A SIG leader suffered face injuries from a broken eyeglass frame this past Sunday. I did so too a few years back (skiing.) Are certain eyeglass designs safer than others?
Eyeglasses & injuries
Wed, 04/28/2004 - 8:17am
Wed, 04/28/2004 - 8:53am
#1
Ask an optician
I highly recommend Brian Bennett at Leonard Opticians, 40 W. 55th St., 212.246.4452. Careful and conscientious, he has an excellent eye for picking out the right frame and fit for your face and activity. I have gone to him for over a decade; on my last visit, he even complimented my new bike.
Personally, for cycling, I wear contacts and plastic Bolle sports glasses. One scar from a broken frame is enough. (Fortunately, the glass lenses didn't shatter that time.)
Wed, 04/28/2004 - 11:03am
#2
Broken glasses
"You can put duct tape across the lenses. This will keep them from shattering and going into your eyes. Of course, it is difficult to see through duct tape. My friend Yepic the Cycling Skeptic solves this problem by looking over his lenses.
Yepic reminded me to quote an old Montenegrin saying,""Fixing something that isn't broken is sometimes worse than breaking it.""
Your Pal,
Etoain"
Thu, 04/29/2004 - 8:30am
#3
ROTFL! I always carry duck/duct tape. Used it to help SIG rider reattach fallen fender. Later offered it for his ribs as well. Montnegrin saying: Wrap duck tape around a boxcutter and slip into saddle pouch (tape the blade shut.) Makes one better prepared with a slight aura of menace.
Wed, 04/28/2004 - 6:59pm
#4
Polycarbonate and CR39 (plastic) lenses are safer than glass lenses obviously, with the edge to polycarbonate for most impact resistance.
As far as frames go, I'd venture a guess that most frames, whether plastic or metal, are equally likely to be injurious. Extreme cat-eye frames that extend past your helmet should likely be avoided, lest you be mistaken for 90s songstress Lisa Loeb.
In all seriousness, I've spent some time reading up on this, since I also race cars. Polycarbonate lenses in plastic or flexible Ti frames are probably your best bet.
Cheers,
- Christian
PS: My frames are Ti, but my frame is steel.
Thu, 04/29/2004 - 3:30pm
#5
Haven't found anything that made me happier the Rudy Project Graals. The nose peice is intergrated into the frame so it can't poke you in the eye. The inside is smooth with hidden hinges. Probably a good idea to use plastic lenses.
Wed, 04/28/2004 - 9:56pm
#6
Frameless glasses on the bottom are plain dom (that's dumb).
You know sunglasses that have no frame along the bottom edge. Imagine yourself crashing with them--sharp edged things that they are--cutting into your skin as they jam into your cheek.
What ineffably stupid design.
Richard
Thu, 04/29/2004 - 9:37am
#7
Oakleys have no frame on the bottom
"I have worn Oakleys for years, with interchangeable lenses which necessitate a ""bottomless"" frame. Oakley of all people is always touting their space age materials. I would hate to think that their glasses could be dangerous in a crash. It would be interesting to find out how they respond to this concern.
Yours, a hill climber who would make you feel like L. Armstrong, Judith"
Fri, 04/30/2004 - 8:16am
#8
Oakleys
I have not witnessed any catastrophic failures or heard of anybody who's been roughed up by their Oakleys, but I would refrain from faceplant field tests because it’ll also put a dent in your wallet at $150 a pop.
>a hill climber who would make you feel like L. Armstrong,
Someone told me that once, and after the first climb – I found out he meant Louie Armstrong. ( :-/ )
