Athletes train their bodies relentlessly, but how often do they train their eyes? In Costa Mesa, where year-round sunshine invites everything from beach volleyball to tennis, visual performance and sports eye safety often go overlooked.
Whether you’re a high school soccer parent, a recreational runner, or an over-50 pickleball enthusiast, proper protection is essential for your eye health. At South Coast Optometry, we help active adults and young athletes alike improve their game with smart, science-backed vision care.
What is Sports Eye Protection and Who Needs It?
Sports eye protection refers to any eyewear, including prescription glasses, contact lenses, or protective goggles, specifically designed to shield eyes from injury while enhancing visual clarity. It’s recommended for:
- Children and teens playing team sports like basketball or baseball
- Adults engaging in sports, cycling, running, or golf
- Anyone who wears contacts or glasses while playing
- Athletes recovering from previous eye injuries
- Even non-contact sports can pose risks due to environmental factors, like wind and sun glare.
5 Ways Vision Impacts Athletic Performance
A clear view isn’t just about seeing; it’s about reacting, tracking, and winning. Here’s how your eyes influence the way you play:
- Visual Acuity: Sharp, central vision helps you see the ball, opponents, or finish line clearly.
- Depth Perception: Essential for judging distances and timing movements.
- Peripheral Awareness: Keeps you alert to players and objects outside your direct line of sight.
- Eye Tracking: Helps you follow fast-moving targets smoothly and accurately.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: Connects visual signals to physical actions like catching or swinging.
If any of these skills are off, your reaction time, accuracy, and confidence can take a hit.
Your Game Plan for Sports Eye Safety
At South Coast Optometry, we offer sports-specific eye care that helps athletes across Costa Mesa protect their vision and play at their best. From high school teams to weekend warriors, we tailor our services to your sport, environment, and visual demands.
Here’s what our sports vision care may include:
1. Protective Sports Eyewear
Prescription or non-prescription goggles, shields, or wraparound frames built for performance and protection.
2. Customized Contact Lenses
We fit contacts designed to stay put and stay comfortable, even during high-motion activities. Ortho-k lenses are an excellent option for athletes who want clear daytime vision without glasses.
3. Sunglasses and UV Protection
Polarized lenses and UV filters help reduce glare, enhance contrast, and block harmful rays — perfect for Costa Mesa’s sunny conditions.
4. Dry Eye Treatments
For athletes exposed to wind, dust, and screens, we offer holistic and medical dry eye solutions to reduce eye irritation and keep vision clear.
5. Neurolens® for Alignment and Focus
If you experience headaches, neck strain, or blurry vision during or after sports, Neurolens® glasses may help correct eye misalignment that throws off your game.
6. Vision Performance Testing
We assess key visual skills like depth perception, reaction time, and tracking — then offer exercises or lens solutions to improve them.
Play Safer and See Sharper with Sports Vision Care in Costa Mesa
Led by Dr. Daniel E. Quon and Dr. David Y. Yoo, South Coast Optometry combines decades of experience with cutting-edge tools and a patient-first approach. Our holistic perspective — from nutritional support to personalized lenses — ensures athletes of all ages receive care that goes beyond the basics.
We’ve helped everyone from young athletes struggling to track a ball to retirees seeking clearer depth perception for golf. Book your eye care appointment at our clinic in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Irvine, and the surrounding Orange County areas.
Athlete Eyecare FAQs
What is the best eye protection for sports?
The best sports eye protection includes impact-resistant goggles, wraparound sunglasses, and sports-specific prescription eyewear. Your eye doctor can recommend sports glasses with high-impact-resistant lenses, contact lenses, and more to help you protect your eyes from UV rays and sports-related eye injuries.
Can I wear contact lenses during sports?
Yes. Daily disposable contacts or ortho-k lenses are great options for athletes. They stay in place and provide full-field vision without the risk of glasses slipping or breaking.
How do I know if my child needs sports vision care?
If your child struggles with tracking a ball, misjudges distances, or avoids sports, it may be due to an underlying vision issue. A pediatric eye exam can uncover problems beyond basic 20/20 sight.