Game
b y We s l e y B u t l e r
F
or children who wear
prescription eyeglasses,
enrolling in sports may
seem like a challenge,
especially if they’re
wishing to play contact sports such
as football, martial arts and rugby.
The good news is they don’t have
to feel limited because they wear
frames.
Children should not wear their
regular eyeglasses while playing
sports. This can pose safety concerns
and can cause damage to the eye if
a child was injured during a game.
Regular frames are manufactured
with stiff metal and plastic frames
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On
that are only meant to correct while
at school, at play, or during any nonstrenuous activity.
Ordinary spectacles and contact
lenses do not adequately protect
the eye from impact or projectiles,
and on occasion, can be more
dangerous if the glass or contact lens
crack.
There has been a great deal
of research and technology into
developing sports eyewear that is
safe, durable and lightweight.
To accommodate young athletes,
well-known eyewear brands provide
sports goggles and safety straps that
are relatively inexpensive.
Get In The Action
“One of the best frames for children
participating in contact sports is
Miraflex,” said Gail DeCaluwe, an
optometrist at Loblaw Optical’s South
Cambridge location. “The beauty
is that the frames will accommodate
any child’s eyes, since they’re only just
developing. They are the sturdiest
frames you can find when it comes to
playing sports, including those that
involve tackling and other forms of
contact.”
Miraflex also comes with safety
straps that children can wrap around
their heads. Not only does this ensure
safety (so that glass doesn’t fly into a