Olympic athletes need optimal vision for competing at the highest level of their chosen sport. They also like to look cool. This is why so many of them were donning various types of eyewear and eye protection in Bejing at the Olympics.
For example, Cross-country skiers don’t wear helmets, but the US’ Katharine Ogden, dons these glasses for her sport. The wide, curved lenses give skiers a cylindrical field of vision and are said to enhance contrast when visibility is poor. Yes, the Face Shield Olympic Luge Athletes Wear Protects them From the Extreme Cold, but Did you Know it also Protects Their Face and Eyes from Injury if They Were to Crash?
Think you Couldn’t Compete in Olympic Archery or be an Olympic Biathlete Because you Have Poor Vision? Think again!
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All ski and snowboard goggles offer some basic protection from wind & cold, but beyond the basics, there are some key features to consider: lens type, lens color/tint, interchangeable lenses, frame size and fit! Olympic athletes will have to determine what color of lens will benefit them most, in their current weather conditions.
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Many Olympic athletes rely on Oakley performance eyewear for optical clarity, uncompromising protection and superior comfort. Oakley has engineered a full array of premium lens tints that adapt vision and maximize performance for any environment, and the company’s patented lens technologies offer the performance edge of High Definition Optics® (HDO®). Oakley eyewear offers superior visual fidelity for true, accurate vision that improves concentration and mental focus, reduces eyestrain and squinting, and enhances relaxation by reducing wind exposure and filtering out harsh glare. Olympic athletes can also depend on the company’s impact protection and 100% UV filtering.
In addition to offering the optical clarity, precision and protection of High Definition Optics® (HDO®), Oakley eyewear gives Olympians critical performance advantages by reducing eyestrain and squinting while improving concentration and relaxation to help maintain mental focus. We could all benefit from reduced eye strain and squinting!
Winter Eyecare Do’s and Don’ts
Winter Eye Care: Tips for Maintaining Vision Health During Winter Activities
- Winter Eyewear for Outdoor Activities – Since the sun’s heat may not feel as intense during the winter months, it can be easy to forget proper eyewear when participating in outdoor activities. However, winter sunlight can still cause problems for vision health, especially if your eyes are not protected. Always make sure to have a good pair of sunglasses – or goggles if you’re hitting the slopes – to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays during the winter.
- 100 Percent UV Protection – When choosing winter eyewear, it’s wise to avoid settling for anything but the best. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are reflected by the ice and snow, which adds an extra UV risk to winter activities. Look for sunglasses or goggles that offer 100 percent UV protection, and keep harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes.
- Dry Eyes – what makes them worse– Dry eyes is a condition that is very common in Colorado due to our dry climate and intense ultraviolet light exposure. As we grow older, our eyes simply produce fewer lubricating tears. Both men and women may be effected by dry eyes, although women are more prone after menopause and during pregnancy. Contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes because they cause an increase in tear evaporation. Common medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, and anti-depressants can also cause dry eye. Underlying systemic conditions may contribute to dry eyes as well. Studies have shown that with computer use we blink 40% less, resulting in increased evaporation of the tears.
- Contact Lens Care – Cold, dry winter air can also lead to discomfort if you wear contact lenses, and your eye care specialist may be able to suggest moisturizing drops to keep your eyes comfortable while wearing contacts. Wearing glasses more often may also be an option if the winter air causes trouble with contacts.
- Winter Eye Exam – An annual eye exam is one of the best ways to catch potential vision problems, and get answers to your winter eye care questions from a trusted source. If you haven’t scheduled your annual eye exam yet for this year, then winter can be a great time to make it happen!
Winter eye safety is crucial when spending time in cold weather, and when you’re inside warming up after a day of winter fun. It’s important to remember that the sun’s UV rays are still strong during the winter, and finding the right eye protection is just as important in the winter as it is during the warm, sunny summer months. Winter = Glare
If you have any questions about your winter eye care needs, one of our eye doctors can be a great source of advice. Whether you’re an aspiring Olympic athlete or simply looking forward to enjoying the show, the winter months are a great time to focus on eye care and vision health.
