Can you wear corrective contact lenses in boxing?

Question

My aunt phoned my grandma the other day to ask her if she would be able to give money towards her great grandson's lasik eye surgery. My aunt said that he needed it done otherwise he would not be allowed to enter into boxing. I found it really strange that this was a stipulation since one of my good friends is in boxing and he wears glasses. It is also suspicious that he is eligible to have the eye surgery done since he is only 14 years old. My grandma is a little leery about the situation and is unsure whether or not the surgery is a necessity. Are there some boxing agencies that will not allow you to join their boxing club if you have to wear glasses or contact lenses?

Answer 1

You'd have to check on the rules in your area. I've never heard of it being a problem in amateur fights but in Pro boxing it might be a problem

Answer 2

I would strongly discourage it.  I used to wear glasses but my eyes were getting so bad that I was having trouble seeing while I was boxing.  I also was getting tired of wearing glasses all the time so I switched to contacts and I did spar with them in several times.  One time, I took a hard shot below my left eyes, causing my cheekbone to swell.  In essence, my eye was swollen shut and I was unable to remove the contact lense for 3 days!!!

I had Laser Eye surgery in 2000.  At the time, I opted for a procedure called PRK, which is a more painful but I was able to box and spar in 3-4 weeks.  The downside is that I feel my vision weakening again and I will probably need another procedue soon.  With the advances in Lasik, I will see how long it will keep me from boxing.  A lot of athletes in contact sports are getting Lasik these days so it might be a viable option.

Best of luck!!!

Answer 3

Yes you can just make sure they are nice and fresh... it is way better to wear contacts than glasses when exercising..the only thing is that he might have to get use to them.. but thats no biggie.. good luck!

Answer 4

Is this a pro or an amateur gym?  The rules might be different.  Either way, I believe that soft contact lenses should be okay.  I'm in amateur and I wear and compete with soft lenses.  It's never been a problem.