Protecting Your Eyes in Squash: The Best Protective Eyewear for Wearing Over Glasses

If you're considering starting squash as a hobby but are unsure about the best type of protective eye goggles to wear over your glasses, you're not alone. This article aims to provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about the best protective eyewear to keep your eyes safe while playing squash.

Why Protective Eyewear is Essential in Squash

Squash is a highly intense and fast-paced sport that poses a risk of eye injuries. The interesting statistics show that one in every four players will experience some form of eye injury in their playing career. However, with proper eye protection such as squash goggles or the i MASK, you can significantly reduce your risk of these injuries.

Avoid eye injuries by wearing polycarbonate eyewear. This material is the only type that can effectively protect against squash eye injuries, as most prescription lens materials can splinter upon impact. Additionally, other types of eyewear, such as open eyeguards, can exacerbate these injuries. Therefore, investing in an appropriate pair of protective eye goggles or the i MASK is crucial for anyone playing squash.

Custom Sport Goggles with Your Prescription

To get the best protection, it's recommended to consider custom sport goggles with your prescription. If you have a plastic frame with polycarbonate lenses, they are decent for playing, but they won't provide the same level of protection as actual squash goggles with your prescription. This custom solution ensures that your vision is not compromised, and you are safe from potential eye injuries.

U.S. Squash Policies and Approved Eyewear

U.S. Squash has specific policies that mandate all players and coaches to wear protective eyewear during play, whether singles or doubles, in any activity that takes place on a squash court during sanctioned events. All eye wear must meet or exceed the current American Society for Testing and Materials standard ASTM-F803.

Here is a list of companies that assert their eye wear models have been tested and meet the ASTM-F803 standard for eye protection and are compliant with the U.S. Squash Protective Eye Wear Policy:

tBlack Knight Action Eyes Stilett tBlack Knight Action Eyes Turbot tJuniors Black Knight Laser tBlack Knight Sight Guard tBlack Knight Konat tBlack Knight Konat Juniors tBlack Knight Lynx tE-Force Crystal Wraps tE-Force Dual Focus tEktelon Scopa Slim tEktelon Speed tEktelon Strobe tEktelon Strobe 2009 tEktelon Vendetta tDunlop T-I-Armor Protect tDunlop T-I-Armor Junior tGearbox Vision tHarrow Banzai tHarrow Radar tHarrow Shield Pro tHEAD Impulse tHEAD Prot Elit tHEAD Raptor tHEAD Ravet-MASK tWARNING: For i-MASK users: Polycarbonate spectacle lenses should be used if spectacles are worn under protective eyewear. tOliver's Mirage tOliver Prolite tPrinceton Speed Lite tPrinceton Pro Lite I tPrinceton Pro Lite II tPrinceton Scopa Slim tPython Rad Turbot Amber/Lens tPython Rad Turbot Swanson tSport Eyeguard tTecnifibre Absolut Squash Tour tTournaspec Clear tWilson Lynx tWilson nVue Eyewear tWilson Vent tWilsont GP tWilsont Triplet X Squash tWilsont Vent Cadet tWilsont Vent Squash Goggles

It's important to note that some models, such as Ektelon Attitude II, Ektelon More Gamet, and Feathers-Eye wear, have not been confirmed as having been tested or meeting the ASTM-F803 standard for eye protection. Therefore, they are not currently approved for use and are not compliant with the U.S. Squash Protective Eye Wear Policy.

By adhering to these guidelines and investing in the right protective eyewear, you can enjoy your time playing squash while keeping your eyes safe and secure.