Should people with myopia wear glasses when running?

Nov 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
If you have a high degree of myopia (e.g., over 300 degrees) or are running in an outdoor environment with complex conditions (such as roads or park trails), it is recommended to wear glasses. Not wearing glasses in these situations may result in blurred vision, making it difficult to clearly see the road, pedestrians, or obstacles, thereby increasing the risk of collisions or falls. Wearing glasses ensures clear vision and reduces such risks.

Generally, individuals with moderate to high myopia are advised to wear glasses when running, while those with mild myopia or in special situations may choose not to wear them based on personal needs. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If you have a high degree of myopia (e.g., over 300 degrees), or if you are running in complex outdoor environments (such as roads or park trails), wearing glasses is recommended. Without glasses, your vision may be blurry, making it difficult to clearly see the path, pedestrians, or obstacles, which increases the risk of collisions or falls. Wearing glasses ensures clear vision and reduces safety risks.

If you have mild myopia (e.g., under 100 degrees) and are running on an indoor treadmill or in an open, unobstructed area, you may choose not to wear glasses. In such cases, the impact of mild myopia on vision is minimal, and not wearing glasses can prevent discomfort caused by glasses slipping or shifting during exercise. It also avoids blurred vision due to sweat on the lenses, thereby enhancing the overall running experience.

Before running, individuals with myopia should ensure their glasses fit securely and consider using anti-slip temple straps. For outdoor running, it's best to use sports glasses that are anti-fog and provide UV protection. If wearing contact lenses, pay attention to eye moisture and avoid discomfort caused by dryness.