Eye protection
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Area
Bikes: MGX Atlas
Eye protection from wind
I have been having issues with my eyes getting irritated from the wind. I arrive at work and my eyes are red and stinging, and they water like crazy on a fast downhill to the point where I can hardly see. I wear sunglasses but I think I need something with more coverage, closer to safety glasses. Anybody else with the same issue? Have you found some cycling specific glasses that address the problem?
Last edited by SuperGregNo1; 04-24-12 at 02:43 PM.
#2
It's true, man.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Bikes: Cannondale T1000, Inbred SS 29er, Supercaliber 29er, Crescent Mark XX, Burley Rumba Tandem
Nope, during the Spring and Fall when the bugs along my river route are worst, I use the close-fitting clear safety glasses from Home Depot made by MSA
https://tinyurl.com/7or3yk8
https://tinyurl.com/7or3yk8
#3
Dharma Dog
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: Rodriguez Shiftless street fixie with S&S couplers, Kuwahara tandem, Trek carbon, Dolan track
I've always used Oakley M Frames with the "Sweep" lens. The "Heater" is the same shape, but much larger, but I would think it protects better. They no longer make the M Frames, but you can still get lenses on eBay. Not sure how the newer Oakleys (Radar & whatever they're using now) work. But all the Oakleys are overpriced. I only started using them when I was on a team and Oakley was one of the sponsors, and they've lasted this long. But I would think any cheap (but good quality) wraparounds would work the same.
Luis
Luis
#4
Kitten Legion Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
Bikes: Fuji silhouette, Dawes SST-aL
I've always used Oakley M Frames with the "Sweep" lens. The "Heater" is the same shape, but much larger, but I would think it protects better. They no longer make the M Frames, but you can still get lenses on eBay. Not sure how the newer Oakleys (Radar & whatever they're using now) work. But all the Oakleys are overpriced. I only started using them when I was on a team and Oakley was one of the sponsors, and they've lasted this long. But I would think any cheap (but good quality) wraparounds would work the same.
Luis
Luis
I was in the exact same boat as the OP, except not only wind, but falling debris from trees (spring time) and flying insects. Sunglasses don't work, cycling glasses may work but are overpriced safety glasses. Luckily we have a safety supply store here in Portland, I got a pair of these https://sandersonsafety.mycartssl.com...7452414D4B107A Very adjustable, comfortable, and well worth the price. I used them all weekend, so much better than sunglasses! And, at under $6 for a pair, who cares if you lose them, get them stolen, or scratch them up.
Last edited by ben4345; 04-24-12 at 03:16 PM.
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Area
Bikes: MGX Atlas
Hah, so interestingly enough on overcast days where it's not going to be sunny I have worn safety glasses. I'll probably go pick up a tinted pair for sunny days as well.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,773
Likes: 105
From: West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
There is plenty of bike specific eye protection out there, not sure why people are saying the M Frame is discontinued, as it is still avaliable on the Oakley website.
For Oakley value, not sure what the warranty is like in the US, but in the UK it's the best of any bike or bike related manufacture. Have had several pairs replaced when they were 10+ years old for a nominal sum. Yes you pay a premium up front, but unlike anyone else, they stand by their product.
For Oakley value, not sure what the warranty is like in the US, but in the UK it's the best of any bike or bike related manufacture. Have had several pairs replaced when they were 10+ years old for a nominal sum. Yes you pay a premium up front, but unlike anyone else, they stand by their product.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,879
Likes: 6
From: Northern California
Any kind of wrap-around sunglasses will be hugely better at blocking wind and debris than regular sunglasses or prescription glasses. Most sunglasses are not very adjustable, so try a bunch on first. Prices on many good quality models are very reasonable (well under $50).
#8
ouate de phoque
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
From: La Prairie, Qc, Canada
Bikes: Bianchi, Nakamura,Opus
Personnaly I fitted a full face grinding shield that I cutted to shape directly on my helmet, I'll try to put pics later tonight. It's not very good looking but very effective and as it's not as close to the face as sunglasses when you sweat it does'nt drop on the shield
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
There are a lot of relatively inexpensive wrap around glasses with interchangeable lenses. You can have clear for night and tinted for sun.
Search "Performance Bike" and "Nashbar". For glasses designed just for bicycles.
Search "Performance Bike" and "Nashbar". For glasses designed just for bicycles.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
I've tried safety glasses in the past, but the cheap ones from home depot have a lot of optic distortion. I got a cheap pair of multi-lens glasses with clear frames from nashbar, and they work great.
I' be willing to bet that you don't need new glasses though. You probably need some over the counter allergy eye drops (visine A, clear eyes) now that spring is in the air.
I' be willing to bet that you don't need new glasses though. You probably need some over the counter allergy eye drops (visine A, clear eyes) now that spring is in the air.
#11
I have a pair of Tifosi fototecs, which are regular yellow lenses in low light, but transition to tinted in sunlight. It's a bit of a gimmick, but I have found that I'm never thinking "boy, it's bright out", so they actually seem to work well, and the transition is not noticeable when I'm wearing them...so I'm very pleased. Plus, they were a gift from the in-laws, so I'm doubly happy with them. Before I got the Tifosis, I used my old clear shooting glasses, which I think the shooting range comp'd for me...they work, but they're not nearly as comfortable as actual sunglasses.
#12
Kitten Legion Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
Bikes: Fuji silhouette, Dawes SST-aL
I've tried safety glasses in the past, but the cheap ones from home depot have a lot of optic distortion. I got a cheap pair of multi-lens glasses with clear frames from nashbar, and they work great.
I' be willing to bet that you don't need new glasses though. You probably need some over the counter allergy eye drops (visine A, clear eyes) now that spring is in the air.
I' be willing to bet that you don't need new glasses though. You probably need some over the counter allergy eye drops (visine A, clear eyes) now that spring is in the air.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Palmer, Alaska
The best glasses that I have yet found for cycling are Oakley Half Jackets. They aren't perfect, but they do a reasonably good job of protecting me from wind and preventing my eyes from tearing up. They are far superior to anything else that I have tried, but I haven't tried any of the Smith or Rudy Project products. Those two makers are often touted as great for cycling. In winter, I just ride with ski goggles. They may look funny, but people will cut you some slack on style points if you are cycling in Alaska in winter.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 16
From: Oxnard, CA
Bikes: 2009 Fuji Roubaix RC; 2011 Fuji Cross 2.0; '92 Diamond Back Ascent EX
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 437
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
Bikes: Surly Steamroller FG, Trek 800 SS MTB, Omega Tandem Sport
Q: Need something like safety glasses
A: Use safety glasses
Seriously, they are cheap as all get out, can get shaded / clear / high viz versions. Why drop the kind of money on cycling specific glasses cost? I have a shaded pair and a clear pair. Best part? I don't care if they get scratched a little or broken *Guilt free.
A: Use safety glasses
Seriously, they are cheap as all get out, can get shaded / clear / high viz versions. Why drop the kind of money on cycling specific glasses cost? I have a shaded pair and a clear pair. Best part? I don't care if they get scratched a little or broken *Guilt free.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
On sale, safety glasses can be had for $1 at harbor freight, $2 for goggles. If we've already thrown fashion out the window, just Fred all out and go with the practical solution. Any amount of tint is unacceptably noticeable from dusk to dawn.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Get some wrap-around cycling glasses. Tifosis are reasonably priced, and on-line shops like Performance, REI, Nashbar and Sierra Trading Post often have other brands on sale. Eye drops also could help. Is there any possibility that you have allergies and stuff like pollen and dust are irritating your eyes?
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
Oakleys are expensive sunglasses no doubt, but they are also very nice sunglesses. Their unobtanium rubber is very nice at gripping sweaty temples, and their distortion free lenses are really superb for peripheral vision. I like mine & find them to be a worthwile investment. If you have the money, they may well be worth it. Certainly safety goggles are another valid, significantly less expensive solution. Oakley also sells a pair of windjacket (or something like that) sunglesses that look like they would totally block the wind hitting your eyes. Unfortunately, they combine the pricing of Oakleys with the style of Safety goggles.
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee WI
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Specialized Robaix, Specialized Carmel
Neat, does anything come up from underneath. I ride a trail and at dusk it's like riding through a hailstorm from all the bugs, they are in your eyes, nose and you don't dare open your mouth. Was wondering if something like yours would help.
#23
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I have been using Oakley half jackets with polarized lenses for years. They keep my eyes clear and block quite a bit of wind for me. And they are oth only ones that seem to stand up very well to daily wear and use weather it be running, biking, overall sweating or just driving the car..
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Q: Need something like safety glasses
A: Use safety glasses
Seriously, they are cheap as all get out, can get shaded / clear / high viz versions. Why drop the kind of money on cycling specific glasses cost? I have a shaded pair and a clear pair. Best part? I don't care if they get scratched a little or broken *Guilt free.
A: Use safety glasses
Seriously, they are cheap as all get out, can get shaded / clear / high viz versions. Why drop the kind of money on cycling specific glasses cost? I have a shaded pair and a clear pair. Best part? I don't care if they get scratched a little or broken *Guilt free.
Home depot carries some decent safety glasses that are comfortable and tinted for under $10. I got 2 pairs, one tinted dark for day and tinted yellow for low light.
#25
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
Bikes: 2012 Surly Cross x Check
I've used the Tifosi Fototecs, nice glasses. One of the few 'roadie' things I indulge in. Safety glasses might work, but bike glasses are designed to keep the wind out of your eye. If saftey glasses work, more power to you. If not, I would 'indulge' in some road glasses. I can't speak from experience, but what I'm reading about Oakley here makes them worth a look. Be warned: you do get what you pay for... usually




