Best Contact Lenses for Sports in New Zealand

28th Nov 2025

Whether you're on the wicket, carving down the slopes, or grinding through training, glasses can get in the way. Fogging, slipping and limited peripheral vision all interfere with fast, natural sight. That’s why many Kiwi athletes use contact lenses—they provide stable, clear, wide-angle vision without the distractions of frames.

Different sports expose your eyes to different demands: wind, speed, altitude, cold, sunlight, sweat and water. This article breaks down the lens types and features that work well in common sporting conditions across New Zealand.

Disclaimer: “Best” refers to lenses and lens features commonly suitable for sports performance. The ideal lens varies by individual eye shape, health, and prescription. Always consult a registered New Zealand optometrist for fitting and safety guidance.

What Makes a Lens “Best” for Sport?

1. High Oxygen Breathability

Your cornea needs a steady supply of oxygen to stay clear and comfortable during long wear. Silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lenses offer significantly higher oxygen transmission than traditional hydrogel lenses, reducing the risk of redness, swelling or end-of-day burnout.

2. Stability (especially for Astigmatism)

Sudden head turns, quick eye movements and rapid tracking can cause some lenses to rotate or shift.

For athletes with astigmatism, toric lenses with stabilising designs help keep your vision crisp and consistent.

3. Moisture Retention & Comfort

Outdoor sports expose your eyes to drying factors like wind, sweat, cold air, heat or long sessions. Lenses with hydration technology or enhanced wetting surfaces help maintain comfort and clarity.

4. UV Protection (supplementary)

Many modern lenses include UV-blocking materials. These can be helpful in outdoor environments, but contacts never replace UV-rated sunglasses or goggles, as they only cover part of the eye.

Best Contact Lenses for Sports in NZ

Below are examples of contact lens types often used for sports. Your optometrist should still determine the best option for your prescription, eye shape and sporting conditions.

1. Cricket: Tracking Fast Movement in Harsh Sun

Challenges

High-speed ball tracking
Long periods in bright sunlight
Need for full, stable peripheral vision

What to Look For

Silicone hydrogel (SiHy) material for breathability
UV-blocking
Toric option if you have astigmatism
Reliable stability during fast eye movements

Commonly Used Lenses

2. Skiing & Snowboarding: Altitude, Cold Air & Strong UV

Challenges

Dry, cold mountain air
Increased UV exposure at altitude
Intense glare from snow reflection
Wearing goggles over lenses

What to Look For

Daily disposable lenses (ideal for cold, dry conditions)
Strong moisture retention
UV-blocking
Stable optics for high-speed movement

Commonly Used Lenses

MyDay Daily
Clariti 1 Day
DAILIES Total1 (high moisture performance)
Biotrue ONEday
Acuvue 1 Day Oasys with HydraLuxe 90 Pack

Safety Reminder

Snow can reflect a high level of UV radiation. UV-blocking lenses help, but goggles or sunglasses with UV protection remain essential.

3. Swimming & Water Sports: Highest Hygiene Risk

Challenges

Water exposes lenses to microorganisms
Lenses can absorb water and warp
Significantly increased risk of infection

What to Look For

Ideally, avoid wearing contact lenses in water
If necessary:

Use daily disposables only
Wear sealed goggles
Discard lenses immediately after swimming

Suitable Daily Contact Lenses

Golden Rule

Never reuse a lens that has touched water. This is the most important step in preventing water-related eye infections.

Final Word

Contact lenses are medical devices—not generic sport accessories. Your optometrist will:

Measure your corneal shape and tear quality
Recommend the safest material and design for your sport
Confirm the correct brand, power and fit
Provide hygiene and UV safety guidance
Help you avoid discomfort and long-term complications

Use this guide to understand your options and to have a well-informed conversation with your ECP about the lens that suits your sport, your environment, and your eyes.

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