Boating Eye Protection

[TJ]

Maybe you guys can help me out. I wear corrective eyeglasses. When cruising at high speeds, the wind rushing around the lens causes excess tearing. I adapt to this by tilting my head in whatever direction seems to minimize the tearing or ducking low behind the windshield (uncomfartable as I'm over 6' tall). Wrap around safety glasses worn over my corrective eyewear help. What I am thinking of try this year are some sort of goggles with an elastic head strap. They would have to be worn 'over-the-glasses'.

For the guys that wear similar eye protection, what can you recommend? There are lots of sales on ski goggles right now. Is that the best route to go or are there goggles specifically made for boating (liquid environment)? Thanks.

TJ

[BlackSilver]

I have some Australian sunglasses which are shaped to fit over my regular glasses (named appropriately "FitzOvers" or something like that). My bro-in-law is from Sydney and gave me them, but I've seen them advertised here now also. Polarized side and front, and just as good as goggles without the strap around your whole head.

SET the hook!!!

Hans

[Don__SD]

Do you have any snorkle gear.???

[Jack G]

TJ

Years ago I wore sunglasses that resembled conventional eyeglasses in size and shape. When I ran my bass boat wide open I experienced the same thing that you have described.

I now wear polarized, prescription eyeglasses that I order thru my optometrist. These glasses fit close to your face and have side shields. I believe these would prevent tearing because of their shape and close fit. I believe the frame brand is Ducal and you can have your optomitrist look them up in their supplies catalogs. These frames are very dark in color and the optomitrist can order prescription lenses for them. I have worn these for years but I have not had to try them when running a boat that exposes you to as much wind as my bass boat did.

When my boys rode motorcycles, if my memory serves me right, they wore sunglasses that were a wrap a round style much like the Ducals I now wear.

Hope this helps.

Jack

[REW]

A very simple idea that is very appropriate and works wonderfully well - especially in the cooler spring and fall weather is the use of a motorcycle helment, with a full visor or face shield.

You are nicely protected, have full vision, don't have to worry about any wind or spray, and get a bit of sound deadning as well for the roar or the wind or motor.

If your helment fits well, there is no problem putting your glasses on, after putting the helment on.

Adding aftermarket side shields, and elastic straps to any pair of glasses, will actually solve your tearing problem very nicely.

Take care

REW

The straps will keep the glasses with you, in case your turn your head and the wind wants to tear them off your face.

[Al]

Sorry boys, I wish my boat went that fast!

[luckyketch]

I use a good pair of ski goggles. If you are only suffering from a loss of near sight they work great. There may be some that fit over glasses I just have not looked for them.

[TJ]

Actually, I do! But I usually only use it when I'm snorkeling. :) Besides, the corrective lenses in my mask are ground for the refraction of water, not air. Wearing it would look pretty silly too.

[TJ]

> The straps will keep the glasses with you, in case your turn your head and the wind wants to tear them off your face.

Right. Like the $120 pair of prescription sunglasses I lost in exactly that fashion. I can only hope one of those big Green Bay walleyes was near-sighted enough to use them :-) I learned. Ever since then I wear a head strap.

[TJ]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll look into them.

I've tried glasses with side shields and they definitely are an improvement. But when it gets cold and dark, like a November night fishing on LBDN, you really want to see clearly where you are going. that's why I'm looking for some type of 'goggle' that would provide a more efective seal against air turbulance. I've seen a few guys with helmets and that would certainly work, but it's one more bulky item to have to find a place for in the boat. Sound isn't a problem as my Ficht isn't too loud. I may try a pair of ski goggles off the clearance rack and coninue looking for the perfect solution.

Thanks again.

TJ

[ARB]

Look for a pair of Scott,Smith or Oakley brand. They all make very good goggles that fit over glasses. Make sure that you get a model designed to fit over glasses. You should find them at ski shops or for something cooler look at your local motorcyle dealer in the dirt bike area. These companies make goggles for motocross as well. If you like online shopping try http://www.rockymountainmc.com/ These guys should be able to fix you up with something. I am not an employee just a satisfied customer.

[TJ]

Good idea!

[WINNER Z880]

Ski goggles that fit over my prescription glasses. Works very well.
The ones I have are tinted amber. Safety glasses with side shields will work pretty well also, just not as good as the ski goggles.

[vetspet(ind)]

also handy if you get caught in a hail storm...