Contrary to popular belief, even those we consider examples of peak physical form (a.k.a. professional athletes) aren’t immune to vision-related issues, and NBA players are no exception. However, since their sport doesn’t make it easy to play with prescription glasses, many have resorted to using contact lenses. So, below, I’ll take you through four of the most famous NBA players that have used contact lenses at one point in their careers.
Four of the most famous NBA players that have used contact lenses include LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and Stephen Curry. Keep in mind that these are just some players that have either gone on record to talk about their eyesight issues or visibly used lenses.
Since this type of information is private, it’s safe to assume that plenty of other pro athletes have used or are actively using contact lenses but haven’t felt the need to go public about the fact. While some of these players have gone on to get laser eye surgery to alleviate their sight-related issues, they’ve all used lenses at one point.
1. LeBron James
Even “King James” has had his fair share of sight-related issues, and he’s been pretty transparent about them, too. That’s why, up until 2007, he had to use contact lenses in his games to properly see what he was doing. Luckily for him, the laser eye surgery he got that same year successfully allowed him to play without being held back by his vision problems.
Since that moment, he seemed to be able to look at the basket much clearer, as his career experienced a remarkable upward trajectory, with him averaging up to 30 points a game.
2. Dwyane Wade
Yet another all-time great suffering from vision problems, Dwayne Wade has had to use contact lenses for years. In this case, however, these problems needed to be resolved quickly and carefully, as his vision is worth millions in insurance.
That’s why, in 2011, he decided to ditch his lenses for good and get LASIK eye surgery, an experience he blogged and shared for the whole world to see. Though he had been using contact lenses for years, he found his ability to finally see without help remarkable, and he didn’t hold back in expressing his excitement as his vision improved.
Here’s a video showing his reaction before and after his LASIK eye surgery.
3. Stephen Curry
Steph Curry is another NBA star that has talked about his vision problems on camera. In the video linked below, he expresses that he’s been battling blurry vision for over ten years, a time during which he has relied on contact lenses. He also expresses his relief when he’s able to properly see the field and his teammates.
4. Donovan Mitchell
The Utah Jazz guard made headlines when he walked into an interview wearing tinted prescription glasses. When asked about the glasses, he clarified that they weren’t sunglasses but were necessary for him to see clearly.
The reporter then asked him if he’d ever worn contact lenses during a game. He revealed that he used to but eventually stopped because they were uncomfortable. Luckily, Mitchell’s eyesight is still good enough for him to play without contact lenses.