Can You Play Soccer With Contact Lenses? [Best Tips & Safety] 2023

Do you know that you can play soccer with contact lenses?

When considering the safety of playing soccer, itS advisable to opt for contact lenses rather than glasses. Glasses have the potential to shatter and cause eye injuries when hit on the face.

Both glasses and contact lenses are effective in correcting vision, but contact lenses are the preferred option for soccer players due to their ability to offer unobstructed peripheral vision and resist fogging and splatters of rain or sweat.

Contact lenses provide a secure and comfortable fit as they do not require adjustments and are less likely to slip off during soccer activities, allowing players to focus on the game for hours without concern.

It provides a clear vision, enabling soccer players to make accurate passes and score goals on the field. However, it is essential to follow proper safety tips and precautions to avoid potential risks.

In this article, we will discuss the advantages of playing soccer with contact lenses, as well as guidelines to ensure it’s safe and comfortable use during the game.

Can You Play Soccer With Contact Lenses? 

The easy answer is yes, you can play soccer with soccer lenses.

Most importantly contact lenses are even worn to help better eye vision, and help in better soccer game performances.

Contact lenses are much easier and more convenient for you to wear while playing on the field. They do not come with framing or give you discomfort when you head the ball to make a pass to your teammate.

Asides from heading the ball, soccer requires you to run, shoot, pass, dribble, attack, and tackle the ball with precision and have a target, as such,  wearing contact lenses is safer. 

Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo wears contact lenses on the playing field to better his vision and increase his performance level.

Asides from CR7, other soccer players such as Andres Iniesta, Mario Balotelli, Alvaro Arbeloa, and David De Gea, wear contact lenses and plays flawlessly and elegantly on the field.

Now, I don’t think they will be able to run or pass with an eyeglass slipping off their faces on every move and turn they make. 

Are Contact Lenses Dangerous While Playing Soccer?

Contact lenses are the right option for you if you want to play soccer safely.

You can wear contact lenses on the playing field and it is completely safe. With eyeglasses, you are not guaranteed this safety. 

If you’re playing soccer as a defender, wearing contact lenses can be risky if you get hit in the eye during a tackle or by an opposing player.

This is a common problem that we have seen happen many times. Also, some contact lenses are made of glass which can shatter if broken and cause serious damage to the eye, even leading to permanent loss of eyesight.

Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid using low-quality lenses that are cheap, as they may not provide the necessary protection for your eyes.

Although, it is safe that you buy softer contact lenses as they are pliable and do not cause any damage to your eye. 

Contact lenses give you that edge and flexibility while playing on the field. 

SEE ALSO | WHY DO SOCCER PLAYERS WEAR LONG SOCKS? |THE BENEFITS

Why Do Soccer Players Wear Contact Lenses?

There are many reasons why soccer players prefer contact lenses over eyeglasses. Below are some of those reasons:

• Contact lenses do not cast a shadow or reflection
• Contact lenses maintain a single position even when a player is jumping, passing, running, dribbling, tackling, etc
• They are not broken or damaged easily like eyeglasses
• They are affordable
• Contact lenses do not get affected by dew, rain, or fog
• Contact lenses provide better and clear eye vision 
• They are known to provide better peripheral sight
• They are comfortable and easy to wear
• You do not have to adjust constantly like you would eyeglasses 
• They  are not likely to get out of place – your face
• They do not cause eye injury, wounds, or bruises

What Are The Safety Tips For Soccer Players Who Wear Contact Lenses?

Since contact lenses are recommended and safe for soccer players, there are some safety tips and precautions eye doctors advise to take seriously to prevent harm.

Below are safety tips to follow: 

• Do not sleep with contact lenses on, even your eyelids hold some specks of dirt or  germs in them
• Do not swim or come in contact with water while wearing contact lenses 
• Never clean your contact lenses with saline water
• After 3 months, you are advised to replace your contact lenses
• Purchase a new contact lens solution once finished
• Do not reuse contact lenses that are supposed to be worn in a day
• If you feel discomfort, remove contact lenses  immediately

How Do You Properly Care For Contact Lenses

To ensure that you make use of contact lenses for a long time, you need to take care of them properly. Here are some ways  you can care for them:

• Always wash and dry your hands before touching contacts lenses
• Follow up on checkups with the eye doctor
• Keep contact lenses away from water since it can lead to bacterial growth and vision loss
• Wear and replace contact lenses at recommended times
• Do not use saliva to wet your contact lenses
• Seek professional medical help if you notice any discomfort or problem with contact lenses 

Best Contact Lenses For Soccer Players

When it comes to choosing the best contact lenses for soccer players, there are a few factors to consider such as comfort, durability, and stability.

Here are some options to consider:

Daily disposable lenses

One of the benefits of using daily disposable lenses for soccer players is that they can be disposed of after each use, which lowers the risk of developing infections or irritation.

They usually offer enhanced comfort and stability during physical activity.

Silicone hydrogel lenses

For soccer players, silicone hydrogel lenses are a fantastic alternative since they enable more oxygen to reach the eyes, preventing dryness and discomfort over extended wear times.

These lenses are also strong and provide great vision stability during intense gameplay.

Gas permeable lenses:

These lenses are a perfect alternative for soccer players who are at risk of being hit in the eye because they are more reliable and durable.

They also offer good vision stability, though getting acclimated to them could take some time.

60-78KHz Ultrasonic 

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1-Day Acuvue Moist U

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PuriLens Plus

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Solid Sports Mirrored 

Premium Contact Lens 

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What Safety Measures Must Be Taken During A Soccer Match?

It’s crucial to take extra care of your eyes while playing soccer and avoid tough headers or crazy defenders who can accidentally poke you in the eye.

Also, it’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes while wearing lenses, as this can displace them. Before applying lenses, make sure to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer if available.

Another common mistake is not keeping the left and right lenses separate, which can lead to confusion when wearing them.

Regular eye exams and consultations with a doctor are also important when using contact lenses to ensure they are not negatively affecting your eyes.

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SEE ALSO | WHY DO SOCCER PLAYERS EXCHANGE JERSEYS? 2022

FAQs

How many hours is it safe to wear contact lenses? 

Contact lenses are to be worn for a maximum of 10 hours per day. If you feel any discomfort, feel free to remove it immediately. 

Does sweat affect contact lenses?

It’s normal to sweat during training or even on hot days. If sweat gets into contact lenses, it causes discomfort such as pricking, heating, irritation, and irking.

It is advised you wear a headband to help in absorbing sweat droplets when you go for training. 

What are the side effects of wearing contacts for too long? 

Wearing contact lenses for more than 10 hours causes blurry vision, eye soreness, discomfort, running eyes, eye infection, and being easily reactive to light.

Are contact lenses better than glasses?

Yes, they are. When it comes to comfort and improving vision, contact lenses are better than glasses.

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Final Thoughts

You can play soccer with contact lenses and it is completely safe, even eye doctors recommend it. Eyeglasses and others goggles do not give the comfort, eye vision, and safety tips contact lenses do while playing on the field. 

It’s important to take the precautions I’ve mentioned and prioritize the use of high-quality lenses that won’t harm your eyes.

Protecting your vision is crucial, so please keep these tips in mind