When you’re on the field or the track, having the right eyewear is crucial for performance and safety.
If you normally wear glasses to see well, a pair of prescription sports glasses ensures that that you can see clearly so you don’t compromise your game.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of top prescription sports glasses, catering to a wide range of activities and requirements. So whether you’re a runner, a cyclist, or a football player, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to learn about the best prescription sports glasses on the market and the essential features to look for when making your choice.
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Best Prescription Sports Glasses
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL is an extremely versatile pair that can be used for a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, hiking, golfing, and other outdoor sports.
The customizable lens options (including PRIZM lenses) and superior protection from UV rays and glare make it a great choice for athletes who participate in different activities and encounter varying lighting conditions.
It has a grippy, secure fit and the lightweight O Matter™ frame also make the Flak 2.0 XL suitable for high-impact sports like basketball and soccer.
Best of all, you can also get them with authentic Oakley prescription lenses if you normally wear prescription glasses.
Tifosi Dolomite
If you want impressive value for money, it’s hard to beat a pair of Tifosi performance glasses.
The Tifosi Dolomite is highly recommended due to its exceptional value, lightweight construction, and versatility. It’s a high-wrap 8-base frame that provides great protection from the elements and excellent peripheral vision while running, cycling, or playing field sports like soccer or lacrosse.
Loads of mountain bikers also like the Dolomite, as do racquetball ball players.
They’re designed with grip-inducing rubber ear and nose pieces that keep them in place even when sweaty.
The frame is made from durable TR-90 nylon material, and the lenses are vented to prevent fogging. Of course, you can also get these customized with prescription lenses.
Best Prescription Glasses For Pickleball
Smith Guide’s Choice
When it comes to fishing and water sports, Smith Optics Guide’s Choice is consistently a top pick amongst anglers bar none. These aren’t your average sunnies; their unique ChromaPop™ polarized lenses not only reduce glare but also amp up color and contrast, letting you spot those elusive fish with ease.
Combined with a wraparound 8-base frame, the Guide’s Choice is comfortable to wear and provides excellent coverage with a remarkable field of vision (there’s even a Guide’s Choice XL for larger noggins).
On top of all this, they can be fitted with prescription lenses – including progressives – and your choice of lens tint, ensuring you don’t miss the perfect catch.
Liberty Sport Rec Specs Maxx-30
The Liberty Sport Maxx-30 sports glasses are designed specifically for youth and have a wraparound style for maximum coverage and protection.
They meet or exceed ASTM F803 impact resistance standards for several sports, so parents can trust that their kids will be safe on the playing field.
The Maxx-30 also has a hingeless design and comes in two different sizes. Plus, it’s eligible for prescription lenses, making it a great choice for young athletes who need corrective lenses.
Rec Specs Helmet Spex
One of the biggest issues when finding appropriate sports glasses for football, lacrosse, or hockey is the fact that you need to find something that fits well under a helmet.
But with the Rec Specs Helmet Spex, you won’t have to worry.
They’re designed to fit perfectly underneath a helmet, meet or exceed ASTM F803 standards for impact resistance, and stay on securely during gameplay with the adjustable strap.
The lenses are also highly ventilated, which helps prevent fogging.
The Helmet Spex comes in two different sizes (as well as a separate, larger Helmet Spex XL) and can also be customized with prescription lenses for athletes who can’t see well without glasses.
Wiley X Gamer
Finally, the sleek and sturdy Wiley X Gamer is ideal for youth athletes or adults with narrower faces.
The 6-base lens can accommodate higher prescriptions while still offering great peripheral vision and coverage.
Of course, it meets ASTM F803 safety standards for impact, providing superior protection for football, soccer, and basketball players.
The Gamer also has a convertible frame so it’s easy to switch between glasses and goggles.
It comes with an adjustable strap that can be used to connect the temple arms behind your head for a secure fit, or it can be worn without any arms at all for full leash-style goggles.
What Should I Look for When Buying Prescription Sports Glasses?
Frame Design & Coverage
Selecting a frame design that provides adequate coverage and protection for your specific sport is crucial. Consider factors like lens coverage, wrap design, and helmet compatibility. For example:
Cyclists may prefer semi-rimless frames, which increase ventilation and reduce fogging.
Field sports enthusiasts should opt for full-rim wraparound frames, offering greater impact protection for high-contact sports.
Higher base curves (6-base or 8-base) provide better coverage than lower base curves (4-base), but may limit prescription lens compatibility.
Fit & Grip
Ensure the frame fits comfortably and securely without being too tight or loose. Look for:
- Adjustable nosepieces and temple tips for a snug fit.
- Hydrophilic rubber materials on nose pieces and temple tips so glasses don’t slide down even when sweaty.
- Removable or goggle-style straps for added security.
Safety & Protection
Choose glasses that meet ASTM F803 safety standards for impact resistance, especially for high-impact field sports.
Lightweight frames made of durable materials like polycarbonate, nylon, or TR-90 provide comfort and protection.
For higher protection, consider ANSI-Z87-rated safety glasses with customizable prescription lenses.
Lens Material & Technology
Select lenses that can withstand impact, such as polycarbonate, which is lightweight, shatterproof, and inherently UV-protective. Additional lens technologies include:
- Polarized lenses: Reduces glare and reflection off water surfaces, ice and snow.
- Photochromic or light-adjusting lenses: Automatically darkens in bright light. Great for activities with variable light conditions such as mountain biking or golf.
Prescription Eligibility
Not all sports glasses can take Rx lenses, so ensure the sports glasses you’re considering are prescription-eligible.
Note that wraparound frames with high base curves (8- or 10-base) may not be suitable for strong prescriptions, as they can cause visual distortion.
Solutions for this issue include:
- Separate Rx inserts worn under the lens.
- Digital surfacing technology for accommodating higher prescriptions in curved lenses (at an additional cost).
Tints & Contrast
Choose lens colors and enhancements based on lighting conditions and performance needs:
- Yellow or orange tints: Enhance contrast and depth perception in low-light conditions, ideal for cycling in overcast or foggy weather.
- Gray tints: Reduce brightness without distorting color perception, perfect for sunny days.
- Polarized lenses: Great for water and snow sports since they reduce glare from reflective surfaces.
- Color-boosting technology or light-filtering capabilities: Advanced lens technologies such as Oakley PRIZM lenses help you see objects and details more clearly by increasing contrast and making visuals pop.
Anti-Fog & Ventilation
Where possible, choose a pair of sports glasses with ventilation and anti-fog features such as:
- Frame vents for air circulation and fog prevention.
- Anti-fog lens coatings to resist fog buildup.
In addition to fog-resistant lenses, many sports glasses feature foam gaskets along the frame that help keep dust and sweat out of your eyes. These gaskets can also provide additional cushioning for comfort.
Where Can I Find Quality Prescription Sports Glasses?
SportRx
The biggest sport and performance eyewear company around.
SportRx specializes in prescription sports eyewear with an extensive list of brands and styles. It has a user-friendly website and live optician support if you have any questions.
Marvel Optics
Provides affordable prescription sports glasses from popular brands like Nike, Oakley, and Wiley X, with competitive prices.
RX Safety
In business for over 20 years, Rx Safety has a wide selection of prescription sport and safety glasses, including Rec Specs, Wiley X, and Bolle.
SafetyGearPro
Offers safety glasses and goggles, including prescription options, suitable for sports like racquetball, basketball, and football.
Zenni Optical
Besides regular glasses, Zenni offers prescription sports glasses and protective goggles for adults, teens, and children.