Rock Climbing with Glasses: Yes or No?

Rock Climbing with Glasses: Yes or No? For us, people with poor eyesight, glasses are god sent. Without them, the quality of life plummets exponentially. Without glasses, we can be helpless and lost. If you wear glasses daily, you know what we are talking about. But glasses are fragile. What do you do if you go rock climbing, downhill skiing, or do other extreme sports and activities? Read our article and find out.

We’ll walk you through the best options, and you can choose the one suitable for you.

Today, let’s focus on rock climbing.

One of the wonderful attributes of this extreme sport is the beauty surrounding you. Mother nature in all her glory. Mountains with snow-white picks, clear blue skies — breathtaking gorgeous views. Leaving your glasses at home is simply out of the question. But how can we manage climbing to a higher altitude without dropping the glasses?

Actually, we can.

Rock Climbing with Glasses. Fixing the glass frame

If you’re wearing prescription glasses, you risk losing them during the climb. Especially on your way down. You look at what’s going on ahead or behind, and your glasses slip off your nose.

Our first and easiest option is to tighten the frame of the prescription glasses, making it better attached to your head and less likely to fall.

You can have it done at most opticians or fix it yourself. It’s not that hard, just tighten a couple of screws.

This is the first thing you’ll want to do. But not the last one.

Bringing a backup pair of glasses

It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. If you wear prescription glasses, you have a couple of spares for sure. Bring a spare pair with you, just in case. Put them in your backpack. They won’t weigh much but can save the day later if something happens to the other glasses.

Using a neck cord

A neck cord can be critical when climbing. It won’t allow glasses to fall from your head. You can wear a neck cord with climbing helmets without a problem. It’s not expensive and can be found in a lot of places: at eyewear or outdoor stores. You can purchase it online too.

It’s better to have a couple of them. One neck cord for your prescription glasses and another one for the sunglasses. Their handles can be of different thicknesses, so one neck cord won’t be enough.

It’s such a simple precaution to take, don’t overlook it.

Wearing contact lenses

Contact lenses are a contradiction. People either love them or hate them. Not everyone wearing glasses can adapt to contact lenses. Some people find them extremely uncomfortable and prefer prescription glasses. Others call them their life saviors. If you prefer glasses, but love climbing, consider taking contact lenses with you.

You won’t have to worry about them during climbing. Just make sure you follow the right procedure of putting the contact lenses on and taking them off. Don’t forget to wash your hands before touching them.

After you put the contact lenses on, don’t rub your eyes too much.

It can be a good idea to use daily contacts. In such a case, you won’t have to worry about the lens solution. You can take off the contacts and throw them out.

If you wear lenses, we suggest wearing sunglasses with them. They will protect your eyes not only from the sun’s rays but also from dust or dirt getting into your eyes. With the contact lenses on, it can cause strong discomfort.

Some climbers complain that contact lenses can become uncomfortable to wear in extreme weather conditions. For example, when it’s freezing at high altitudes.

In such a case, weigh your options and make a decision. Glasses can be uncomfortable there, too.

Wearing over-the-glasses goggles

This is a fantastic option, especially if you are not a fan of contacts.

If you go climbing a couple of times a year, you don’t need them, as they are a larger investment. Although, if you have fallen in love with mountains and see yourself as a rock climber, it could be the time to think about acquiring a pair of over-the-glasses goggles.

They will provide great protection for your eyes and for prescription glasses, too.

There are plenty of options here.

For example, you can buy goggles that are suitable for both climbing and skiing. Double-duty solution. With these goggles, you’ll have greater protection from UV rays and an efficient antifog coating.

There are also options for outdoor sports, including climbing. Their lenses will shield you from UV rays. They have anti-fog and anti-scratch features as well. The lens curvature is the same shape as the eyes. It means that your range of vision will be close to ideal.

Prescription glacier glasses

If you prefer climbing in the snowy mountainous terrain, you will want to consider glacier glasses. Prescription glacier glasses are invaluable in snow-covered areas and winter outdoor sports. The blinding brightness of the snow sparkling in the sun is dangerous. It can be life-threatening.

They come in various designs and shapes. Some of them have lenses that allow just 5% of light penetration, which is absolutely critical. They are specially designed for extreme conditions and provide ultimate protection and customized fit.

Prescription goggles

Prescription goggles are not the cheapest option either, but definitely worth considering if you are committed to climbing.

As they are prescription goggles, you don’t need your everyday glasses. They are made to wear in non-snowy conditions. Prescription goggles will provide you with extra comfort, as they have a comfortable eyeglass frame with less bulk around your ears and temples.

We recommend choosing a low to middle VLT lens option: 10-30% VLT depending on how sensitive your eyes are, and where you are going climbing.

Prescription sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses are a brilliant solution. Many climbers love wearing sunglasses. The sun can be brutal at higher altitudes, and these shades provide excellent eye protection. Besides, their lens curvature secures protection for the whole eye. Many models have side shields.

We love wearing sunglasses with a plastic and lightweight eyeglass frame. Regardless of the outdoor temperature, you’ll feel comfortable if you wear them. They are usually impact-resistant and can endure tough treatment. There are plenty of options for different outdoor sports.

Belay glasses

These glasses are now quite trendy among climbers. But before acquiring a pair of such glasses, make sure you need them.

You may want such glasses if you belay often and for extended periods. Climbers usually get such glasses when they suffer from back and neck pain. These glasses are invaluable in such cases. Otherwise, there is no need to buy them.

Final thoughts

After providing you with all the feasible solutions, we’d like to give our piece of advice.

The most budget-friendly and comfortable option for a climber is to wear contacts with non-prescription glacier glasses or goggles. Of course, maintaining proper lens hygiene can be tricky if you’re camping, sleeping in a sleeping bag, or maybe even on the way up the rock.

It’s not impossible and with some practice, absolutely doable. If you hate lenses, protect yourself with prescription goggles or glacier glasses (in case you go climbing in the alpine). It’s an investment, but you will feel comfortable if you wear them.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear glasses while rock climbing?

Yes, you certainly can. But you have to be careful and protect your glasses. Try tightening the frame of the glasses to attach them closer to the head. And buy a neck cord. It will save you from dropping the glasses during the climb.

If you are not strictly opposed to contact lenses, we recommend wearing them instead. It’s much easier and more comfortable than wearing glasses.

Is it OK to work out with glasses?

You can definitely work out with glasses on. We’ll give you a few tips to make it more comfortable.

1. Wear a glasses strap, it will keep the glasses in place.
2. Purchase glasses with adjustable nose pads and ear grips to attach them closer to the head. They will be less likely to fall.
3. Wear a pair of glasses with a lighter frame. Heavy-duty frames are very uncomfortable, especially during aerobic workouts.

Can people actually use belay glasses?

Yes, they can. They are really practical if you belay regularly, especially if you do it for long periods of time. They allow the belayer to see the climber without craning their neck. These glasses are designed to prevent neck pain.

They have a prism that refracts the image of the climber back to the belayer.

A lot of climbers appreciate them and say that they provide safety and security. And they look kind of cool.

Can blind people do rock climbing?

It depends. Some people simply don’t accept the term “disabled”. They want challenges and adventures and are not satisfied with sheltered existence. Some of them choose to test themselves by getting involved in climbing.

There are actually several climbing clubs in Canada and the US where people with vision impairment can prove to themselves and the world that they are capable of overcoming their disability.

A 70+ Canadian woman, who has been blind since the age of three, tried climbing, fell in love with the experience, and organized a club for people with vision impairment people who want to try this activity.

Of course, they are supervised and helped by instructors and always wear extra protection. But they can go climbing, no doubt about that.

Read also: Rock climbing facts: highest and first artificial climbing wall, leading climbers, history of rock climbing