Cycling with glasses and contact lenses: Discovering a Clearer Path

The Joys of Riding a Bike at Any Age

Cycling is a liberating experience, offering a sense of freedom that transcends age and skill level. Biking holds a special place in many hearts, from leisurely rides through scenic countryside to competitive races pushing the limits of human endurance. However, for some, the joy of cycling with glasses and contact lenses poses a myriad of annoyances and some dangers on the open road, particularly at night. In this blog, we’ll explore the exhilaration of riding, the annoyances of cycling with glasses, and the transformative potential of laser eye surgery for cyclists. Let’s embark on a journey that combines the thrill of two wheels with the quest for clearer vision and safer rides.

Cycling knows no age limits. Whether you’re a child pedalling for the sheer joy of it, a middle-aged commuter seeking an eco-friendly alternative, or a retiree relishing the freedom of retirement, bikes provide a means of transportation and recreation for everyone. The wind in your hair, the rhythmic hum of tyres on the pavement, and the scenery unfolding around you create a symphony of sensations that few other activities can replicate. The sense of accomplishment after conquering a challenging hill or completing a long-distance ride is incomparable.

Competitive Cycling: Pushing the Limits

For those with a competitive spirit, cycling offers an avenue to test physical limits and showcase dedication. From gruelling road races and intense mountain biking championships to triathlons and iron man/woman competitions, competitive cyclists inspire us with unwavering determination. These athletes spend countless hours training to achieve peak performance, honing their skills, and optimising their gear to gain that edge. However, even the most skilled cyclists must contend the limitations of impaired vision and the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Perils of Riding with glasses and contact lenses

Every glasses wearing cyclist understands the annoyance of their glasses fogging up as they ride, and the cost and compromised style of expensive prescription cycling glasses. For more competitive cyclists this is even more apparent, with the risk of a fall with glasses adding further risk. Those who chose to wear contact lenses and compete in triathlons understand the challenges of transition to the swim stage. Open water also carries significant risk of infection in contact lens wearers which can lead to sight loss.

Reduced visibility due to darkness can lead to accidents, particularly for those already struggling with vision issues. Dimly lit roads, unpredictable obstacles, and the glare of oncoming headlights pose significant challenges. Without clear vision, cyclists are at an increased risk of collisions and accidents that can result in severe injuries.

Common Accidents When Cycling with Impaired Vision

Impaired vision can lead to a host of common accidents for cycling with glasses and contact lenses. One frequent scenario involves misjudging distances, leading to rear-end collisions with other cyclists or vehicles. Additionally, impaired peripheral vision can make detecting obstacles like potholes or debris on the road challenging, increasing the likelihood of losing control and crashing. Even simple actions like signalling turns or navigating through traffic can become hazardous when vision is compromised.

The Power of Laser Eye Surgery for Cyclists

Fortunately, modern medicine offers a solution that can dramatically improve the cycling experience for those with impaired vision—laser eye surgery. This revolutionary procedure can correct vision issues, including near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, providing cyclists with the clarity they need to ride safely. By reshaping the cornea with precision laser technology, laser eye surgery will eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, making it an ideal choice for active individuals like cyclists.
An alternative, reversible technique to laser eye surgery is the Evo implantable contact lens which is placed within the eye to correct even very high prescriptions beyond the scope of laser eye surgery.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery for Cyclists:

1. Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Laser eye surgery for cyclists can significantly widen the field of vision, allowing cyclists to spot obstacles and other road users more efficiently.
2. Improved Night Vision: Cyclists who undergo laser eye surgery often report enhanced night vision, reducing the risks associated with riding in low-light conditions.
3. Freedom from Glasses and contact lenses: No more worrying about glasses fogging up or slipping down during rides and never needing to worry about contact lens-related infections in triathlon. Laser eye surgery can free cyclists from the hassle of eyewear.
4. Increased Confidence: With clear vision, cyclists can approach every ride more confidently, knowing they can react to unexpected situations quickly and effectively.

Book your laser eye surgery with OCL Vision today

In the cycling world, impaired vision can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Laser eye surgery offers a transformative solution that can elevate your cycling experience to new heights. If you’re a cyclist seeking clearer vision and safer rides, consider the potential benefits of laser eye surgery for cyclists. And in London, there’s no better place to explore this option than OCL Vision, an award-winning eye clinic known for its expertise in vision correction. Take the first step toward clearer vision and safer cycling today with OCL Vision. With a team of skilled and experienced professionals, OCL Vision has earned recognition and awards for its commitment to providing top-notch eye care services. Discover the clarity you’ve been seeking at OCL Vision and leave cycling with glasses and contact lenses behind.

OCL Vision is England’s only surgeon-owned, comprehensive private eye care group. With OCL Vision surgeons operating in dedicated clinics in London and Elstree, Hertfordshire, patients can access world-class eye care closer to home with a specialist consultant who has dedicated their career to a specific branch of Ophthalmology.

With over 180 years of collective experience in eye surgery, OCL Vision is an elite group of eye surgeons who have performed over 60,000 surgical procedures, published more than 250 research papers, and presented their work nationally and internationally. Together, we provide patients with the highest standards of private eye care.