What Are Swim Goggles?

Swim goggles are a swimming aid designed to protect your eyes and allow you to see clearly underwater. They are available in many forms and styles, each offering unique advantages and options. Ultimately, when you go to purchase your swim goggles, the most important quality is comfort and finding a pair that meets your swimming needs.

  1. Frame

    • Frames for Swedish goggles fit directly over your eye sockets, without the use of gaskets. This style is popular among competitive swimmers, reducing the drag produced by traditional gasket goggles. Gasket goggle frames use goggle lenses and a gasket that fits against your face and prevents water from getting into your eyes. Gasket goggles are more popular amongst recreational swimmers because of their comfort against your face.

    Gasket Shape

    • Gaskets are the plastic piece of goggles that fit against you face. They are available in multiple styles. Oval-shaped gaskets are the traditional shape, providing a large oval gasket that fits over your eyes and part of your face. Swimmers can choose smaller gaskets that only fit over your eyes, much like the shape of glasses.

    Lens Materials

    • Polycarbonate lenses are a high-quality plastic lens that can offer UV protection and anti-fog customization. These lenses are scratch-resistant and suitable for long-term use. Optical grade lenses use the same materials found in most eyeglasses, offering a lightweight alternative. Less expensive, plastic, lenses are available as well, and ideal for swimmers who use their goggles infrequently and would rather not invest much money in swimwear.

    Lens Color

    • Select a lens color based on when you intend to swim and based on the conditions of your pool. For instance, high tint lenses are ideal for outside swimming pools if you intend to swim during the day. Low-tint lenses, or clear, are ideal for inside swimming pools or if you intend to swim during the evening. Color tinting is available for swimmers who would like their goggles to match their swimwear.

    Prescription

    • Corrective swim goggles are available for swimmers who require prescription lenses. They provide you with the essential corrective quality as your normal eyeglasses, while offering many of the same lens options as other goggle lenses. Prescription lenses are more expensive than normal goggle lenses. Your local eyeglass distributor can make your prescription swim goggles. If you are a casual swimmer, the price of prescription swim goggles may seem excessive. Also, if you already wear contacts, you can safely use them under normal swimming goggles as an alternative to purchasing prescription goggles.