As a hockey enthusiast, I know the frustration of trying to see the puck clearly while battling on the ice. For those of us with less-than-perfect vision, the question of whether or not you can wear glasses while playing hockey is a crucial one. I've been there, and after a lot of trial and error, I've found some solutions that work. Let me share my experiences and what I've learned about playing hockey with glasses or contacts.
When I first started playing hockey, I tried wearing my regular glasses under my helmet and cage. Big mistake! They would constantly fog up from the sweat and the temperature changes in the rink. It was incredibly distracting and made it difficult to see the play develop. I even had a few close calls where I almost tripped because my vision was so impaired. It became clear that I needed a better solution.
I considered a few different options to solve this problem. I started researching alternatives to wearing standard glasses under my helmet.
The first thing I tried was switching to contacts. I found that single-use daily wear contacts were a great option. They’re convenient because you don’t have to worry about cleaning them, and you can just throw them away after each game. This significantly improved my vision and comfort on the ice. However, contacts aren't for everyone, and I wanted to find something that felt more secure.
Next, I looked into sport goggles. I discovered that there are specialized goggles designed to be worn during sports, and they fit comfortably under a hockey helmet. These goggles often have features like anti-fog coating and a secure strap to keep them in place.
After doing some research, I decided to try sport goggles. I looked at several brands and models, and I eventually settled on a pair from Cinily Net. I was looking for something durable, comfortable, and that wouldn't break the bank. I found a pair that fit the bill: the MERRYS DESIGN Men Sport Glasses Frames. These frames have an acetate frame, aluminum temples, and silicone legs, which make them both lightweight and sturdy. They're also designed to accommodate prescription lenses, which was a huge plus for me.
I've been using the MERRYS DESIGN frames for a few months now, and I'm really happy with them. They fit snugly under my helmet, and the silicone legs keep them from slipping. I haven't had any issues with fogging, even during intense games. They have really helped me to see the puck better and improve my game. You can find them here: MERRYS DESIGN Men Sport Glasses Frames.
I've also talked to other players who wear glasses while playing hockey. One guy on my team wears his regular glasses, but he admits that they sometimes look like they're about to fall off. He says he's just used to it. Another player I know uses an older, smaller pair of glasses and applies anti-fog spray before each game. He mentioned that the effectiveness of the spray depends on how humid the rink is and how much he sweats. He sometimes experiences fogging during the third period while sitting on the bench, but it clears up quickly once he's back on the ice.
I even talked to a parent whose child wears sport goggles with an elastic band that wraps around the head. They got them from their optometrist, so that's definitely a good place to start if you're considering this option. I also know people who wear glasses with larger frames, but they sometimes have trouble fitting them comfortably under their helmets. They also have to deal with fogging issues.
Based on my experience and what I've learned from other players, here are some practical tips for wearing glasses while playing hockey: