Contact lenses can be convenient for many sports because they do not slide down the nose or fog like some glasses. They can also provide a wide field of view. However, lenses do not protect the eyes from impact, dust, or debris. The right plan depends on the sport, its setting, your prescription, and your eye health. An eye care professional can help you decide whether lenses, prescription eyewear, or a combination is appropriate.
For activities involving balls, bats, racquets, or physical contact, use protective eyewear designed for the sport. Regular glasses and contact lenses are not substitutes for impact-rated protection. Outdoor athletes may also need sunglasses or other protection from wind, dust, and bright light. Keep spare glasses and a clean lens case available if your practitioner recommends them, and consider how you will handle a lens that becomes displaced during activity.
Do not rinse lenses with water after a sweaty workout, and wash and dry your hands before handling them. Remove lenses before swimming or showering unless your clinician has given you a specific plan. If a lens shifts, becomes uncomfortable, or vision changes, stop the activity and address the problem safely. Seek prompt care for eye injury, pain, persistent redness, light sensitivity, or reduced vision. Ask your practitioner about sport-specific precautions before starting a new activity.