I’ve recently developed an eye condition that means I now have to wear rigid contact lenses. Normally I wouldn’t bother with cycling glasses, but I’ll need a pair to stop dust and debris getting into my eyes.
For those of you who wear glasses/protection while riding, what would you recommend? I’m looking for something suitable for all conditions, rain, sun, snow, and even riding in the dark.
Before I needed to wear glasses I wore smith sunnies with a wrap around, interchangeable lenses. Something like these
I'd go for something a similar shape, with a non fog lenses but cheap enough to bin when they inevitably get scratched.
I was going to suggest banana industries but their wrap around glasses are £40
Have you considered prescription riding glasses? I rate my Rad8 glasses, and stopped using contact lenses for riding many moons ago.
I wear contact lenses, so I never ride without glasses to protect my eyes. After trying many pairs over the years, I find that my favourite pair are Oakley Sutros. They protect my eyes from tearing in wind, or in the unlikely case that im descending very fast. The coverage and range of vision is excellent. I use photo chromatic lenses, but for dark, I’d prefer clear.
ive got a pair of rudy project ryders which have an interchangeable lens , i wear them over contacts. I am pretty happy with them, plus i use them for winter sports too. Loads of lenses available
I am terrible for losing or scratching glasses so I have moved away from expensive brands to safety glasses from Screwfix. Their Bolle range are decent quality and about £10 so getting different pairs for different conditions does not break the bank.
I mostly stick with Oakley of some description. Not sure i would now i hear their warranty has been diluted so much, but i've got ~30 year old pairs still in immaculate condition, so it's not generally been a big issue. Being able to get extra lenses has been something of a bonus.
M frames and half jackets were my go to.
Is it keratoconus? Thai is what I have, so I have to use contact lenses to ride. I wear clear Smith glasses, or I used to wear Bolle safety glasses. It's a pain riding behind someone in dry dusty conditions, so keep some eye lubricant/saline with you!
Another recommendation for Rad8
https://rad8.co.uk/products/rad8-504-photochromic-lenses-black-edition
Is it keratoconus? Thai is what I have, so I have to use contact lenses to ride. I wear clear Smith glasses, or I used to wear Bolle safety glasses. It's a pain riding behind someone in dry dusty conditions, so keep some eye lubricant/saline with you!
Yes, exactly that. Thanks 👍
Thanks for the reply’s and advice everyone.
I was also going to ask if it's keratoconus. I was diagnosed with it when I was 18,im now 52,have been using rigid lenses since I was diagnosed.
Fo mtb, an rrp pro guard or similar for the front, and don't follow closely behind anyone, this will keep the vast majority of crud out of your eyes in all but the worst conditions.
I also use clear goggles if it's not too wet, if it's wet then I find that Goggle steam up too easily.
If you're going to wear glasses on the bike wear decent ones.
I use Melon Optics with a low-light lens. Two years now.
Yes they were pricey but I'd have got through many cheap pairs in that time.
And also a front mudhugger to keep the crap off your face.
Koo photochromatics are excellent. I use an insert and also swap to contacts when I can be bothered. So good, when I smashed a pair in a crash, I replaced them with another. Not cheap but the lens is superb in all lights.
Thanks everyone!
I was actually diagnosed with keratoconus around 20 years ago, however it’s the last couple of years where it’s now affecting both eyes.
I am slightly strange as I wear a piggy back in 1 eye (soft then hard on top) and the single hard in the other eye.
It has got to the point where I need to ride with them, so your suggestions are very helpful.
