Eye care tips for skating

Thursday, 3 June 2021 by Vision Direct

Group of friends skating and skateboarding

Many of us have emerged from lockdown with an assortment of new skills and hobbies. Perhaps you got into embroidery, sought out the perfect sourdough recipe - or like plenty of the UK population, took to the streets on roller skates or a skateboard? If skating of any kind has become your latest passion, we've collected some easy eye care tips to keep you coasting safely, with your contact lenses.

A woman skating with a helmet and knee pads

Gear up with daily contact lenses

Whether you've been skimming the sidewalks for years, or are just getting used to the glide, having the right protective gear is essential. A sturdy helmet, knee pads and wrist guards are a good way to prevent any serious scrapes, as a few spills are bound to happen. Opting for contact lenses over glasses also means that you can wear a helmet with ease while enjoying perfect peripheral vision and complete freedom of movement. If you do take a tumble, you don't have to worry about your glasses fogging up or breaking either. Daily disposable contact lenses are particularly suitable for the skating life and sports in general. They're thinner in design than monthlies, so your eyes will feel ultra-hydrated and comfy while you're on the go. Also, dailies are exceptionally hygienic - they can be thrown away after a sweaty skating session and replaced with a new, fresh pair in a flash.

everclear ELITE product box

Try everclear ELITE

Exclusive to Vision Direct, everclear ELITE contact lenses are super comfy and convenient, with an ultra-hydrating formula to lock in moisture throughout your skating sessions. These daily disposable lenses are made with a silicone hydrogel material, ensuring your eyes stay and look healthy for up to 12 hours. Active wearers with dry eyes will benefit from the hydrophilic design, formulated to put an end to irritations. Plus, UV blocking offers an extra layer of defence against those harmful sun rays while you’re out and about.

Discover everclear ELITE

Eye drops = a skate kit essential

Adding a bottle of eye drops to your skate kit is simply a no-brainer! You don’t want dry, itchy eyes messing up your drifting, and if you have some on hand, instant relief is a guarantee. During the warmer months and when you’re on the move, your eyes are likely to dry out fast, particularly if you’re a contact lens wearer. This is because each lens limits oxygen flow to your eyes and reduces natural tear production. But, not to worry, as many modern-day lenses like those made from silicone hydrogel are now designed to tackle the problem by being incredibly breathable and moisturising - huzzah! Plus, once you add a trusted brand like the natural-yet-effective everclear Eye Drops into the mix, you can speed right past annoying dry eyes.

Perfect your skills with UV protection

Skating outdoors is a super-fun way to exercise, let off some steam and soak up the sunshine. But as wonderful as those warm rays feel while you’re rolling down the road, your eyes do require an added level of protection to stay healthy and safe. Luckily, many contact lens brands feature an in-built UV filter, which blocks out harmful light and decreases your risk of eye conditions like cataract or age-related macular degeneration. Even on grey, cloudy days, UV rays can be just as harmful, and during skate breaks, make sure to pop on a good quality pair of sunglasses (the wrap-around styles are the best) for even better protection. Don’t forget to splash on a layer of a high SPF sun cream, too!

A woman with a bottle of water taking a rest from skating.

Keep hydrating while skating

Exerting all that energy definitely requires some extra hydration, and upping your water intake will not just benefit your body, but also your eyes. By incorporating certain foods into your diet, you’ll also be able to increase tear production, keeping your peepers comfortable and healthy. Fresh fish like salmon and tuna are high in moisture-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, as are nuts, including almonds, walnuts and peanuts. Smoothies are another quick win when it comes to packing in eye-protecting ingredients and stocking up on sustenance for a day of skating. Go for leafy greens (kale and spinach) and antioxidant-rich berries, as well as oranges and kiwis to fight off any nasty eye infections.

Book in for our eye health package

Skating savant or not, having regular eye tests is vital when it comes to monitoring your prescription and overall health. In fact, opticians can spot an illness that’s not even eye-related, or detect an underlying problem like high blood pressure or diabetes. Of course, you also want to make sure that you’re experiencing the best vision possible, which is why it’s recommended to get an expert examination every 2 years. We’ve partnered with the top-notch optician, David Clulow, to offer all our customers a premium in-person eye test and contact lens check-up (worth £50) for just £25. That’s half price and what most opticians charge for a standard eye test! Each service will take 25 mins (50 in total), ensuring it will be thorough enough, without wasting your time, so you can get back out there on your skates or board.

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