Project Freeon, Rydon, Kerosene
-Wiley-X PT-1 or PT-2
-Hilco Sports Goggles
Prescription Information
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are available with a
prescription lens. 
