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

The difference between winning and losing in sport iswell as rose tints are great for winter sports as they
often marginal and we are all searching for that edge,enhance the grey shadows on the ski slopes. This
whether you are off piste or on the track, optimalallows you to 'read' the slope better and anticipate
visual performance is crucial.ridges and bumps in the snow. In very bright and
As a sports person or athlete wishing to excel insunny ski conditions, however, polarised lenses are
your chosen field you require peak performance fromthe perfect choice to reduce the reflected glare. A
your entire body including your eyes. Usingpopular compromise is to have amber or rose tinted
appropriate eyewear with the correct tint can helpgoggles for dull days and a second pair of polarised
maximise your visual performance by eliminatingsports sunglasses for use on those perfect skiing
harmful ultra-violet (UV) light, reducing glare anddays!
increasing contrast. All these factors work togetherTennis players may find that yellow tints enhance the
to reduce distractions and enhance performance.contrast between the court and the yellow ball. The
With sports participation becoming more and moreenhanced visual acuity provided by yellow tints also
popular the demand for expertise in sports vision ismakes them an ideal lens for driving. Another high
increasing.contrast lens tint is orange. This tint is perfect for
Maximise Performancegeneral wear and variable light conditions.
The use of different coloured lens tints to maximiseMany manufacturers have developed interchangable
visual performance during sport is becominglens systems which allows you to put different lenses
increasingly popular. Lens tints work by filtering outinto the same frames. Depending on the weather
certain colours allowing you to see the mostconditions and the sport you are participating in, the
important things! Depending on your sport certain lensideal lens can be inserted quickly and easily into your
tints are more appropriate than others.chosen frame. This is a cost effective way of
Golfers may find that grey or grey-green lensesincreasing your eyewear options.
make it easier to outline the course and giveThe choice of combinations of lenses, designs and
definition to course objects such as the flag and ball.styles is seemingly endless. It is, however, worth
This colour lens is great for all weather use as overallinvesting some time and thought into your specific
colour perception is unchanged. Photochromic lensesneeds. Ideally, if you are serious about your sport,
are also great for golf. These are lenses whichyou should seek some advice from a professional.
darken in bright light and are useful when movingSome Optometrists are now specialising in sports
from light to shade. Photochromic lenses are alsovision and would be best placed to offer specific
useful for any outdoor sport when the weather isadvice. At the very least always insist on one
partly cloudy and partly sunny.hundred percent UV protection and consider the
Amber tints effectively block blue light and enhancedemands of your sport.
contrast and depth in low light conditions such asWe all wear sport specific footwear, now's the time
early morning light, twilight or rainy days. Amber asto start thinking about sport specific eyewear!