May 2009
Got sun in your eyes?
Eye protection is crucial on the course
Made in the shade: This golfer has protected his eyes from the dangers of sun overexposure.
Awareness about sun protection is growing and the majority of golfers are applying sunscreen regularly. Considering the amount of time a golfer spends in the sun, this shouldn’t surprise anyone. What surprises me is that the same precautions are often overlooked when it comes to protecting their eyes.
Sunglasses on the golf course are no longer about fashion. The damage caused to your eyes is often irreversible. “Long-term exposure to the sun can promote aging of the eyes, cataracts and even macular degeneration,” said Jim Stewart, optician at 20/20 Vision Care in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Even short-term overexposure can produce discomfort.
“Sore eyes, headaches and eye strain are all possible signs of overexposure to sunlight,” Stewart said.
For those golfers who feel uncomfortable hitting shots while donning shades, consider following the latest trend on the PGA Tour. Players are often seen with their sunglasses on the brim of their hat while executing shots, but wearing them on their eyes while walking and waiting in between shots.
Sunglasses may even improve your golf game—specifically putting—in ways you did not consider. Some players feel that they see and read the undulations on the putting surface better when they are wearing sunglasses. Others state that they have better depth perception and feel for the course when their eyes are relaxed, free of excess tension and not constantly squinting.
Purchasing a good pair of sunglasses is not going to break your bank.
“You can get a decent pair of sunglasses, with appropriate UV protection, for under $80,” Stewart said. Compare that to the cost of your sunscreen consumption for an entire summer, and it is really a small price to pay for your eyesight.
Look for lenses that offer good coverage—larger lenses will allow you to maintain your field of view while remaining unobstructed by the frame. Nike and Oakley are two of the trendsetters in golf eyewear. Both companies often design their eyewear with an active lifestyle in mind. Bottom line—you need to find something that feels good on you, offers you the protection you need and suits your budget.
You may even want to consider having your eyes tested. An eye doctor will be able to evaluate the overall health of your eyes, as well as any accumulated sun damage your eyes may have already received.
If you change one thing in your golf game this season, make it your attitude toward eye protection. Remember that sun damage has an accumulative effect, so better late than never! Shades may not stop you from slicing your ball into the bushes, but you may find it is easier to locate it when you get there.