I love trail running! The fresh air, the challenge, and the beautiful scenery make it one of my favorite activities. However, finding the right vision correction solution for running has been a journey. Should I wear eyeglasses or contact lenses? This has been a question I've pondered for a long time. My vision isn't perfect, and I need some form of correction to see clearly. I've experimented with both, and I want to share my experience to help you decide what might work best for you.
For years, I relied on my eyeglasses. They worked fine for everyday life, but they weren't ideal for trail running. I found that they would bounce around, fog up, and sometimes even slip off my face when I was sweating. This was especially annoying on technical trails where I needed to focus on my footing. It was distracting and even a bit dangerous. I remember one particular run where my glasses kept sliding down my nose, making it hard to see the trail ahead. I knew I needed a better solution.
I considered wearing my glasses with a strap, but it didn’t really solve the problem of fogging or the limited peripheral vision. Plus, I couldn't easily switch to sunglasses when the sun was bright. That’s when I started thinking seriously about contact lenses.
I'd worn contacts before, but not regularly. I decided to give them another try specifically for running. The biggest advantage I found was the freedom. I could wear any sunglasses I wanted, and I didn't have to worry about my glasses bouncing or slipping. I could also easily take my sunglasses off when I entered a shaded area. This flexibility was a game-changer. I could choose sunglasses that were perfectly suited to the light conditions, which made a huge difference in my visibility and comfort. The ability to quickly adjust to changing light conditions is crucial when running trails that weave in and out of shaded areas.
However, contacts weren't without their challenges. Sometimes, they would dry out, especially on long runs. And there was always the risk of getting dirt or debris in my eyes. It took some getting used to, but overall, I found that contacts offered a much better running experience than eyeglasses, especially in terms of comfort and adaptability. I also learned the importance of using rewetting drops to keep my eyes lubricated, especially on windy days.
Then, I discovered prescription polarized sunglasses. This was a real turning point! I invested in a sporty pair from Ray Ban, and they've been fantastic. The polarized lenses cut down on glare, making it easier to see the trail, and the sporty frames stay put, even when I'm running hard. They're also great for driving and other outdoor activities. I found that the polarization really helped me see the contours of the trail, especially in areas with dappled sunlight. And the fact that they were prescription meant I didn't have to worry about wearing contacts at all. This made my pre-run routine much simpler.
One of the best things about prescription sunglasses is that they eliminate the need to switch between glasses and sunglasses. This is especially helpful if you're like me and often forget to bring a separate pair of sunglasses. Plus, they offer UV protection, which is essential for protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
On days when I'm not running, or just need a stylish pair of reading glasses, I’ve also found some really interesting options online. I recently came across a pair of Vintage handmade polygonal small glasses. They're retro and unique, and I can even get them with a prescription. I like the idea of having something different and stylish for when I'm not on the trails. The brand Cinily Net has some very interesting and affordable offerings.
These days, I alternate between contacts and prescription sunglasses depending on the weather and the type of run I'm doing. Here's how I decide:
I also keep a small bottle of rewetting drops in my running pack in case my contacts start to dry out. And I always make sure to clean my sunglasses and contacts thoroughly after each run.