Wakeboarding or Waterskiing With Less Than 20/20 Vision

Frustrated with your poor eyesight and not being able see while waterskiing or participating in other water sports? Sure, you can putt around behind the boat and trust the driver won't steer you wrong, but what kind of fun is that? And it definitely helps to see clearly while zipping through a slalom course or jumping sliders on a wakeboard. And most importantly, good vision is key in remaining safe and avoiding collisions and debris that may be floating in the water.

It's not a good idea to wear your regular prescription glasses for obvious reasons. First of all, you don't want to lose them. Secondly, if you take a hard fall the glasses could shatter, leaving you with a face full of glass. Ouch!

Here are a few suggestions if your eyesight is less than perfect.

LASIK Eye Surgery

Tons of people are having LASIK surgery and are seeing better than ever. Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit. There are lots of advantages but be sure you know the risks involved.

Optometrist Dr. David Gibson recommends not participating in boat-towed water sports for at least one month after surgery. He says, "Common sense and the advice of the doctor doing the post-opt care are most important here. One month should be enough time to heal and be able to go back to the water but be sure and check with your doctor first." With this in mind, you may want to get the surgery done during the off season.

Disposable Soft Contact Lenses

Disposable lenses are much less expensive than regular contacts. If you lose one, so what? Be sure to replace the lenses after a day on the water.

Prescription Goggles

Toss the glasses or ditch the contact lenses. Strap on some goggles and away you go. Be sure to select a pair that allows for a wide field of view and good peripheral vision.
• Eyesport - Shatter-resistant lenses, ultraviolet protection, nearly indestructible frames, and wrap designs. Soft silicone nosebridge allows each sportglass to fit your own facial characteristics.

• SPEX-RX - A hybrid between sunglasses and goggles. Each pair is custom made to individual lens specifications. The frame is made from soft, shock absorbing, flexible material. The frames conform to the shape of any face.

• Sport Spex - Shatter-resistant lenses, guaranteed to float. Attached securely with a neoprene headband and velcro strap.

Non-Prescription Goggles

For those who want protection over their contact lenses, or simply protection from the sun, there are goggles to fit your needs.
• BUGZ Performance Eyewear - Frames and lenses that protect the eyes from the sun's damaging light rays in snow or water.

• SPEX - Makes floating goggles specifically for this purpose. They are lightweight, unbreakable and made of strong soft flexible material.

Anti-Foggers

To keep your glasses or goggles from fogging up or being covered with water drops while waterskiing or wakeboarding try these anti-fog solutions:
• Majik Anti-Fog

• Super Sea Drops

• Rain-X

Keep Them Afloat

If you do choose to use glasses/goggles that don't float be sure to attach some form of floating material:
• Floateyes Pro Neoprene Sunglasses Cord