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According to the National Society to prevent blindness, almost
7,000 injuries were found to be related to playing baseball. This only
represents the injuries that were reported, so the number can be even more than
that. Typically, the injury is sustained from a ball striking the batter or
runner directly in the eye. Injuries can be prevented through the use of sport
goggles. These goggles not only provide protection from injury, but can also be
fit with your prescription in them. Look for the following when selecting the
right type of goggle:
Polycarbonate Lenses: This is the most important
property of all protective goggles. Good polycarb is virtually
unbreakable, and will sustain the impact of a ball.
Durable
Frame Design: The frame must also be able to withstand
the impact of a ball . Therefore, a frame made out of polycarbon is
the the best choice. A popular choice for baseball is also a shield
design where the whole front of the frame is a lens made out of
polycarbon, with temples made of plastic or some other material.
This is also a suitable choice, and if you play at different times
of the day, the shield can be interchanged with other colors to
block sunlight (see Lens colors).
Ultraviolet Protection:
Since baseball is played outdoors, you need to protect yourself
from ultraviolet radiation. ( For more information, see
UV and its Effects on the Eyes).
Lens Color:
If you are playing during the day, the sun can be blinding,
especially for outfielders. Therefore, a tinted lens, typically a
brown in color, can help you distinguish the ball better against the
blue of the sky or the green of the grass. If playing at night, you
want the lens to be clear to give the best visual acuity. An
anti-reflective coating can also be placed on the lens to absorb
additional glare off the stadium lighting. A regular lens reflects
8% of incidental light, while an anti-reflective coating applied to
the lens will allow 99% of the light to pass through the lens,
giving the best visual acuity. A yellow lens can also be used
to cut the glare of overhead lighting. However, the lens color will
reduce visual acuity slowing down reaction times.
Sports Band:
A goggle has a sports band attached to it, but for shield designs,
it advisable to get a sports band to ensure the frame stays on your
face.
Prescription Lenses:
A goggle gives the widest field of view for the athlete. Shield
must be fit with a prescription insert that fits behind the lens,
and therefore, limits the periphery a little.
Recommended
Styles: Rec-Specs or
Hilco
for sports goggles that meet ASTM standards for sports, or Bolle, Wiley-X for a
shield (do not meet ASTM standards but are more stylish and do offer some
protection). These styles can be fit
with a prescription lens or insert. Rudy Project has a
flip up styles: the RB-3, Perception, Exception and Kabrio which are also
available with a prescription lens.
Kaenon is also popular for baseball as many major leaguers are now wearing
this brand. Also, the Gargoyles has the Ken Griffey,
Jr. baseball style called F8. Peakvision also has
their dual lens technology so that the lens i darker at the top and lighter at
the bottom. This blocks more light from above, but makes sure it is not too dark
for more natural vision when looking at the field. The lower portion of the lens
is also an amber color to increase contrast.
To Improve Your Game:
Check out our vision training products including the Bat-Rac
here.
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Speedster™
For as long as anyone can
remember, humans have been fascinated with speed. Problem was,
there was no economical way to accurately measure it (especially if you
were on the receiving end of a traffic violation). With the
inception of the Bushnell Speedster™, those days are over. The
applications are endless, from measuring pitching speeds, tennis serves
and downhill skiers to cars at the race track. The Speedster uses
digital technology and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to provide
accurate real-time measurements to +/- 1.0 MPH. It measures the speed of
a baseball from 6-110mph at 75 feet and even has a mode for keeping
baseball and softball stats. Additionally, the speed of larger
objects like race cars can be measured from 6-200mph at 1300 feet.
Features large LCD graphics and two-way button pad. Compact with
comfortable pistol grip. Displays current, last and average
speeds. Tracks baseball statistics for up to 8 pitchers.
Weight: 13oz. Uses AA (6) batteries.
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Look For
-Polycarbonate
lenses
-Durable Frame Design
-100% UVA/UVB protection
-Lens Color
-Sports Band
-Prescription Capability
Recommended Styles
-Little
League Eyewear
-Rec-Specs (all)
-Bolle Vigillante or Parole
-Gargoyles F8
-Rudy Project RB3 or Perception
-Wiley-X PT-1 or PT-2
-Hilco Sports Goggles
Prescription Information
Baseball Accessories
Vision Training Products |
are available with a
prescription lens. 
