Sports-mad people urged to correctly care for their eyes

An Oldham opticians is advising athletes on how to correctly care for their eyes while playing sports.

Research shows that 15.5 million people in the UK now play sport at least once a week.

Those who play sports regularly could notice quite a difference wearing contact lenses rather than glasses.

They’re great for fast-paced sports that require a person to be at their most agile because they improve vision stability and give a wider field of vision.

With up to three million people opting for contact lenses in the UK, it’s evident they have clear advantages for sport enthusiasts.

However, it’s important that athletes ensure their contact lenses match their current prescription and are properly fitted by an experienced eye health professional.

The Specsavers team in Oldham is raising awareness of the importance of selecting the right contact lenses when playing sports.

When participating in outdoor sports activities, it’s also important to consider UV protection during the summer months to protect eyes from sun damage.

The optician will be able to advise on which contact lens brands offer UV protection.

Technological advances mean that contact lenses are now more comfortable and simpler to care for than ever before.

Additionally, advances in design means that even those with strong or complex prescriptions can now enjoy the benefits.

Catherine Hughes, store director at Specsavers Oldham, said: "Contact lenses enable athletes to take part in sporting activities where glasses might be unsuitable.

"The lenses mould to the shape of your eye, while moving with it to provide a wider field of view and improved vision stability.

"Your choice of contact lens should take into account your lifestyle and the sports you enjoy.

"Soft lenses are likely to be the most suitable as they’re safer for contact sport as they can handle rapid eye movements and are unlikely to be dislodged, which is crucial during sports such as football and rugby.

"At Specsavers in Oldham we offer a free, no obligation consultation for contact lenses where the optician will examine your eye surface and eyelids, the quality of your tears and the curvature and diameter of the cornea at the front of your eye, together with the size of your pupils and position of your eyelids.

"We’ll then help you select the ideal lenses based on your individual needs."

For further information or to book an eye test at your nearest Specsavers store, please visit: www.specsavers.co.uk/stores