You don't have to sacrifice your ability to see clearly to protect your eyes while swimming. Prescription swimming goggles are available with custom spherical prescription lenses or step diopters that provide vision correction sufficient for wear in and around water. Decide whether a custom prescription or goggles with lenses that have a similar diopter strength offer the best balance of affordability and the ability to see clearly underwater.
Corrective Swimming Goggles
Pool swimmers may need to see distance indicators marked on the bottom, flags overhead or a nearby interval timer. Clear vision is also essential for safety while swimming in natural bodies of water. Wearing contact lenses under goggles can increase risks of bacterial contamination that may cause eye infection or irritation and an increased risk of corneal ulcers. Putting goggles on over glasses can be uncomfortable, unsafe and potentially compromise the condition of your primary eyewear.
Prescription goggles are the best vision correction solution for wearing in water. Custom swimming goggles with an exact prescription can be costly. Goggles with step diopter corrective lenses near the lens power of your prescription are more affordable. Negative diopter lenses correct nearsighted or myopic vision, while positive diopter lenses are for farsightedness.
Get the Best Fit
It is important to select prescription swimming goggles in a size that fits your face. Custom goggles can be sized to provide an optimal fit. Pre-made designs may come with several removable nose pieces to provide options for increased comfort. Adjust the head straps to achieve the most secure fit.
Keep in mind that the design of the gaskets that surround each spherical lens will determine the extent of your field of vision. Some gasket frames may limit peripheral vision. Whether you choose to invest in a pair for custom corrective swimming goggles or pick up a pair of goggles with step diopter lenses, there are a variety of options in terms of goggle designs.
Prescription Swimming Goggles FAQs
Can you order custom corrective swimming goggles?
It is possible to get goggles that have spherical lenses with an exact prescription. Custom corrective goggles are usually more expensive than pre-made designs with step diopter lenses. Depending on your vision needs, you may be satisfied with step diopters or prefer goggles that have a more precise diopter.
Are leading brands of goggles available with prescription lenses?
A number of major brands make goggles with step diopter lenses. Lens power may range from -1.5 to -10.0 for nearsighted or myopic correction and as high as +8.00 for farsighted or hyperopic correction. The goggle brands and styles compatible with custom prescriptions may be more limited.
Is anti-fog coating an option for prescription swimming goggles?
Custom and diopter goggle lenses are available with anti-fog coating. This coating wears down over time. Limit contact with the inside of lenses to prolong this feature. As the anti-fog coating wears down, clear lenses are likely to remain easier to see out of than lenses that have darker tints.
Can you get goggles with prescription lenses for kids?
Kids prescription swim goggles are available in step diopter lens powers or with custom prescriptions. These goggles are designed in smaller sizes. The fit of the head strap and nose piece can be adjusted to achieve a comfortable fit. These goggles are ideal for daily swim practice or underwater play.
How should you maintain the condition of swimming goggles?
Gently rinse prescription goggles swim with clean water after every use and allow to air dry. Do not rub or wipe the inside of lenses to preserve the anti-fog coating. Avoid leaving goggles in direct sunlight. Once dry, store goggles in a pouch to prevent the lenses from becoming scratched.
