Despite their extraordinary skills on the court, basketball players are not immune to vision problems. Even shooting prodigy Stephen Curry struggled with poor eyesight after being diagnosed with keratoconus, a disease that affects the cornea and causes vision loss. Curry’s shooting accuracy saw a remarkable improvement once he began wearing contact lenses, with the NBA player shooting an amazing 48.7 percent from deep in the first nine games in 2019.
Curry’s experience underscores a common reality in professional basketball: many players have vision issues and rely on corrective eyewear both on and off the court. Here’s a closer look at why some players require glasses and how it benefits their game, along with examples of four notable NBA players who have made corrective eyewear a part of their signature look.
Why some players need eyewear
Sharp vision is essential for success. Due to vision conditions such as myopia or astigmatism, some players may require vision correction tools to perform at their best. Today, there are various lenses that can cater to the needs of basketball players. If you tend to train or play outdoors, then you can fit your glasses with the BlueReflect™ or High Index lenses from Clearly. These lenses offer UV protection and a thinner and lighter fit, respectively, which can enhance the comfort and movement of athletes. Otherwise, you can opt for slimmer frames, like Oakley’s Rafter, or larger designs, like Ray-Ban’s Erika, depending on your face shape and dimensions.
For a snug and versatile fit, you can also opt for sports goggles. They provide not only vision correction but also protection from potential eye injuries, which is why Lakers Hall of Famer James Worthy thoroughly encouraged the usage of protective goggles after suffering a scratched cornea in 1985. Ophthalmologist Dr. Bruce Zagelbaum would agree. His study of NBA eye injuries in the early 1990s revealed that nearly all such injuries are preventable with proper eyewear. His research underscored the importance of both corrective and protective lenses for all players.
4 NBA players who wore glasses
It’s clear that several players have made glasses and goggles a significant part of their on-court and off-court personas. Here, we list four notable NBA players who embraced eyewear, each for their unique reasons and benefits.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is arguably the most famous NBA player associated with wearing glasses. Renowned not only for his record-breaking career of 38,387 points and iconic skyhook shot but also for his protective eyewear, Abdul-Jabbar began wearing goggles in the 1970s. This decision was prompted by repeated eye injuries, including a corneal scratch in 1968 and another one in 1974. The goggles became a signature part of his look and set a precedent for future players.
Horace Grant
Horace Grant, a key player in the Chicago Bulls’ early 1990s championships, is another notable example. Grant wore prescription goggles to correct his myopia and continued to wear them even after LASIK surgery. This decision to keep wearing the goggles was influenced by the positive feedback he received from fans and families, who saw him as a role model for kids who wore glasses. Grant’s eyewear not only helped him on the court but also served as an inspiration to young athletes facing similar vision challenges.
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is known for his stylish approach both on and off the court, and his eyewear choices are no exception. In fact, Wade wore tinted goggles in a game against the New York Knicks in 2011, which the NBA banned after presuming that it gave the NBA player a competitive advantage. Regardless, Wade has frequently been seen sporting glasses during various public appearances and interviews, reflecting both his personal style and need for vision correction.
LeBron James
Widely regarded for his on-court versatility and leadership, star player LeBron James has worn protective eyewear on and off the court during his 21-year career. James has also been seen sporting specialized eyewear during different off-court appearances, such as interviews and promotional events. A popular anecdote is when James donned ski goggles during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ championship celebrations in 2016, adding a playful twist to his use of eyewear.
Eyewear plays a crucial role in the careers of many NBA players, whether for correcting vision or preventing injuries. For more on the latest news from the world of basketball, check out our other articles on Talk Basket.
