It’s not comfortable if you have to adjust your glasses while playing sports, as they are prone to falling off.
Whether you’re on the basketball court, running down the soccer field, or serving in a volleyball match, you know eyesight is important, and interruptions to fix your glasses aren’t just annoying as they can take you out of the game.
Let’s look at why glasses tend to slip off during physical activities and find out some practical solutions to keep them firmly in place so you can focus on scoring points, not pushing up your spectacles.
Why Do Glasses Fall Off During Sports?
Before figuring out a way to prevent your glasses fall off, you need to find the reason why your glasses might slip or fall off during your game time.
The Fit Isn’t Quite Right
A common reason glasses fall off is due to a poor fit. Glasses should sit comfortably on your nose and ears without pinching or pressing too hard, but they also need to be snug enough so that they don’t shift or slide during movements.
Fasteners Have Come Loose
Over time, the tiny screws on your glasses that connect the frames to the temples may loosen.
While this might not be noticeable during everyday activities, the added motion and sweat during sports can exacerbate the issue, causing your glasses to feel less secure and more likely to tumble off your face at an inopportune moment.
Frame Fumbles
If your frames are too wide or if the weight distribution is off due to heavy lenses or design, your glasses can slip down your nose or fall off entirely. It’s vital for athletic eyewear to have a good balance and a snug, not tight, fit.
When Temples Go Awry
Bent temples can also contribute to the instability of your glasses. When the temples don’t hold the contour of your head properly because they’ve been bent out of shape, the grip they provide significantly diminishes.
Sweat Slips
During intense physical activity, sweat production increases. This moisture can reduce the friction between your skin and your glasses, making them more prone to sliding off your face.
How to Keep Your Glasses From Slipping Off During Sports
Sports and glasses can get along with the help of a few clever tips and tools designed to keep your eyewear in place even when you’re in the heat of play. Here’s how to ensure a good game without the hassle:
1. Strap Them On Tight With Eyewear Bands
Eyewear bands are a simple yet effective solution to keep glasses secure. These bands, often made from neoprene, silicone, or other grippy materials, can be attached to the temple tips of your glasses.
They wrap around the back of your head so that even if your glasses get loose, they won’t fall off.
2. Secure with Friction
Friction sleeves, temple socks, and heat shrink tubing involve increasing the friction at the point where the glasses rest on your ears.
These solutions work by wrapping around the temple tips, making them thicker and thus more sticky against your skin. They offer an easy DIY approach to keep glasses in place.
3. Employ Temple Earhooks
Temple earhooks are small accessories that can be attached to the ends of your glasses’ temples.
They hook around your ears, similar to how sports sunglasses are designed, to make sure that your frames stay put no matter how vigorous your movements are.
4. Add a Glasses Chain for Security
Although these are often associated with reading glasses, sports chains and straps can work wonders. They loop onto the ends of your frame temples and can be tightened to your head’s size, providing additional security.
5. Apply a Wax Coating for Grip
Products like Nerdwax can be applied to the nose pads or temples of your glasses, giving them a tackier surface that clings to your skin. By reducing the slip-factor, these wax coatings can extend the time your glasses stay put, despite sweat or vigorous movements.
6. Improvised Solutions with Hair Ties and Rubber Bands
Another quick-fix is using hair ties or rubber bands wrapped around the temple tips to create extra grip. This makeshift method is cost-effective and can be surprisingly efficient at preventing your glasses from sliding.
7. Keep Frames in Shape with a Repair Kit
A dedicated eyeglass repair kit can be a lifesaver. Regularly tightening the screws can maintain a snug fit, but be careful not to over-tighten, as this can cause discomfort.
Also, frequent adjustments to keep the fit just right can be necessary, and becoming proficient with a repair kit empowers you to make these small fixes.
8. Correct Crooked Contours
If your temple arms have bent out of shape, a careful adjustment to realign them can make a world of difference. It’s often best to have this done professionally at an optician’s office where they have the right tools to gently bend the temples back into their proper place without damaging the material.
9. Increase Friction with Stick-on Nose Pads
Some glasses come with rubberized nose pads, which can certainly help with slippage, but if yours don’t, you can consider adding stick-on nose pads. These pads increase the contact area and provide better grip due to their rubbery texture.
They are especially useful for those who have a narrow bridge or oily skin that causes slippage. High-quality stick-on nose pads can last for a long time, but be mindful to replace them regularly for optimal performance and comfort.
10. Enhance Stability with a Retainer Cord or Strap
Adding a retainer cord or strap to your eyewear can give you peace of mind during sports activities. These accessories attach to the end of your frame temples and snugly secure around your head or neck, providing a safety net if your glasses slip.
11. Anchor Tips for a Firm Hold
Some eyewear bands and cords come with anchor tips designed to ensure your glasses stay put. These wrap around the temple ends and can be adjusted for tightness, giving you control over how tightly your glasses are held.
They are particularly useful in sports that involve a lot of movement and jostling, such as basketball or soccer.
12. Combat Skin Oil for Improved Grip
Oily skin can considerably reduce the friction needed to keep glasses in place. It’s a good practice to keep your face as oil-free as possible during sports by using oil-absorbent wipes or tissues before play and during breaks. This can be especially helpful in areas where your glasses rest, like your nose bridge and around your ears.
For some, wearing a headband can also help absorb sweat and oils before they reach your glasses, which reduces the chances of slippage. It’s not only functional but can be a stylish addition to your sports gear.
Be sure to choose a material that’s designed for athletic use, so it dries quickly and stays put even when you’re on the move.
13. Find the Right Fit and Weight
If you’ve tried all the adjustments and accessories and still find your glasses are a hindrance during sports, it may be time to consider specific eyewear tailored for athletic use.
These frames are designed with a focus on grip, balance, and lightweight materials that can handle the rigors of physical activity without becoming uncomfortable or falling off.
14. Lightweight Materials and Advanced Design
Seek out frames made from advanced materials like polycarbonate, which is lightweight and impact-resistant, perfect for sports where contact with a ball or other equipment is possible, such as basketball or soccer.
The design of the frame can also contribute to a better fit, with options such as wraparound styles that provide stability and protection from
all angles. When it comes to lenses, consider getting polycarbonate or trivex lenses, which are not only lighter but also shatter-resistant, making them a safe choice if the glasses do sustain an impact.
15. Customizable Fit Sports Glasses
Some sports glasses come with adjustable features, such as nose pads and temple lengths, which can be fine-tuned for your specific face shape and size. This allows for a precise fit, reducing the chances of them falling off during activity.
Additionally, these glasses often have a more substantial grip on the nose and temples, which helps them stay anchored in place.
16. Prescription Goggles as an Alternative
For those engaging in high-contact sports or where glasses movement is especially problematic, prescription sports goggles can be an excellent alternative.
These goggles provide a secure fit around your head with straps and are built to withstand vigorous movements, ensuring clear vision throughout the game.
Conclusion
Keeping your glasses from falling off during sports (like basketball, soccer, or volleyball) is important for not only your performance but also for your enjoyment and safety. It can be incredibly distracting and disruptive to constantly adjust your glasses while you’re trying to stay active and engaged in the game.
Hopefully, with the various strategies and accessories mentioned above, you can find a solution that works for you.
