Sports contacts are the practical choice for an active lifestyle. Because contacts sit directly on the eye, you get full peripheral vision with nothing to fog, slip or break, and they fit under helmets, goggles and face guards. For occasional and active wear, everclear ACTIVE dailies are made from breathable silicone hydrogel with built-in UV protection, in a 10-pack that fits a gym bag.
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Sports contact lenses: why use them?
everclear ACTIVE: our pick for an active lifestyle
Exclusive to Vision Direct, everclear ACTIVE is tailored for those who live an active lifestyle. Designed with smaller packaging, these dailies are ideal for storage in your sports bag or locker. Whether you're heading to the gym or playing football with friends, these lenses are perfect for contact sports where glasses aren't appropriate, giving you a full field of vision.
everclear ACTIVE contact lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, a breathable material that lets plenty of oxygen reach the eyes and ensures a secure fit, so you can focus on your next serve. They also provide UV protection, helping to block harmful UV-A and UV-B rays from damaging your eyes while you're out training.
Why wear contact lenses for sport instead of glasses
- Better peripheral vision: as lenses sit directly on each eye, you're set up for seamless peripheral vision wherever you look, so you can enjoy a wider field of view without ever missing a move.
- Increased safety: most sports, and all extreme sports, can be especially dangerous when wearing eyeglasses instead of lenses, with a real risk of eye injury if you're hit in a tackle or by a ball.
- Freedom and comfort: forget the fog and stop the slipping. Lenses never need to be adjusted mid-match and won't steam up, so you can just get on with the game.
- Cleaner and clearer sight: don't let weather conditions or elements like dust, grass or snow hold you back. Lenses give you the best vision correction for your best performance.
- Compatible with sports gear: unlike glasses, which aren't compatible with helmets, goggles and face guards, contact lenses won't obstruct your sports gear.
- Additional UV protection: your eyes need protection from harmful sun rays all year round, and with many lenses featuring built-in UV blocking, it's a complete no-brainer.
How to choose contact lenses for sport
The right sports lens depends mainly on how often you wear it. If you only need lenses for training, matches or the occasional active day, daily disposables are the easy choice: wear a fresh pair, then throw them away, with no cleaning or storage required. If you wear lenses every day, monthly lenses work out more cost-effective but need cleaning and storing in solution.
For occasional and active wear, our own-brand everclear ACTIVE is a great fit: a daily disposable, silicone hydrogel lens with built-in UV protection and a compact 10-pack that's perfect for your gym or sports bag. If you wear lenses every day and want a premium daily, everclear ELITE is our high-breathability option, with a free 5-day trial. You can also browse all daily contact lenses.
What to look for in sports and active lenses
Not all lenses suit an active lifestyle. If you train regularly or spend time outdoors, look for:
- UV protection: helps shield your eyes during outdoor training (though it's not a substitute for sunglasses).
- High breathability: silicone hydrogel lenses let more oxygen reach the eye during long sessions.
- Moisture retention: hydrophilic lenses stay comfortable in dry or windy conditions.
- A secure fit: soft lenses that stay put during high-impact movement.
What our customers say
Initially I was a little apprehensive about switching from glasses to contact lenses, but my glasses were really annoying me by always fogging up in the gym and sliding down my nose. Now that I use them regularly, I don't think I could ever go back to wearing my glasses permanently. I love these lenses, they feel super comfy no matter what I'm up to.
Sarah (04/05/2026)
I don't wear lenses very often, usually only for sport, as I find them much better for cycling, football and going to the gym than my glasses. Dailies give me the freedom to store a couple of boxes at home for when I need them, and if they get dirty during a match, I can just take them out and put a fresh pair in.
Common myths about wearing lenses for sport
It's time to cast the myths and urban legends aside and show you why contact lenses are the most comfortable, safest vision-correcting method out there, especially if you play sports.
- Lenses can fall out of your eye: although this might happen, it's highly unlikely, as soft lenses are moulded perfectly to the eyeball.
- Lenses dry out when exercising outdoors: it's true that some alfresco activities involving speed, like cycling, mountain biking and trail running, may cause your lenses to dry out. This problem can be swiftly solved with eye drops and wraparound glasses.
- A lens can get stuck behind your eye: a common misconception is that it's possible to lose a lens behind your eye, but as the experts in all things eyewear and care, we can confidently say this is just a myth. Foreign objects are washed away by tears or pushed out in a jiffy.
- Lenses can damage the eye if you're hit: if you happen to be hit directly in the eye, contact lenses are still a lot safer than a pair of specs. Modern lenses are made from incredibly light, soft and smooth materials that won't cause any damage at all.
- It's expensive to get lenses for sport: not true. Dailies are super cost-effective, as you can buy a pack to wear whenever you want, without any waste. everclear ACTIVE and everclear ELITE both offer great value for occasional and everyday wear.
- Lenses require too much care: monthly lenses do need to be stored and cleaned in solution, but daily disposables are 100% maintenance-free. Pop them in for a session and throw them away afterwards, no fuss, no solution, no case needed.
Contact lenses by sport
Check out the sports that pair perfectly with your lenses and will transform each experience for the better.
In team games and contact sports, anything can happen. These unpredictable sports carry a high risk of impact and injury, so it isn't practical to wear glasses, which can fall off your face or, worse, damage your eye. Lenses are the more practical way to correct your vision, on and off the pitch.
Trying to reach your personal best, or simply stretching your legs with a stroll? Lenses will help you go that extra mile. With their help, you can be more agile, lift weights, hold yoga poses for longer, and use exercise machines comfortably and completely hassle-free.
Racquet games are all about precision, and if you want to track and hit the ball accurately, lenses offer that wider field of view with zero restrictions. Sitting snugly on your eye, each lens lets you see clearly and react immediately.
When you hit the road or mountain with your bike, it's crucial to have perfect vision so you can react to obstacles like rocks, curves, rain or sun glare in a flash. Lenses stay unaffected by conditions, so nothing will ever obstruct your view. Headgear, helmets and sunglasses can all be worn with your lenses too, no problem.
Contact lenses and water don't mix. If you're about to head for a swim, go scuba diving, or wash off after a workout, make sure you always take them out first. Water, whether from a swimming pool, the sea or a river, contains all sorts of germs and bacteria that can easily contaminate your lenses, leading to uncomfortable eye infections. first. Water, whether from a swimming pool, the sea or a river, contains all sorts of germs and bacteria that can easily contaminate your lenses, leading to uncomfortable eye infections.
If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports, you'll know that glasses get in the way. Instead of investing in expensive prescription goggles, simply use lenses with a built-in UV filter alongside a normal set of goggles.
Petrolheads wanting to take it up a gear should leave their glasses at home and pair their helmet, visor and goggles with lenses instead. No matter how smoky it gets on the course, your lenses will stay crystal clear.
For adrenaline addicts, lenses are the more suitable choice. Extreme sports like skateboarding, rock climbing and bungee jumping can be dangerous enough without the added risk of wearing glasses. Switch to the safety of lenses and keep embracing the thrill.
Working out in contact lenses and looking after your eyes
Can you work out in contact lenses? Yes. Soft daily lenses stay put during running, gym sessions and classes, giving you a full field of vision with no frames to fog or slip. To keep your eyes healthy while you train:
- Wash and dry your hands before putting lenses in or taking them out.
- Never rinse lenses with tap water, always use a proper multi-purpose solution.
- Give your eyes a break after long sessions, and keep a spare pair or eye drops in your bag.
- Avoid overwearing lenses after intense activity, and see your optician if anything feels off.
Can I swim with contact lenses? Our experts generally don't recommend using contact lenses for water sports, as contacts are more susceptible to bacteria in the water, which can cause eye infections. If you do need to swim, pair daily disposable lenses with tight-fitting waterproof swimming goggles, or buy prescription goggles. Just be sure to throw lenses away as soon as you're out of the pool.
Don't let dry eyes call the shots during your workouts. Keep them hydrated with eye drops for high-level performance and unbeatable vision. Drinking water helps too, along with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids to support tear production.
Sports stars who wear contact lenses
Believe it or not, many sports stars also choose the comfort and convenience of contact lenses. See which sportspeople wear contact lenses.