Can You Wear Contacts in the MLB?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional sports league that consists of 30 teams, divided into two leagues—the American League and the National League. MLB is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada and is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the world. Players in the MLB must adhere to certain rules and regulations set forth by the league. One such rule is that players must wear protective eyewear when playing in the field. This includes contact lenses, which are a popular choice for players. So, can you wear contacts in the MLB?
The answer to this question is yes. Players in the MLB are allowed to wear contact lenses while playing in the field. However, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed in order to do so. In this article, we’ll discuss the rules and regulations regarding contact lenses in the MLB, as well as the benefits of wearing contact lenses while playing in the field.
MLB Regulations Regarding Contact Lenses
In the MLB, players are allowed to wear contact lenses while playing in the field. However, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed in order to do so. These include:
- The contact lenses must be prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This is to ensure that the contact lenses being worn by the player are safe and suitable for their eyes.
- The contact lenses must be approved by the MLB. The MLB will review the contact lenses being worn by the player and approve or reject them based on certain criteria.
- The contact lenses must be of the correct size and shape. The contact lenses must fit snugly on the player’s eyes, and must not interfere with their vision in any way.
- The contact lenses must be cleaned and maintained properly. The player must ensure that their contact lenses are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis in order to ensure that they stay in good condition.
In addition to these rules and regulations, players in the MLB must also obtain a special waiver from the MLB in order to wear contact lenses while playing in the field. The waiver must be filled out and submitted to the league for approval before the player can wear contact lenses.
Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses while playing in the field in the MLB has several benefits. These include:
- Improved vision. Contact lenses can help improve vision in players, which can help them see the ball more clearly and respond faster to it.
- Protection from the sun. Contact lenses can help protect the players’ eyes from the sun’s UV rays, which can be harmful to their eyes.
- Increased comfort. Contact lenses can help increase the players’ comfort level, as they are lightweight and do not impair their vision in any way.
These are just some of the benefits of wearing contact lenses while playing in the field in the MLB.
Alternatives to Contact Lenses
While contact lenses are allowed in the MLB, players may choose to wear other forms of protective eyewear instead. These include:
- Prescription glasses. Prescription glasses can help improve vision and protect the eyes from the sun’s UV rays.
- Sports goggles. Sports goggles are designed to provide extra protection for the eyes, and can help reduce the risk of injury while playing in the field.
- Sunglasses. Sunglasses can help protect the eyes from the sun’s UV rays and can also help reduce glare while playing in the field.
These are just some of the alternatives to contact lenses that players in the MLB can choose to wear.
Wearing Contact Lenses Safely
When wearing contact lenses, it is important to ensure that they are used safely. This includes:
- Follow instructions. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the optometrist or ophthalmologist when wearing contact lenses. This includes cleaning and maintaining the lenses properly, as well as replacing them as needed.
- Avoid eye irritation. It is important to avoid any activities that may cause eye irritation when wearing contact lenses, such as swimming or using aerosol sprays.
- Avoid overexposure. Contact lenses should not be worn for longer than recommended by the optometrist or ophthalmologist, as this can lead to eye irritation and damage.
By following these safety tips, players in the MLB can ensure that they are wearing their contact lenses safely and effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, players in the MLB are allowed to wear contact lenses while playing in the field. However, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed in order to do so. Additionally, there are several benefits of wearing contact lenses while playing in the field, as well as alternatives to contact lenses that players can choose to wear instead. It is also important to ensure that contact lenses are worn safely and that the instructions provided by the optometrist or ophthalmologist are followed.
Ultimately, contact lenses can be a great choice for players in the MLB, as they can help improve vision, protect the eyes from the sun’s UV rays, and increase comfort. However, it is important to make sure that the contact lenses being worn are safe, suitable, and approved by the MLB.
References
Baseball Almanac. (2021). Major League Baseball Rules. Retrieved from baseball-almanac.com/rules/mlb_rules.shtml
National Eye Institute. (2017). Contact Lenses: Tips for Proper Wear and Care. Retrieved from nei.nih.gov/health/contactlenses/contactlensestips
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Baseball and Softball Eye Safety. Retrieved from fda.gov/medical-devices/sports-vision/baseball-and-softball-eye-safety