Using belay glasses with regular glasses

Belay glasses have helped the sport of climbing by reducing neck strain and fatigue. They work by using prisms that redirect the gaze of the belayer upwards, allowing them to monitor the climber without craning their neck. However, for climbers who wear regular glasses, using belay glasses can be challenging. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use belay glasses with regular glasses.

The two main belay glasses options for people with glasses

1.  Getting clip on belay glasses that you can attach to the regular glasses
2. Wearing your belay glasses in front of your regular glasses

Clip on belay glasses pros and cons

Getting clip on belay glasses is great if you wear glasses indoors and prescription sunglasses or contacts and sunglasses when climbing outdoors. This way you can clip the belay specs to which ever glasses you are using. 

Pros:

• Convenience: Clip-on belay glasses are easy to attach and remove, which means that you can quickly switch between belay mode and climbing mode.
• Compatibility: Clip-on belay glasses can be used with a variety of glasses styles, including regular glasses, prescription glasses, and sunglasses.
• Affordability: Clip-on belay glasses are often less expensive than full-frame belay glasses, making them a more affordable option for climbers on a budget.

Cons:

• Compatibility: While clip-on belay glasses can be used with a variety of glasses styles, they may not fit all glasses types or sizes, which can limit their effectiveness.
• Stability: Clip-on belay glasses may not be as stable as full-frame belay glasses, which can cause them to move or slip during use, resulting in reduced visibility and discomfort.
• Limited field of view: Clip-on belay glasses may have a more limited field of view than full-frame belay glasses, which can make it more difficult to track the climber’s movements.

Overall, clip-on belay glasses can be a convenient and affordable option for climbers who wear glasses, but they may not offer the same level of stability and field of view as full-frame belay glasses. It’s important to choose a high-quality clip-on design that fits securely and comfortably over your glasses to ensure safety and effectiveness during use.

Pros and cons of wearing belay glasses in front of your regular glasses

Pros:

• Convenience: Wearing belay glasses in front of your regular glasses means that you don’t need to remove your regular glasses and put on separate belay glasses. This can save time and reduce the risk of losing or misplacing glasses.
• Compatibility: Belay glasses worn in front of regular glasses can be used with a variety of glasses styles, including regular glasses, prescription glasses, and sunglasses.
• Improved comfort: Wearing belay glasses in front of regular glasses can distribute the weight of the glasses more evenly, reducing pressure points and improving comfort.

Cons:

• Reduced visibility: Wearing belay glasses in front of your regular glasses can cause visual distortion or reduced visibility due to the additional layer of glass or plastic. This can make it more difficult to track the climber’s movements.
• Reduced stability: Wearing belay glasses in front of your regular glasses may reduce the stability of the glasses, which can cause them to move or slip during use, resulting in discomfort and reduced visibility.
• Compatibility: Belay glasses worn in front of regular glasses may not fit all glasses types or sizes, which can limit their effectiveness.

Wearing belay glasses in front of your regular glasses can be a convenient and comfortable option for climbers who wear glasses, but it may not offer the same level of stability and visibility as using full-frame belay glasses. It’s important to choose a high-quality pair of belay glasses that fit securely and comfortably over your regular glasses to ensure safety and effectiveness during use.

The Challenges of Wearing Belay Glasses with Regular Glasses

One of the main challenges of wearing belay glasses with regular glasses is finding a pair of belay glasses that fit well over the glasses. Many belay glasses are designed to be worn on their own and don’t have enough space for regular glasses. When belay glasses are worn over regular glasses that are too large, they can cause discomfort, distortion, and reduced visibility. I personally recommend going to a local climbing store to fit the belay glasses with your own glasses, but you can do this with online order too. 

Benefits of Using Belay Glasses with Regular Glasses

Despite the challenges, using belay glasses with regular glasses has many benefits. Belay glasses can reduce neck strain and fatigue for climbers who wear glasses, which can improve their overall climbing experience. 

Tips for Choosing Belay Glasses that Work Well with Regular Glasses

When choosing belay glasses for regular glasses, it’s important to look for features that accommodate the glasses. Here are some tips:

1. Look for belay glasses that have a wider frame to fit over regular glasses comfortably.
2. Choose belay glasses that are adjustable, so you can customize the fit to your glasses.
3. Look for belay glasses with softer nose pads and plastic parts that touch the regular glasses. This helps to reduce pressure on the bridge of the glasses and to avoid damaging your glasses.

How to Properly Adjust Belay Glasses to Fit Over Regular Glasses

Once you’ve found belay glasses that work well with your regular glasses, it’s important to adjust them properly. Here’s how:

1. Adjust the nose pads to fit comfortably on the bridge or frame of your regular glasses.
2. Adjust the earpieces to ensure the belay glasses are securely in place.
3. Test the fit by looking up and down to ensure the belay glasses don’t slip or move around.

Safety Considerations when Using Belay Glasses with Regular Glasses

Using belay glasses with regular glasses is generally safe, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. The main risk is reduced visibility if the belay glasses aren’t adjusted properly or if they’re scratched or dirty. Additionally, it’s important to remember that belay glasses don’t replace proper safety techniques when belaying.

Frequently Asked Questions about Using Belay Glasses with Regular Glasses

Q: Can I wear contact lenses instead of regular glasses when using belay glasses?
A: Yes, wearing contact lenses is an option, but it’s important to remember to properly clean and store them to avoid any issues.

Q: Can I wear prescription sunglasses with belay glasses?
A: It’s generally not recommended to wear prescription sunglasses with belay glasses as the combination can be uncomfortable and the tinted lenses can reduce visibility. In the least make sure to check your view before the climber starts on the route!

Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Climbers with Regular Glasses

Using belay glasses with regular glasses can be challenging, but, it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of belay glasses without sacrificing vision or comfort. Try out clip-on belay glasses and wearing belay glasses with earpieces in front of your own glasses to make sure which is the best fit for you! When choosing belay glasses for use with your regular glasses, look for features like adjustability and a wider frame to ensure a comfortable fit. Finally, always remember to adjust the belay glasses properly before your climber starts and to follow proper safety techniques when belaying.