Sports contact lenses: why use them?

Better peripheral vision: As lenses sit directly on each eye, you're teed up for seamless, peripheral vision, regardless of where you look - and can enjoy a wider field of view while never missing a move.

Increased safety: Most sports, and all extreme sports can be especially dangerous when wearing eyeglasses instead of lenses, possibly causing an eye injury if you're hit in a tackle, or by a ball.

Freedom and comfort: Forget the fog and stop the slipping - lenses never need to be adjusted in the middle of a match and won't ever steam up, so you can just get on with the game.

Cleaner and clearer sight: Don’t let weather conditions or elements like dust, grass, or snow hold you back from reaching your goals, as lenses give you the best vision correction for your best performance.

Compatible with sports gear: Unlike glasses, which aren’t compatible with helmets, goggles, and face guards, contact lenses won’t obstruct your sports gear.

Additional UV protection: Throughout the seasons, your peepers need protection from harmful sun rays, and with many lenses featuring in-built UV blocking, they really are a complete no-brainer!

It’s time to cast all the myths and urban legends aside and show you how contact lenses are the most comfortable and safest vision-correcting method out there, especially if you play sports.

• Lenses can fall out of your eye: Although this might happen, it’s highly unlikely given that soft lenses are moulded perfectly to the eyeball.

• Lenses dry out when exercising outdoors: While it’s true that some alfresco activities, involving speed like cycling, mountain biking and trail running, may cause your lenses to dry out - this problem can be swiftly solved with the help of eye drops and wraparound glasses - easy! everclear Eye Drops featuring an effective and gentle formula work wonders for even the most sensitive peepers.

• A lens can get stuck behind your eye: A common misconception is that it's possible to lose a lens behind your eye, but as the experts in all things eyewear and care, we can confidently say that this is just a myth. Despite the eyes being the most delicate parts of your body, they’re also ultra-protected, so any foreign objects are washed away by tears or pushed out in a jiffy.

• Lenses can damage the eye if you’re hit: If you do happen to be hit directly in the eye, contact lenses are still a lot safer than a pair of specs. In fact, modern lenses are created from incredibly light, soft and smooth materials that won’t cause any damage at all - score!

• It’s expensive to get lenses for sport: False - lenses like dailies are super cost-effective, as you can buy a pack of 30 to wear whenever you want, without any waste. Our opticians recommend everclear ELITE - premium, mega-breathable and hydrating lenses for incredible value. Why not test the waters and give our free 5-day trial pack a go now?

• Lenses require too much care: Monthly lenses do need to be stored and cleaned in solution, but if you switch to daily disposables, they’re 100% maintenance-free! Pop them in for a session, and pre-shower, throw them away - no fuss, no solution, and no case needed.

Exclusive to Vision Direct, everclear ELITE lenses are super-comfy and convenient, with an ultra-hydrating formula to lock in moisture throughout your day. These daily disposable lenses, made with silicone hydrogel material, allow oxygen to pass through to your eyes, so they stay and look healthy for up to 12 hours. Wearers with dry eyes will benefit from the hydrophilic design, formulated to put an end to irritations and stop any itchiness. Plus, UV blocking offers an extra layer of defence against harmful sun rays.

Check out the sports that pair perfectly with your lenses and will transform each experience for the better.

Tempted to try out contact lenses, but unsure of where to begin? We’re super-excited to show you the ropes, but you’ll just need to chat to your optometrist before you get started to see if this is the correct course of action for you.

Get off to a flying start and fix your vision problems with soft daily disposable lenses. Manufactured to offer a more stable fit than a semi-rigid design, these lenses are breathable, keeping your eyes fresh and healthy whatever the activity. Constant hydration and hygiene is a guarantee, and they can be thrown away after a session, and prevent a build-up of nasty deposits. Plus, a pack of 30 can last you longer than a month if you don’t wear them every day - ka-ching!

If you enjoy daily lenses and want to wear them for longer, then two-weekly or monthly contact lenses are an alternative option. Once you've correctly mastered the cleaning and storing routine every night, this longer-wearing pattern, although more maintenance, will be a breeze. Kit yourself out with the multi-purpose everclear REFRESH All In One Solution and a durable Vision Direct contact lens case to stay ahead of the game.

Exercising outdoors is great for your overall well being, but not so much for your eyes! Luckily, lenses can offer that added level of protection from harmful sun rays, protecting them while you perfect your athletic skills. Our active customers love daily lenses like everclear ELITE, 1 Day Acuvue Moist, 1 Day Acuvue Trueye, Biomedics 1 Day Extra and MyDay.

Now we know you might be raring to take a dunk in the pool, but we have a couple of pointers for you before you backflip off the board. You might be asking: Can I swim with contact lenses? Our experts generally don't recommend using contact lenses for water sports, as contacts are more susceptible to bacteria in the water, causing eye infections. If you do need to swim, we recommend pairing daily disposable lenses with tight-fitting waterproof swimming goggles, or buying prescription goggles. Just be sure to throw lenses away as soon as you’re out of the pool.

Contact lens wearers! Don’t let dry eyes call the shots during your workouts, or fitness festivities - instead keep them hydrated with eye drops to revel in high-level performance and unbeatable vision. Remember that drinking water can make a difference too, as well as incorporating certain foods for eye health that are high in omega-3 fatty acids to increase tear production. Breakfast smoothies packed with fruits and delicious dishes, with fresh fish, and veggies will also prep you and your peepers up for greatness - promise!