As most Americans will need glasses at some point in their lives, it’s odd they’re not considered more thoughtfully when it comes to developing helmets.
In olden times, many of us with poor eyesight would have died out by not being able to see a wild animal coming. However, thanks to modern technology, we’re given the chance to live full lives similar to someone with clear eyesight, as long as we have accommodations like prescription lenses in our arsenal. With prescription glasses, we can still experience the joys of living, such as driving fast with our motorcycles on the open road without becoming a danger to society. Considering most Americans will have a need for glasses at some point in their adult life, according to The Vision Council, it’s a little bit surprising that glasses are not considered more thoughtfully when it comes to developing life-saving technology, like helmets.
While there’s no one perfect helmet for everyone, there are some key characteristics that make a helmet more comfortable for people with glasses, like special grooves where the arms fit nicely. In addition, some helmets with wide eye ports make it easy to put glasses on, even when you’re already wearing it. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to have some added UV protection and anti-fog mechanisms. Thankfully, some of the top helmet brands have considered the needs of low-key blind customers. Here are some ways to spot glasses-friendly helmets, a couple of frequently praised models, and all our tips for improving your riding experience with your spectacles.Check your glasses are suitable for riding
For casual riders who don’t really want to splurge on new lenses, there’s a chance your existing pair is good enough already. TrendOptic mentions some key characteristics that make glasses work well with helmets, including slim designs, which reduce the likelihood of pain from pressure points and can easily be slotted in. In terms of durability, it also mentions the need for shatterproof lenses to prevent additional problems during an accident, which means glass lenses that are prone to becoming a million pieces upon impact are out of the question. If you plan to do a lot of riding during the day, and don’t want to risk giving your eyes sunburn, UV protection is a must. Plus, if you have glasses with a wrap-around style this can reduce the amount of dust particulars that get into your eyes.
These days, there are also growing developments in the wearable technology space that might pique your interest. In 2023, BMW launched smart glasses for motorcycle riders, which are made to fit comfortably with helmets.
