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