Keeping your eye on the ball takes on a new meaning when it comes to prescription sports glasses for kids, especially those who play Little League Baseball. Sports with flying objects present the potential for eye injuries and baseball is one of the the two leading causes of sports-related eye injuries in children ages 5 to 14, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. There are important things to keep in mind when selecting prescription sports glasses for baseball.
Significance
Safety is the biggest concern when picking out a pair of sports glasses for Little League Baseball play. Prevent Blindness reports that most of the more than 40,000 eye injuries that occur annually from sports could be prevented by protective eye wear. Sports-related eye injuries occur most often from baseball, basketball and racket sports.
Frames
Most sports frames, including baseball frames are usually made of a strong material called polycarbonate. Prescription baseball sports frames are available with a wrap-around feature, similar to goggles, so the frame fits snug around the head. The frames are smaller than regular glasses and usually fit under a batting helmet. The close fit of the frame allows for better peripheral vision. Sports frames usually come with rubber padding or cushions that are placed on points of contact on the head and nose.
Lenses
Polycarbonate is the only lens material recommended for children, whether the glasses are worn as sports or dress wear. Polycarbonate is the most impact-resistant material available for prescription lenses, 10 times more shatter-resistant than glass or regular plastic lenses. The material helps protect the eyes and face from fast moving balls and other flying objects. Prevent Blindness states that safety lenses help prevent the most common injuries, including scratched corneas and trauma to the eyes.
Fit
Certified opticians are trained to help customers select proper fitting eyewear, including sports glasses. The website Allaboutvision notes that parents should not succumb to the temptation to buy frames slightly larger than their child's current size in order to allow for growing room. Frames must fit properly to provide protection from injury. Wearing frames that are too small also poses a danger.
Benefits
Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses also have the additional benefit of built-in ultraviolet radiation protection. The lenses absorb 99 percent of UV light which is valuable for outdoor sports.
Warning
Never use regular eyeglasses for sports. Only sports frames and lenses provide the standards required to protect against eye injury. Even if dress glasses have polycarbonate lenses, frames that are made for everyday wear may break easier and pose a risk for injury. In addition to sports glasses, Prevent Blindness recommends the use of polycarbonate face guards with batting helmets. Faceguards cover the lower part of the face from the nose to the chin and help prevent additional injuries.
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