| Playing the position of goalie in any sport is a daunting | | | | with the ability to meet the needs of your eye |
| job. If you play outdoors and during sunlight hours, the | | | | prescription. These lenses offer a choice of |
| sun can often make the job of keeping eyes focused | | | | wavelength spectrum filtration that allow optimization |
| on projectiles much more difficult. Since hockey games | | | | for various types of sports environments. Your color |
| are divided into three periods of play, chances are one | | | | selection will be based on a number of factors, |
| of the goalies may play with the sun in his/her eyes for | | | | including the color of the playing surface/surroundings |
| the majority of the game. Make sure the effects of | | | | and the color of the puck or ball. |
| direct sunlight or sun-glare are kept to a minimum. | | | | Let's compare the advantages of the two options: |
| The Sunglasses Option: | | | | A package of 6 pairs of disposable sport contact |
| One option is to wear sunglasses under the mask. | | | | lenses retails for around $78 (available in both |
| Polarized lenses with full UV filtering will provide the | | | | prescription and non-prescription). A respectable pair of |
| best protection for your eyes and cut down any glare | | | | polarized sunglasses costs between $10 and $30 at |
| from reflections on the playing surface, the boards, or | | | | your neighborhood discount retailer. |
| other players' helmets. | | | | Other players might tell you that you look really cool |
| What style works best under the mask? | | | | wearing mirrored sunglasses that match your team |
| While wrap around style offers the best sun coverage, | | | | colors under the mask. When wearing colored sport |
| they aren't easily accommodated by the fit of the | | | | contact lenses under the mask, other players might |
| mask. If the wrap projects too far from the temple | | | | think you look possessed (some might consider this an |
| then you run the risk of rubbing the frame against the | | | | advantage). |
| inside of the cage or mask, resulting in the glasses | | | | Sunglasses can be removed easily when the clouds |
| moving as your head moves. | | | | roll in or when you are playing at the end of the rink |
| Classic style sunglasses offer less coverage but have | | | | that has the sun to your back. Contact lenses are in |
| the advantage of staying put as your head moves | | | | place before you arrive at the rink and come out after |
| laterally with respect to the mask surrounding it. | | | | you leave (don't risk damage to you eyes by inserting |
| Sweat can be a major nuisance while wearing | | | | and removing while you are gearing up or down at |
| sunglasses under the mask. Taking the mask on and | | | | rink-side) |
| off your head is hard enough without taking the extra | | | | Sunglasses can smear with sweat and become |
| care to avoid knocking the glasses out of place in the | | | | displaced when you get bumped around. Contact |
| process. You will want to keep a towel handy in case | | | | lenses tend to remain securely in place and sweat |
| the glasses require cleaning during a game stoppage | | | | acts as a natural lubricant. |
| or a face-off at the opposite end of the rink. | | | | Both options offer the goalie essential protection from |
| The Sport Contact Lens Option: | | | | UV harm and sun blindness that make the mission |
| Another option that became available only recently is | | | | easier to carry out. Don't let the sun play in the |
| the tinted sport contact lens option. | | | | opposing team's favor. |
| Commercial optics technology has finally made | | | | Please share your experiences with either of these |
| available sport contact lenses that offer disposable | | | | options by leaving a comment on this article. Play hard! |
| optical wavelength filtering as effective as sunglasses | | | | |