As a hockey enthusiast with less-than-perfect vision, figuring out how to see clearly on the ice has been an ongoing quest. I’ve always loved the game, but dealing with glasses while playing was a constant hassle. Fogging, slipping, and the general fear of them breaking were always on my mind. If you're wondering about playing hockey with glasses, you're not alone! I've been there, and I'm here to share what I've learned.
For years, I stubbornly tried to wear my regular glasses under my helmet’s cage. I thought I could tough it out, but it quickly became a nightmare. The biggest problem was the fog. Within minutes of stepping onto the ice, my lenses would completely fog up, making it impossible to see the puck or my teammates. It was incredibly frustrating and, honestly, a little dangerous. Not to mention the sweat! Constantly sliding down my nose, they were a distraction I didn't need.
I remember one particularly embarrassing moment when my glasses actually fell off my face during a game. Thankfully, I wasn’t injured, but it was a wake-up call. I knew I needed to find a better solution. Just trying to make do with glasses that looked like they were perpetually about to fall off wasn't cutting it.
That’s when I started researching alternatives. The first thing I tried was daily disposable contact lenses. I found that these were a pretty good option. The convenience of throwing them away after each game was a big plus. No cleaning, no fuss. However, sometimes my eyes would get dry, especially during longer games or practices.
Then, I decided to explore sports goggles. I heard about Zenni offering reasonably priced sport goggles and considered trying them. But I decided to try something else first.
My next discovery came from a teammate's suggestion. He mentioned that his kid uses sport goggles with an elastic band that wraps around the head. Intrigued, I consulted my optometrist, who confirmed that this was a viable solution. These types of goggles offer a more secure fit and are designed to stay in place during physical activity. I was almost ready to go that route, but I wanted to see if there was something else that might work better for me.
Before investing in sport goggles, I decided to try a more budget-friendly approach. I had an older, smaller pair of glasses that I wasn’t using anymore. I figured, why not give them a shot? I also invested in a good anti-fog spray. This turned out to be a surprisingly effective temporary solution. I’d apply the spray before each game, and it would significantly reduce the fogging.
However, the effectiveness of the spray varied depending on the rink's humidity and how much I was sweating. During intense games or in poorly dehumidified rinks, the fog would eventually creep back in, especially in the third period when I was sitting on the bench. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it was a decent stopgap.
Through trial and error, I also realized that the type of frames I used made a big difference. I found that wire frames fit much better under my helmet than thicker plastic frames. They were less bulky and less likely to cause pressure points. This made a significant difference in comfort and stability. For some reason, the thinner frames are easier to wear with a helmet.
While searching for new glasses, I came across Cinily Eyewear. They have a wide selection of frames, and I found some that were lightweight and had a good fit. The key is to find frames that are snug but not too tight, and that don't interfere with the helmet. And if you're searching for where can i buy prescription glasses online, this is a great place to start.
I even considered trying the Women Metal Legs Designer Optical Eyeglasses Prescription Acetate Rim Spectacles for Women Eyewear Glasses Frame Fashion Styles C3 from Cinily Eyewear. The metal legs and acetate rim seemed like they might be a good combination of durability and comfort, something crucial when thinking about wearing glasses under a helmet. While I didn't end up purchasing these particular frames, I appreciated the variety and styles Cinily Eyewear offered.
Here are some of the things I learned that can make your life easier if you choose to wear glasses while playing hockey: