One of the most common annoyances for drivers with less than perfect eyesight is fitting their glasses within the shell of a helmet. While many argue that riders can manage without their glasses, it can compromise the safety of the rider, as they may not be able to spot an object or person on the road quickly enough, especially at higher speeds. So how do we tackle this problem on a daily basis?
Ensure the glasses you wear fit well and are secure around your face. Ensure the helmet you wear is the right size. Another option is to get a modular helmet or an open faced helmet. Those riding with sunglasses can opt for a dual visor helmet, while powered glass users can try using contact lenses while driving.
Do read on as we explain each point in detail to help you get through this minor hiccup.There are very few helmets that can be used by glass wearers, but we have find list of some of the Best Helmet for Glasses Wearers, you can read that article if you are searching for a good helmet.
Ensure your Glasses Fit Well
Glasses come in all different shapes and sizes. However, larger frames with broad rims can pose a major difficulty to the rider in fitting the glass within the helmet. Most rimless, half rimmed and compact frames will easily fit in your helmet, especially through the visor.
Another reason to ensure your glasses fit well is to ensure they do not move within the helmet. A slight slip of the frame can distract you while riding, which can have serious implications, especially at high speeds. If they aren’t too secure, try to use headstraps to ensure they remain in place at all times.
Ensure your Helmet is Correctly Sized
Helmets must fit you well, especially if you ride with glasses. Too large and the helmet will move around, especially at higher speeds, which could knock your glasses off. Too small, and the chances your glasses can even get through are going to be extremely slim.
Another way to address the issue of wearing glasses is to ensure the visor opening of the helmet is large enough. This will allow you to fit the frame of your glasses through it, and help you make adjustments easily.
Also ensure there is a little space between the lower jaw and the chin guard to ensure you can push your glasses back using your fingers. However, it is crucial to make these changes when you are stationary, to ensure rider safety.
When wearing glasses, ensure that the sides of the frame are securely in place above your ear. Ensure that the glass is well seated on your nose. An additional nose piece could be vital to ensure your glasses remain in place. Adjust the glasses with your finger, and ensure that they do not have any room to move within the helmet.
Get a Helmet with a Dual Visor
A dual visor helmet often comes with an inner visor to protect the eyes from the glare of sunlight. This comes in very handy for riders who ride with sunglasses, especially during the daytime.
Not only does this help you avoid them, but it ensures that your glasses are not a riding annoyance, or in some extreme cases, a hazard to your own safety. Dual visor helmets also give the rider a chance to quickly retract and deploy the inner visor, making it more convenient to adjust it according to your surroundings.
Get a Modular or Open Face Helmet
Modular helmets are helmets that have a movable chin guard, while open face helmets do not have a chin guard at all. While these offer slightly less safety compared to full face helmets, they provide much better comfort to the rider, especially in hot and humid conditions.
Both these helmets have large front openings, which allow for the rider to comfortably slide their glasses into place. In the case of a modular helmet, you can push the lower chin guard up, get your glasses in place, and then lock the chin guard back in place, ensuring a secure fit. Open face helmets require you to push your visor up, wear your glasses, and put the visor back down.
Another added advantage of these helmets is they prevent fogging while riding, thanks to the increased ventilation within the shell. This improves the safety of the rider, especially in wet and cold conditions as visibility remains optimal.
Try Using Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are an effective way to ensure you can view the road and your surroundings without having to face the hassles of sliding your glasses in. Contact lenses also serve the added advantage of allowing riders to wear sunglasses on in daytime riding condition with bright sunlight.
However, contact lenses need some getting used to, and even the smallest speck of dust in your eye can have an adverse effect while riding. Contact lenses may also be out of budget for many riders, and the whole process of wearing and removing them could feel cumbersome to many.