Eyewear is Important for Motorcycling Riding
If you ride a motorcycle, you know how important having proper eyewear is. There are many different options out there for both prescription glasses and sunglasses that aim to meet the needs of motorcyclists. Motorcycle glasses also come in many different shapes and styles, allowing you to pick out the best ones for your needs. Many motorcyclists make the mistake of not taking the time necessary to find the perfect sunglasses. However, technology has come a long way in recent years, and today, motorcycle glasses provide both comfort and safety. There are even numerous options out there that allow you to match your sunglasses to your riding gear.
When it comes to getting your motorcycle out on the open road, many factors will contribute to your overall experience. Sure, you need to make sure your bike is in proper working condition, and having the right boots, jacket, and helmet are all important. But what about your vision needs? This is something that is often neglected. There are many features of motorcycle glasses, all of which are designed to enhance your ride and ensure you make it to your destination safely. Motorcycle glasses allow you to see any potential hazards before it’s too late and will help you enjoy the road like it’s meant to be. When shopping for motorcycle glasses, be sure you opt for ones that are comfortable but also protective. Style isn’t everything. The first priority of glasses or goggles is to keep your eyes from getting injured while riding. However, this doesn’t mean you will end up with something you don’t like.
Today, we are going to take a closer look at what goes into buying the perfect pair of motorcycle glasses. We will also discuss some of the top considerations before purchasing them, such as polarized lenses versus standard lenses and whether prescription glasses or contacts are best. If you have any questions at the end of the article, please do not hesitate to contact First Eye Care DFW today and chat with one of our compassionate eye care specialists.
Top Considerations Before Buying Motorcycle Glasses
Any avid motorcyclist understands just how important glasses are. Because of this, we’ve worked with individuals who have tried every major brand of motorcycle glasses, only to be disappointed. Our team understands what features you need to improve contrast while still protecting your eyes. Before you start looking for motorcycle glasses, here are some factors to consider:
- What type of riding will you be doing? When it comes to selecting glasses, the first step is to think about the type of riding you are going to be doing. Are you planning a longer ride or a short ride in the Texas country? Finding glasses that protect your eyes from the elements and will be comfortable for long rides should be a priority. The last thing you want to be dealing with is dry eyes or constantly battling with the wind.
- Do you have any specific vision needs? If you are nearsighted, have astigmatism, or require multifocal lenses, you may need specialty lenses. Finding glasses that protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and airborne hazards, reduce eyestrain, and have the proper lens material are all a must. Ignoring your vision needs is a huge mistake that could not only cause damage to your eyes but make your ride extremely dangerous.
- What is the weather like? Before you purchase a pair of glasses or sunglasses for motorcycle riding, you should think about the weather. Here in Texas, the summers are hot and full of sunshine, while the falls, winters, and springs can be wet and chilly. Because of this versatility, many motorcyclists opt for a full-face shield to protect the entire head.
Here is a look at a few additional considerations:
- Do I want glasses or goggles?
- What kind of coverage am I looking for?
- How durable are they?
- Do the glasses have a foam face? If so, is it removable or replaceable?
- Are they impact resistant?
Which Glasses Are Best for My Needs?
Now that we’ve looked at some of the top considerations when buying motorcycle glasses, let’s get into the fun stuff. Technology has made a huge impact on the motorcycle glasses industry, giving bikers the opportunity to find glasses that will help, not hinder, your ride. There are many different brands out there that make motorcycle glasses, all of which have different features.
Let’s take a look at some of the options out there for lenses, as this truly is the most important part:
- Polarized vs standard lenses – Polarized lenses are hands-down the best way to reduce glare and ensure you get a clear view of the road ahead of you. Polarized lenses will block light from reaching your eyes. They also reduce reflection and glare from wet roads, buildings, other cars, and direct sunlight.
- Transition lenses – Many motorcyclists who need prescription glasses opt for transition lenses for riding. If you are looking for one pair of glasses for riding during the day and at night, this is definitely the way to go.
- Lens color – Most motorcyclists prefer lenses that are copper-toned because they will help sharpen reds, greens, and other colors. Other options for lens tints include:
- Clear (good for night riding and shadowed areas)
- Yellow (best for night riding)
- Grey (best for true color perception)
- Brown and rose (offer contrast to help with depth perception)
- Lens coatings – You may want anti-reflective (AR) or anti-scratch coatings, depending on the type of riding you are doing. Other options include anti-fog coating and hydrophobic coating, which repels water and is ideal for riding in wet conditions.
Prescription Glasses vs. Contacts
The last point we would like to make is about prescription glasses vs. contact lenses. This one comes down to personal preference and is something you should discuss with your optometrist. If you are used to wearing contacts on a daily basis, simply finding a good pair of motorcycle sunglasses or goggles to wear over there is a good option. However, if you wear eyeglasses and are not very comfortable with contacts, opting for a good pair of durable glasses with all the bells and whistles may be wise.
At First Eye Care DFW, we care about you and your vision needs. If you are a motorcycle rider, you must take the time to find comfortable sunglasses that will protect your eyes. For motorcyclists that wear prescription glasses or contacts, it is important to talk to your optometrist about your options. There are many different options out there today, allowing you to find the perfect pair of glasses for your needs. There are even different glasses for different purposes, which could come in handy for long rides. To learn more about selecting motorcycle glasses, or if you are due for a comprehensive eye exam, please don’t hesitate to contact First Eye Care DFW today.