A Buyer’s Guide for Prescription Sports Glasses for Baseball
When it’s time to hit the baseball field, most people reach for a bat, glove, and a hat, but it’s important not to overlook a key piece of gear for on-field performance – sports glasses. Not all glasses are built for sports – especially when it comes to protection from impacts or visual clarity. That’s why we’ve created this handy reference guide to help you figure out what sports glasses for baseball are best for you.
What to look for in baseball glasses
Protection
Determine what type of protection you are looking for and if it's protection from impact, the sun, or both. We recommend both – especially if you are shopping for your child. Children’s vision is still developing, and it’s even more important if they wear regular glasses. For maximum protection, you want to look for a pair of baseball glasses or goggles that is independently tested to ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) F803.
Sun on the field can be a key factor in the player’s ability to see the ball, as you might be dealing with direct sunlight as you track a fly ball or a line drive. It’s also important to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, which can cause UV damage to the eyes.
Fit & Frame Type
With sports glasses and goggles for baseball, fit under helmet, catcher’s mask, and even under your hat or visor, can make a difference to comfort and performance. It’s important to test these with any other gear to make sure the style is compatible.
Frames: Frames are glasses for baseball with traditional temple arms that fold out and sit along the sides of your head (just like everyday glasses!). They are easy to put on and take off when needed and come with a frame strap to secure it for further stability on the face. This is a great all-around option for most players.
Goggles: Goggles for baseball have a headband strap that goes around the head for a secure fit on the face. These are recommended for players wearing batting helmets or catcher’s helmets for a snugger fit under other equipment.
Interchangeable: For multi-sport athletes, or those that like different styles depending on their position on the field, an interchangeable frame to goggle style provides the versatility of both options in one.
Lens Technology
Impact Protection
To maximize protection on the field from impact, you want to select a shatterproof, polycarbonate lens (included with all orders!).
Tints
Game time will impact what the best tint is for your baseball glasses and goggles. Clear can be a good option if you are playing a lot of night games where sun is not an issue. If you need a little more contrast on the field with varying light, a tint such as brown or amber is the best for contrast of the white ball against a blue sky or green field.
If you are playing in a variety of light conditions, a light responsive lens is the best option and very commonly worn by players at all levels. The lens color starts out clear but gets darker as they are exposed to sun and UV light.
Polarized vs. Not Polarized
Polarized lenses are not recommended for baseball as it has been shown to affect depth perception. Hand-eye coordination and movement around the field is a big part of baseball, so anything that will interfere with tracking your steps or the ball is not something we recommend.
Coatings
Lens coatings can level up your vision performance on the field. We recommend 2x2 ProCoat, a unique dual, double layer coating of fast fog recovery and anti-glare, which is included at no additional charge with your Rec Specs prescription lenses. Improve your vision performance in humid conditions, hot day games, moments of high-intensity, and also reduce glare from the sun or under field lights.
Prescription vs. Non-Prescription
Not all sports glasses for baseball work with a prescription lenses. At Optics Outfitter, all of our Rec Specs glasses and goggles for baseball can fit a wide range of prescription or non-prescription lenses. Our prescription lenses are made custom to your order and provide maximum protection and visual performance.
Top Recommendations for Baseball Glasses & Goggles
Below is our list of the best options for baseball glasses options that will give you or your child the best protection and performance on the field to get your started in your buying process.
NEW! Impact: Meets ASTM F803 standards for impact protection. Wide wrap & floating lens offer clear vision and airflow. Play safe, play focused in the field.
Maxx Air: It's a game-changer in the sport protective market. With its patent-pending, 9-point ventilation system, you have clearer vision with reduced heat buildup and maximum air flow.
Helmet Spex: Engineered for comfort and fit under helmets, this goggle is built for vision performance and protection.
Sport Shift: Built for multi-sport athletes, this frame is a goggle and a temple arm frame in one. Also available in x-large fit range.
If you’re in the market for a pair of protective glasses or goggles for baseball, reach out to us at Optics Outfitter. Our team of experts can assist you in making the right choice for you or your young athlete. Click here to start shopping now or chat to our agents now from the ‘chat’ icon.
Not sure what style is right for you? Use our easy at-home try on process to test out baseball glasses from the comfort of your home. Click here to get started building your baseball kit. Don’t forget – we also offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on your purchase!
