Exploring Different Types of Swim Goggle Lenses

Graphic of swim goggles on a pink and yellow gradient background.

When it comes to swimming, having the right gear is essential.

One of the most important pieces of equipment for a swimmer is their pair of goggles. But when it comes to choosing the right pair, there are many factors to consider.

In this post, we’ll explore different types of swim goggle lenses and explain why each might be best for certain swimming situations.

Best Swim Goggle Lenses for Indoor Swimming

male swimmer wearing white cap and clear goggles

If you’re swimming indoors, you may want to use clear lenses in your goggle or a slightly tinted lens. Clear lenses provide maximum visibility while still protecting your eyes from chlorine and other chemicals found in pool water.

If you’re looking for a bit more contrast with the pool tiles, opt for a light tinted lens. This will help reduce glare and make it easier on your eyes while swimming indoors.

Swim Goggle Lenses for Outdoor Swimming

man open water swimming in lake with green cap and dark goggles

When swimming outdoors, you’ll need a darker lens that can block out harmful UV rays from the sun’s rays as well as reduce glare from sunlight reflecting off the water surface.

Darker lenses offer better protection from these elements than lighter ones; however, too dark of a lens can interfere with visibility so choose one that works best for your activity and level of brightness outside.

Colored Swim Goggle Lenses for Enhanced Vision

girl swimming in pool with blue cap and blue tinted goggles

Colored lenses can enhance vision by allowing more light into the eye and providing greater contrast between objects in the water or on land which makes them great for outdoor activities like open-water swimming or snorkeling.

Colors such as yellow or orange can increase visual acuity while colors like red or blue can increase depth perception when items appear further away underwater.

However, be aware that colored lenses are not designed to block out UV rays so keep in mind if using these outdoors that UV-blocking goggles should also be worn over them to protect against sun damage!

Polarized Swim Goggle Lenses For Reducing Glare

man with polarized goggles preparing to swim outside

Polarized swim goggle lenses are specially designed with an additional filter layer on top that reduces glare caused by sunlight reflecting off the surface of the water.

They are ideal for use when fishing or sailing because they allow you to see below the surface more clearly without being blinded by bright reflections off the top layer of the water’s surface.

The added layer also prevents eye strain due to prolonged exposure to strong light sources such as direct sunlight which can harm your eyesight over time if not addressed properly with proper eye protection gear like polarized goggles.

Mirrored Swim Goggle Lenses For Bright Conditions

boy with black cap and mirrored goggles swimming butterfly

Mirrored swim goggle lenses have reflective coating applied onto them which helps reduce glare and increase visibility when conditions become very bright outside (such as during sunrise/sunset).

They come in several tints ranging from yellow all way up to black depending on how much light reduction you require – if conditions are especially harsh then black may be necessary whereas yellow should suffice otherwise.

Prescription Swim Goggles For Nearsightedness & Farsightedness

Lastly, prescription swim goggles are available if you need corrective vision aids while in or near water – either due to myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).

My daughter has an eye condition which causes her eyes to cross when looking at certain distances. We found prescription goggles to correct her sight when younger.

This made swimming more fun and was one less thing for her to worry about.

Now she wears contact lenses under her racing goggles.

Depending on your specific needs, different tints and coatings can be used along with custom designs; these range from traditional single-vision styles up through progressive bifocals depending on what type of vision correction is required.

Find The Right Goggles For Your Swim Activity

Whether you’re taking part in recreational activities around pools or lakes, competing in open-water events, working around boats at sea level, or just trying to stay safe while enjoying some fun in the sun; finding yourself equipped with appropriate swim goggle lenses is key.

There’s no one size fits all solution but hopefully this blog has helped shed some light on various types available and why each might work best under certain conditions – now all that’s left is actually getting out there and giving them a try.

With a bit more knowledge about what type might work best depending on environment/activity level combined with some personal experience testing out said gear – hopefully swimmers everywhere will find themselves well prepared whatever situation they find themselves facing next.

Tommy Sikes

I swam as a kid. But most of my experience is as a swim parent. My kids did summer swim, high school, and club swim. My daughter has committed to swim at UGA in 2024 as a sprint freestyler. I share what I learn about training, swim equipment, and the college recruiting process.

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