You have to be an eagle. The bird of prey can spot its prey even from over 1000 metres away - clearly and precisely. For us bikers, on the other hand, even a slight visual impairment is enough for us to only recognise roots and stones with a rough outline. This is not only annoying, but can also be really dangerous. According to a 2014 Allensbach study, 63.5 per cent of Germans over the age of 16 wear glasses or contact lenses. It is therefore somewhat surprising that only five per cent of spectacle wearers also have special glasses for sport. Everyday glasses are usually just a lazy compromise for sport. The clear lenses are usually too small to reliably protect the eyes from the wind or insects. And the delicate frames are simply not up to the strain of outdoor sports.
When sitting in front of a PC or in a car, you generally look straight through your glasses. It's different when you're cycling: the inclined head position means that the frame of your glasses is often in the way, or you're looking directly over your glasses. Farsightedness is usually a nuisance when cycling. In the worst case, the numbers on the speedometer are blurred or you can't clearly recognise the turn-by-turn directions on the GPS device and have to do an extra lap. Short-sightedness, on the other hand, is not only straining for the eyes, but also dangerous at high speeds. Contact lens wearers can only smile wearily at these problems. They simply combine soft lenses - which are particularly suitable for sport because they have a larger diameter and sit more securely in the eye - with sports glasses. However, not everyone can tolerate the visual aid directly on the pupil. If sweat runs into the eye or a speck of dust creeps under the lens, the visual aid quickly becomes an instrument of torture.
But there are alternatives: comparatively inexpensive sports glasses with optical clips in front. This system can also be easily combined with interchangeable lenses with different tints. However, it is almost impossible to change the filters without leaving marks on the lenses. It gets really annoying when driving in the rain. You then have to remove dirt from four windscreens. You might as well hire a cleaner. The "clean" solution is direct or adapter glazing. Here, your prescription is ground directly into the lens. However, the prices make you swallow dry. You can't get anything under 400 euros, even for single vision lenses.
Whatever you decide: The only way to the perfect pair of sports glasses is through a specialised optician. It can take up to two hours to professionally fit a pair of cycling glasses, explains Helmut Reinthaler. The effort is due to the large lenses and their curvature, says the sports optician from Aichach. Only when the prescription is meticulously converted to the desired model of glasses can the biker once again sail over the trail with eagle eyes and aim precisely at his prey - roots and stones.
The right optician for your sports glasses
Not every optician stocks a wide range of prescription sports glasses or has specialised training in sports optics. You can find the right specialist shop for your new sports glasses based on these criteria.
1 Proof or certificate "Sports optician" from the Central Association of Opticians (ZVA)
2 Large selection. A specialist shop will have at least 50 different models for you to try on. More is even better.
3 A wide selection of sample lenses should also be available, for example to find the optimum tint.
4 Keyword "lens angle". If the optician can neither measure this parameter nor take it into account when centring, he is generally not the right person for sports glasses.
5 You can find a list of selected sports opticians from the Kuratorium Gutes Sehen e.V. at www.sehen.de
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Find the perfect sports glasses with prescription? Here's how:
If your optician only calculates the grinding-in position using the standard values, the vision through the spectacles will not be optimal.
When choosing your glasses, the type of sport should always be taken into account. Mountain bikers generally look more through the upper part of the glasses than runners, for example. Fit and protective function should be the first priority when choosing a frame, followed by the optics. In addition to the eye test, the only other factor that is usually taken into account for the lenses of your everyday glasses is the Pupil distance (PD, Fig. 1) is determined. In the case of sports spectacles, however, the grinding-in position must be determined using other values. In addition to the Pre-tilt of the glasses (VN, 2), the Corneal apex distance (HSA, 3), i.e. the distance from the cornea to the lens and the Frame disc angle (FSW, 4) or the glass or base curve (BC) must be included in the calculation. Disc length and height also play a role. Only when all parameters are included in the calculation of the cut will you be able to see clearly without restrictions or distortions.
Interview with Jens Heymer, lecturer in the optometry department at the Dortmund Chamber of Crafts:
"You can usually do more than you think".
Can spectacle wearers who know their dioptres go to the optician, choose the glasses they want and simply have them glazed?
It's not that simple. Sports goggles have large and curved lenses for their protective effect. In addition, the distance between the eye and the lens is different. This is why the correction for cycling glasses is different to that of everyday glasses.
What exactly is the effect of this?
Compared to reading or everyday glasses, for example, the close-up strength of sports glasses differs slightly, as the speedometer or GPS display are further away than the typical reading distance to a book.
What else needs to be considered?
Wide-set eyes look through the curved glass in the outer area. Imagine the situation when driving in a crowd. You need to see well out of the corners of your eyes. That's why it's important to have your glasses adjusted and centred by an optician.
What is your advice for extreme visual impairment? For example, -6 or +6 dioptres?
This is where we reach the critical limit. As a rule, direct glazing from -4 to +4 dioptres is unproblematic. With increasing visual impairment, the susceptibility to aberrations in sports lenses increases. However, a specialised optician can assess what is technically possible and practically sensible. It is always worth asking what is and is not feasible with your own lens strength. There is more than meets the eye.
Is it possible to get tinted or polarised lenses in the desired prescription?
This varies from brand to brand. I can recommend self-tinting glasses as versatile all-round glasses. They are bright enough in the morning or evening at dusk and their self-tinting also provides reliable protection in bright sunlight.
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What lens options are available for sports eyewear?
Which lens is the right one for your sports glasses is not least a question of price. Individual visual acuity also plays a major role.
Clip-in or insert
The clip solution is particularly suitable for high dioptre values, as the area to be glazed is relatively small. The prescription lenses are simply clipped behind the fixed protective lenses of the sports glasses. The insert can usually be simply attached to the nose bridge. If your eyesight changes, you don't have to buy new glasses straight away. It is then sufficient to have the clip-in reglazed. The front lenses can also be easily changed with this version. The colour or tint intensity can be changed depending on the light situation. This flexibility is particularly attractive for sporty all-rounders.
+ Inexpensive alternative
+ High dioptre values possible
+ Interchangeable lenses with different tints possible
+ Use with both prescription lenses and contact lenses
- Clip-in is very close to the eye.
- Difficult to clean as two discs get dirty
- High fogging tendency
- discs are quite small. This may restrict visibility at the edges.
Adapter glazing
Here, the original lenses are replaced with specially manufactured prescription lenses. The optical adapter can be easily attached to the spectacle frame and removed again once it has been fitted by the optician. This system is particularly suitable for people with defective vision who frequently switch between glasses and contact lenses. The adapter can be quickly exchanged for filters without prescription. Nylor glazing is also available for many half-frame models. In this case, the lens is held in the frame by a nylon thread.
+ Larger field of vision than the clip-in version
+ Cheaper and with more glazing options than direct glazing
+ Low fogging tendency
+ Glasses that are easy to change
- Fit of the glasses not quite so secure
- Determination of a colour shade necessary
- Glasses usually more expensive than clip-in version
- Viewing area smaller than with direct glazing
Direct glazing
Direct glazing is the optically perfect solution. The corrective lenses are firmly integrated into the frame, just like ordinary glasses. This type of glazing can be used to compensate for almost all types of defective vision. Single vision lenses are just as possible as varifocal lenses. It is now also possible to glaze strongly curved lenses with a base curve of 10. With this variant, the field of vision extends to the edge of the spectacles. However, with this expensive system, the buyer must decide on a filter colour.
+ Large field of vision
+ Good glare protection, high wearing comfort
+ Low fogging tendency
+ Very easy to clean
+ Aesthetic system
- Determination of a glass colour necessary
- Restriction in the correction values (approx. +5 to -4 depending on the base curve)
- Costs usually higher than with the clip-in system
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This is the best way to clean and care for your sports glasses:
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TEST RESULTS: Four optical sports glasses in the BIKE check
Many manufacturers offer eyewear models that are particularly suitable for prescription lenses - often with the suffix RX. We took a closer look at the optical sports glasses from four manufacturers.
Corrected sports glasses from Adidas
These glasses are only available from a specialised optician. In general, all Adidas sports eyewear models can be glazed. Direct glazing is even possible for the Evil Eye Evo Pro with a base curve of 10. However, due to the shape of the lens, the base curve then changes to an 8. The lenses are always made by Adidas specialists Shamir and are made from robust polycarbonate. It is only with clip-in lenses that the optician chooses the lens themselves. Many different tints are also available for direct glazing. Adidas does not specify the dioptre values. What is possible always depends on personal values. Shamir specifies approx. -5 to +4 dioptres as limit values. The interpupillary distance, height of vision and the size of the desired glasses determine the frame for the lenses. The clip-in offers the most versatile options. The smaller surface can also be glazed with high values. Clip-ins are available as rimless, full rim or adapter models. From April 2016, self-tinting lenses will also be available for direct glazing.
Glazing options 3 different clip-ins/adaper glazing/direct glazing
Disc material Polycarbonate
Disc tinting 8 different filter options
Self-tinting lenses Vario filter in grey available from April 2016
Visual acuity direct glazing Approx. +4 to -5 dpt (according to lens manufacturer Shamir), from -4 dpt BC8 can no longer be guaranteed
Delivery times 6 - 10 working days
Price clip-in Depending on the optician
Price direct glazing From 419 euros for single vision; from 639 euros for progressive lenses
Corrected sports glasses from Oakley
Oakley has been offering corrected sports glasses under the name True Digital since 2002. There is a large selection of models with lenses. However, the American manufacturer limits itself to high-quality and expensive direct glazing for correction. A clip-in solution is not available. With continuous lenses, such as the RadarLock models, the lenses are inserted into so-called RX shields in two recesses (pictured). True Digital Edge technology is a special feature: in order to reduce the lens thickness at high dioptre values and minimise distortion, the edge zones are greatly flattened with a lenticular cut. Although this enables high correction values and reduces weight and thickness, it also limits the lateral field of vision. The "frost zones", which have no corrective effect, are between four and eleven millimetres, depending on the model and prescription. Some internet shops offer an online ordering platform for True Digital models, but we strongly recommend consulting an Oakley optician.
Info en.oakley.com
Glazing options Adapter glazing/direct glazing
Disc material Not specified
Disc tinting 17 different tints
Self-tinting lenses Transition technology in grey/black/brown
Visual acuity direct glazing Up to +4/-6 dpt; cylinder 3
Delivery times Approx. 10 days
Price clip-in not specified
Price direct glazing From 330 euros for single vision; from 420 euros for progressive lenses (lenses only)
Corrected sports glasses from Rudy Project
With the Sport Utility Frames programme, the Italians offer an eyewear concept with interchangeable optical clips. The two frame shapes Maya and Indyo are available in up to 15 colours and 10 different lens shapes. The lenses are held in the adapter by a nylon thread and can be easily changed. This makes it possible to use lenses of different requirements in one frame. There are virtually no limits to the choice of lens material and tint. Rudy Project is popular with sports opticians due to its high-quality workmanship, customisable temples and nose pad. Spare parts are also available for a long time. In addition to the two special models, most classic Rudy Project models, such as the Magster (pictured), can also be glazed directly or fitted with a clip-in. The high-quality Trivex or high-index lenses are manufactured in Italy, guarantee high optical quality and are also available in various self-tinting versions.
Info www.rudyproject.de
Glazing options Clip-in/flip-up/adapter glazing/direct glazing
Disc material Polycarbonate/Trivex/High Index
Disc tinting Almost all standard tints also available for glazing
Self-tinting lenses ImpactX photochromic technology available
Visual acuity direct glazing Approx. +4/-4 dpt
Delivery times From approx. 10 days
Price clip-in From approx. 120 euros, depending on the optician (lenses only)
Price direct glazing From approx. 450 euros for single vision; from approx. 600 euros for progressive lenses
Corrected sports glasses from Uvex
In 2016, Uvex is launching a completely newly developed collection of prescription sports eyewear. The five models have been specially tailored to the needs of sports. Uvex's many years of experience in occupational safety are reflected in particularly resilient lenses and frames that even comply with occupational safety standards. Special HD lenses from Optiswiss allow additional parameters for determining the perfect grinding position and are used as standard for all glazing. Clever: with indirect glazing, the clip-in is attached to the frame with a magnet and can be swapped for a nose bridge in no time at all. This means that the glasses can also be worn without a prescription insert or with contact lenses. The various models have either a base curve of 8 or 6, with the latter being particularly suitable for high dioptre values. There is a large selection of tints. Temples and nose bridges can be customised. Uvex lenses can also only be fitted by a licensed optician.
Glazing options Clip-in/adaper glazing/direct glazing
Disc material Polycarbonate/Trivex
Disc tinting Many colours and tint levels available on request
Self-tinting lenses Variomatic technology available
Visual acuity direct glazing Approx. +5/-5.5 dpt; cylinder 2 to BC8
Delivery times 7-10 working days
Price clip-in From 449 Euro
Price direct glazing From 449 euros for single vision; from 529 euros for progressive lenses
Matthias Borchers
Editor
