If you're a cycling enthusiast, chances are you reach for your shades before hitting the road, aiming to shield your eyes from sun and wind. But beyond just reducing glare, cycling glasses offer a plethora of benefits, safeguarding your eyes from harm and ensuring clear vision ahead. Despite these advantages, many cyclists overlook this simple precaution.
Consider this: a 2016 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that cycling ranked as the fourth-leading sport associated with ER visits for eye injuries. That alone underscores the importance of wearing eye protection, be it clear cycling glasses or mountain biking goggles. So, what exactly do these glasses shield you from? Let's delve into the top hazards that performance eyewear guards against during your ride.
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Debris: Whether you're on the road or tearing through mountain trails, cycling glasses act as a barrier against bugs, pebbles, dust, and other flying objects that could potentially strike your eyes.
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Wind: High-speed cycling can dry out your eyes and cause tearing, leading to blurred vision. Glasses mitigate this by blocking wind exposure, ensuring your vision remains crisp and clear.
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Rain & Splashes: Riding through rain or puddles can be a challenge for your eyes. Well-designed cycling glasses not only shield against rain but also repel moisture, maintaining optimal visibility.
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Unseen Obstacles: Tinted or mirrored lenses not only reduce sun glare but also enhance contrast, aiding in spotting obstacles or hazards on your path.
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Crash Protection: Nobody plans to fall off their bike, but accidents happen. Impact-resistant lenses and durable frames offer vital protection, minimizing the risk of eye injury during a crash.
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UV Rays: Blocking harmful UV rays is a crucial safety feature of cycling glasses. Even clear lenses provide UV protection, ensuring your eyes are shielded regardless of the time of day.
Bonus Tip: For downhill mountain biking, consider MTB goggles. With larger lenses for enhanced physical protection and a broader field of vision, they're ideal for navigating through forests at high speeds with clarity and precision
