Cove Eyecare Helps You To See Underwater!
Swimming goggles are not a new invention. In fact, they date back as far as the 14th century, when Persian divers polished tortoise shells into protective shields for their eyes. Nowadays, we are fortunate to have swimming goggles constructed from more advanced materials and high-tech engineering. Not to mention that modern-day goggles are transparent so you benefit from clear underwater vision, along with protecting your delicate eyes!
While the first pairs of goggles helped swimmers and divers to keep their eyes open in the water, they did not correct vision for anyone with nearsightedness or farsightedness. So the underwater world was always a fuzzy place. In the 1960s, technological developments led to the release of prescription swimming goggles, with both negative and positive diopters. Finally, the aquatic domain could be sharpened into focus! To experience this for yourself, choose a pair of prescription goggles from our quality collection in Copperas Cove, TX.
Why Wear Prescription Swimming Goggles?
If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you know the difference between looking around without your glasses versus when you wear them. It is the difference between seeing your surroundings crisp and clear, or viewing everything blurred. Essentially, good vision is necessary– both on land and in water.
Normally, light rays reflect off an object, enter your eye, and are focused on your retina in a sharp image. Yet, light rays do not behave the same below the surface of water. That’s why a swimming pool floor appears higher up than it is in reality. Swimming goggles resolve this problem by creating a pocket of air around your eyes, enhancing underwater vision. Yet, this does not fully correct the problem for swimmers who need vision correction. In the case of people with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, even eye-hand coordination can be challenging when wearing standard goggles. These swimmers need prescription swimming goggles to see.
What Is My Prescription For Swimming Goggles?
The same vision prescription that you have for your eyeglass lenses or contacts cannot be used for swim goggles. Why? Because the diopter of the lens varies depending on the distance between your eyes and the lens. The same reason explains why the diopter of your contact lenses and your eyeglass lenses are not identical. The prescription will be a close match, but not as precise. Our Copperas Cove optometrist will help you to order the most suitable, customized swimming goggles for your vision prescription.
Why Not Just Wear Contact Lenses With Nonprescription Goggles?
In theory you can just put on a pair of regular swimming goggles over your contacts. Yet, in practice, there are two main problems with this:
- Risk of losing your contacts if water seeps behind the goggles, or if they slip off and away from your face
- Risk of infection. The water in swimming pools and all open bodies of water hosts a myriad of microorganisms that can cause eye irritation and serious eye infection.
What Are The Features Of Swimming Goggles?
Prescription goggles have shatterproof lenses and anti-fog treatment to ensure that your vision stays clear. The lenses must seal comfortably and be leak-free. A variety of color tints for the lenses is available, and UV protection is typically built in.
An array of styles are on the market. Choose from lenses and goggle frames that are sleek and streamlined for both recreation and racing. Low profile frames are popular among competitive swimmers and divers, whereas larger (they provide wider peripheral vision) and more padded frames are usually the choice for recreational lap swimmers.
What Swimming Goggles Do Olympic Swimmers Wear?
Are you training to be the next Michael Phelps? If so, you’ll want to look around at what the pros are sporting for excellent underwater vision. Olympic swimmers need outstanding visibility to stay on track, as a crooked stroke can cost precious seconds during a competition. Sharp sight also enables racers to see the end of the pool with enough time to turn. That is the primary reason to invest in a quality pair of prescription swim goggles from our Copperas Cove optical.
Gold medalist Michael Phelps wore Speedo Speed Socket Polarized Goggles in a few of the Olympic games, and now he markets the ultra-smooth Michael Phelps (MPS) XCEED Goggle Smoke Lens goggles, which have a curved silhouette, leak resistant seal, and low profile design.
Another type of swim goggles preferred by professional athletes is Nike Swift Strapless Goggles, which do not have a nose bridge. If you are a race swimmer, speak to our opticians at Cove Eyecare; we’ll fit you with the ideal swimming goggles to improve your time.
Custom-made Swimming Goggles In Copperas Cove
Prescription goggles offer the best of all worlds for underwater vision! Like all swim goggles, the prescription versions also protect your eyes against chlorinated water or salty ocean water, making your swim experience more comfortable. In addition, you’ll be able to see your surroundings as clearly as you do on dry land, and you will be protected from eye infection. At Cove Eyecare, we will fit you with custom-made swim goggles for crisp and safe eyesight. Visit anytime with your vision prescription to order a pair.
