Is it dangerous for a fighter to wear contact lenses during a fight?

[Mintcar923]

I know Larry Holmes used to do it. But, I cannot imagine it's something that would really be safe! Am I wrong?

[purecyse]

I got caught just right in sparring one day and one of my contacts fell out. When the round was over I retrieved it but, with technology today, if affordable, I'd prefer to get my vision laser-corrected before stepping back into heavy sparring.

I'm sure Larry Holmes would have done so, himself, had he been fighting today.

[Anthony342]

Isn't that why Larry Holmes said he puked in his corner after the end of the 12th round against Holyfield, because he got dizzy from wearing contacts during the fight?

[michaelquinlan]

I know Larry Holmes used to do it. But, I cannot imagine it's something that would really be safe! Am I wrong?

im no expert but cant imagine it being good if you get punched in the eye!

[Cardinal Buck]

I know Larry Holmes used to do it. But, I cannot imagine it's something that would really be safe! Am I wrong?

I'm an eye doctor. It's safe if they're soft. The hard ones could present more of an issue. Contacts can be avoided by getting prk or doing orthokeratology.