Do normal glasses and a mask mix?

[orangebird]

Hi everyone,

I'm starting my first season of little league umpiring soon and have a pretty important equipment question: Do normal glasses work with wearing a mask?

I haven't gotten my mask yet so I haven't had a chance to find out for myself but I'm definitely curious if normal glasses are fine to wear under a mask, or if you'd recommend some sort of goggles/rec specs/etc.

I will note I've never worn contacts and absolutely don't plan to start now, so I'm basically just looking to see if I need to get some Kareem goggles or if my normal frames will be fine

And here's a pic of them if that helps

Thanks!

[jimurrayalterego]

1 hour ago, orangebird said:

Hi everyone,

I'm starting my first season of little league umpiring soon and have a pretty important equipment question: Do normal glasses work with wearing a mask?

I haven't gotten my mask yet so I haven't had a chance to find out for myself but I'm definitely curious if normal glasses are fine to wear under a mask, or if you'd recommend some sort of goggles/rec specs/etc.

I will note I've never worn contacts and absolutely don't plan to start now, so I'm basically just looking to see if I need to get some Kareem goggles or if my normal frames will be fine

And here's a pic of them if that helps

Thanks!

At a minimum, add a strap around the back. At a maximum, check out the Rudy Project website. Before cataract surgery, when I used progressive lenses, I just went with my distance prescription for use on the field. I could still make out a lineup card with just the distance lenses but you should confirm that for yours.

[umpstu]

I use progressive transitions without any straps and have no issues. Been doing it for over 20 years and have yet to have glasses fall off.

[Richvee]

I used "normal" glasses for years. If they're fitted right, and not sliding off your head under normal wear, they should be fine "as is" under a mask. Practice. Put on your hat, glasses, mask and practice taking it off. If the glasses are sliding, get a strap. 

If you decide on "umpire" glasses. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL are my recommendation. Not only the look, but the optics in the Oakley lenses are second to none. Lens options are endless. Clear, Prizm sun,Polarized sun, transitions. Whatever you choose, an anti reflective coating is a must IMO. I love the Flak 2.0, and, for higher level ball, the look gives off a better impression than "Blind umpire needs glasses" 

 

[834k3r]

[BLarson]

I also have been using the Oakley Flak for a long time as well.

[SeeingEyeDog]

Given what my glasses and prescription sunglasses cost, I just can't imagine not wearing them on the field without a strap...

@orangebird, make sure you try your mask on with the glasses BEFORE actually using it on the field. As with the bills of our caps, you want to be sure there is not one bit of the glasses frame that is protruding outside the frame of the mask. We are starting to see masks now that are "low-profile" which sit closer to the face for improved visibility which could present an impact hazard for the bespectacled umpire. Buy your gear from somewhere or someone with a liberal return policy so, if it's not compatible with your glasses you can return it and try something else.

~Dawg

[Richvee]

On 3/6/2025 at 10:04 PM, SeeingEyeDog said:

Given what my glasses and prescription sunglasses cost, I just can't imagine not wearing them on the field without a strap

and this is why a pair of Oakley Rx for umpiring is the way to go. Keep your dress eyewear looking good. Get that umpire pair, and enjoy the nice boost to your umpire expenses for your tax returns. 💰👍

[MadMax]

18 hours ago, Richvee said:

and this is why a pair of Oakley Rx for umpiring is the way to go.

And this is where I source the ammo to tell an “evaluator” to sod-off and pound sand when they even mutter the words, “but it’s a bad look (to wear (sun)glasses on the plate)”. 
It may not be to me necessarily, but I sure will pass the ammo! 

Whether or not you wear glasses, of any kind, on plate does. Not. Matter. 

[ArchAngel72]

I loved the golf prism on my set of Oakley's they worked on cloudy days as they made everything "Pop"

 

Incredible clarity and the contrast they put on everything. LMAO I use them to drive too.

 

[834k3r]

3 hours ago, ArchAngel72 said:

I loved the golf prism on my et of Oakley's they worked on cloudy days as they made everything "Pop"

 

Incredible clarity and the contrast they put on everything. LMAO I use them to drive too.

 

Seconded.

[Richvee]

4 hours ago, MadMax said:

And this is where I source the ammo to tell an “evaluator” to sod-off and pound sand when they even mutter the words, “but it’s a bad look (to wear (sun)glasses on the plate)”. 
It may not be to me necessarily, but I sure will pass the ammo! 

Whether or not you wear glasses, of any kind, on plate does. Not. Matter. 

I’ve never been told by an evaluator or assignor about my glasses. And agree it does not matter. 
That doesn't mean there aren’t coaches that look at you a little different walking on to a field with an old, metal frame with  sizable lenses in there, compared to walking out there with a pair of clear lenses in an Oakley Flak. Perception is reality.