What to Consider for Choosing the Right Sunglasses For Tennis
Sunglasses are quickly becoming a tennis staple, from players donning shades on the court to spectators in the stands.
Tennis players have even begun flaunting designer frames lately, with Jannik Sinner’s campaign for fashion house Gucci being a prime example of how they’ve become a top accessory. Beyond fashion, they’re crucial for protection and comfort, enabling players to keep their eyes and vision in top condition for enhanced performance. Whether for blocking out harsh UV rays or shielding from dust and debris, sunglasses are a must-have for players. Not any kind of pair will do; there are crucial things to consider before buying a pair to ensure it won’t make it difficult for you to see the ball or your opponent. Here’s how to choose the right sunglasses for tennis:
UV protection
UV rays can cause significant damage to the eyes without proper protection. Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of developing various issues and conditions, including macular degeneration, cataracts, and cancer of the eyelid, all of which compromise vision. As such, UV protection should be your first priority when looking for the right shades for playing tennis. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection or a rating of UV400 are a must for optimal safety. Poor-quality sunglasses without this protection may cause more damage, as the dark-tinted lenses dilate the pupil and allow more light to enter. Always look for a label that indicates UV protection, and go for reputable brands over cheap frames to avoid buying subpar sunglasses.
Lens tints and types
UV protection is crucial, but you’d also want to consider sunglasses that can enhance color, contrast, and depth perception. Lens tints play an important role in enhancing your vision while playing. Brown lenses like copper and rose boost your contrast, improving your color and depth perception to allow bright hues like those of a tennis ball to stand out. They also work under most lighting conditions. Yellow lenses can work well in low lighting, making them useful for nighttime games. The type of lenses is also something to consider. You may be looking at polarized lenses that help block glare from reflective surfaces, but they might affect your depth perception. Consider your usual playing environment before you invest in certain lenses.
Vision correction
If you have vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness, playing tennis can be challenging without the right vision correction. Contact lenses can be a good option, but not everyone is comfortable with them, and they’re easily affected by environmental conditions. Glasses can also work but don’t protect against the sun’s rays. Prescription sunglasses can offer clear vision on the court without sacrificing UV protection. You won’t have to deal with blurriness or glare, enabling you to play at your best. They don’t compromise on style, either. Retailer Eyebuydirect offers a wide range of prescription shades that look sleek and stylish, like the Virtual and Shadow models. You can also wear them off the court for clarity and protection wherever you go.
Frame design
The design of your frames goes beyond fashion; they can ensure better coverage and comfort on the court. While traditional sunglasses styles like round and square frames can do the trick for protection and style, you can consider investing in sports sunglasses. They’re typically designed with a wraparound frame, which covers the eyes from more angles and prevents UV rays and debris from entering the eye. Since they’re made to cater to the needs of athletes, they’re also lightweight, durable, and come with various features to enhance visual clarity and comfort. Sport sunglasses like those from Oakley showcase the benefits of this kind of frame design. The Sphaera model has a goggle-like wraparound design that covers a large area while still maintaining a weightless feel. Aside from the top part, the frames are rimless to avoid obstructing your vision. The nose pads made from Unobtainium material also ensure they won’t slip down your face when you sweat.
