LENS COLOURS
Finding the perfect lens will depend on a several factors. How your eyes respond to light, the environment you are swimming as well as weather conditions
Everyone’s eyes respond differently. It is always best to try out a few colours before deciding.
BEST LENSES FOR SWIMMING INDOORS
Lenses in bright conditions – Using a tinted lens in a swimming pool that is brightly lit will help reduce the glare. Blue and purple lenses are also an option. Lenses in medium light conditions – Try a light blue or red lens if light conditions are medium or low. A red lens will enhance contrast. Green lenses will help minimise colour distortion. Lenses in dark conditions – A clear lens will allow the maximum amount of light and will work for dark indoor conditions.
BEST LENSES FOR SWIMMING IN OCEANS OR LAKES
When swimming outdoors it is best to always have goggle lenses that offer UV protection. Cataracts, macular degeneration and corneal damage are all effects from UV exposure. UV damage can lead to decreased vision where the damage could be either temporary or permanent.
Bright Lenses in bright conditions – Polarised goggle lenses help with the intense glare and offer improved visual clarity. Smoke or dark tinted goggle lenses will cut out bright light although probably not advisable to wear in murky waters.
Lenses in overcast conditions- On a dull overcast day you might want to consider yellow or amber lenses giving you better clarity and will certainly illuminate your surroundings.
Indoor or Outdoor Bright conditions – Mirrored goggle lenses reflect light away from your eyes, reduce glare and look trendy and stylish.
CLARITY OF VISION
Prescription Goggle lenses allow clarity of vision in the water. Lenses are made from a tough polycarbonate that will not shatter or break. If you swim with contact lenses you may be a risk of developing an infection if waterborne bacteria is trapped between the lenses and your eyes. Whatever your age, prescription goggles are worth it, seeing with clarity enables swimmers to feel confident resulting in a better workout. I advise you to find a pair that fits perfectly with an excellent suction so that they do not fog up. Make sure you check with your optician before buying. Bifocal goggles are also available, where the lower half of the lens is set to a certain prescription.
DESIGN OF LENSES
The shape of lenses can have a huge impact on swimming. A flat lens will typically reduce your depth/distance perception, whereas a curved lens increases peripheral vision.
A full wrap around goggle is a common choice for the open-water and there are definite benefits associated with the greater peripheral vision and larger distribution of pressure.
Competitive swimmers are looking for a lens shape that has a low profile, one that is streamlined to minimise drag in the water, these usually have smaller gaskets and can be less comfortable than your average fitness or leisure goggle.
CARING FOR YOUR LENSES
Most goggles come supplied with a coating of anti-fog lining bonded to the inside of the lens. Lenses that are scratched and fog up can negatively affect your swimming performance. Only ever rinse your goggles, never wipe or touch the inside of the lens. Some swimmers make the mistake of wiping the inside of their goggles with their finger or a towel damaging the coating. Dropping your goggles on hard surfaces will damage and scratch the lenses, always keep them stored in a hard protective case when not in use.
Anti-Fog lens treatment can help restore the inside lining once damaged.
FIT
Your goggles are going to leak if they do not fit. A good seal is essential. Raise your eyebrows and push the goggle lens sockets against your eyes without putting the straps over your head and when you let go of the goggles, there should be some sort of suction. Without a good suction, your goggles will fog up and leak. Depending on the shape of your face you will need to decide on whether you require a fixed or adjustable nose piece or a single or double/split strap as these factors will also help you attain a good fitting pair of goggles.
