Guest Contribution By Bernita Fregoso
If you wear eye glasses and find it a hassle fitting them on while wearing a full-face helmet, you are not alone.
A considerable number of people wear prescribed glasses due to myopia or other issues with their vision. This could pose a challenge for those who also ride bicycles or motorcycles.
If you decide not to wear a helmet due to your glasses, this is a very risky move as you would be exposing yourself to severe injuries if any accident happens.
In that case, it is better to find solutions to wearing a helmet and glasses simultaneously.
How to Wear a Full Face Helmet With Glasses
Wearing glasses with motorcycle helmets is not as simple as you think. Here are a few factors that you need to take into consideration regarding your eye glasses and full-face helmet.
- Get The Right Pair Of Glasses
- Purchase a Glass-Friendly Helmet
- Ensure Both Glasses and Helmet Fit Perfectly
1. Get The Right Pair Of Glasses
If you are a regular rider and would like to use both eyeglasses and a full-face helmet simultaneously, you need to consider purchasing glasses with the right type of frame.
For a start, avoid all oversized frames that are tough to fit into a helmet. Next, make sure that your frame comes with thin and flexible arms, which could be adjusted slightly. This helps you to slide it on easily, and make necessary adjustments even after putting on your helmet.
We recommend using well-fitting glasses with components that are strong yet flexible.
Another option is to get motorcycle goggles which have a clip for optical prescriptions. You can then get custom-made lens inserts from your optician.
2. Purchase a Glass-Friendly Helmet
Needless to say, not all helmets are designed to accommodate eyewear. But how do you know which helmet is suitable for specs-wearers, and which one is not?
Generally, helmets with grooves and cutouts in the temple area are considered the most suitable for eyewear. Those designed for larger heads may also be ideal- always check your head measurements before purchasing, and get a helmet that is slightly larger if you are worried about fitting in your spectacles.
3. Ensure Both Glasses and Helmet Fit Perfectly
You have to make sure that both glasses and helmets fit perfectly. If not, then your glasses could get smashed.
If you have problems putting on your glasses and helmet together, try to do it slowly. This video is a great example (Credit to eazyrider390):
If you have a large spectacle frame, leave them on your forehead at a 45-degree angle, before wearing your full-face helmet.
While putting it on, try to avoid making unusual facial movements, such as frowning along your eyebrow and compressing your nose bridge. The key is to be slow and gentle while wearing your helmet.
Can I Wear a Motorcycle Helmet with Goggles?
First, let’s define the difference between eyeglasses and goggles.
Glasses are placed on the face by their arms, nose bridge, or nose pads. In contrast, goggles are worn using adjustable straps that are made of elastic material.
Goggles provide the utmost protection to your eyes against wind, debris, insects, and other particles that can interrupt your riding experience. You can definitely wear a motorcycle helmet with goggles- however, you should choose full-face helmets for the nicest fit.
Reminder- Wear a Helmet!
You have probably read this before, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat this – wearing a helmet helps protect you when biking.
Wearing a bike helmet, whether for riding a motorbike or bicycle, is the law in many countries. These include the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. In the USA, 21 states and the District of Columbia have compulsory helmet laws for children.
Further, wearing a helmet reduces your risks of head injury, and increases your visibility to other road users. A full-face helmet with a visor can even protect you from the weather elements, dirt, and debris!
Final Verdict
In summary, wearing a full-face helmet with glasses may pose a challenge if you’re unprepared. Make sure to get a suitable pair of eyeglasses or goggles, and a full-face helmet large enough to accommodate glasses. Finally, try to be gentle if your eyeglasses come with a large frame- always put on the helmet and glasses slowly.
Images: Unsplash/ Wenceslas Lejeune, Philip Myrtorp
Author Bio
Bernita Fregoso is a Mom, Wife, and Fitness Instructor. For the past several years she has worked as a content writer. She is passionate about her work in the sports and outdoor fitness areas.