Understanding UV Protection for Swimming Goggles
Swimming is a fun and beneficial exercise for people of all ages. However, prolonged exposure to pool, ocean, or lake water can be irritating and even damaging to the eyes. Wearing proper UV protection swimming goggles helps shield the delicate eye area from the sun and chemicals found in water.
How Do Swimming Goggles Protect Your Eyes?
Swimming goggles form a secure barrier over the eyes that serves several key functions:
- Prevents water, chemicals, debris and organisms from entering the eyes
- Helps maintain clearer vision underwater by blocking water
- Provides cushioning to reduce eye irritation and friction
- Features lenses treated to filter out UV radiation from sunlight
Overall, a quality pair of swimming goggles plays an integral role in protecting eye health and safety while spending time in pools, lakes, rivers or oceans.
Dangers Posed to Eyes from Swimming
Despite the cooling relief it provides, water can introduce potential eye hazards including:
Chemical Exposure
Pool water contains chemicals like chlorine and bromine which can irritate and damage unprotected eyes over time with repeated exposure. Salt water and fresh bodies of water also carry chemicals and contaminants.
Bacterial Infections
Water may harbor bacteria and viruses that could potentially infect the tissue around the eyes after sustained contact, especially lakes and oceans. Using contaminated swimming water also raises infection risk.
UV Radiation
The sun emits UV rays which reflect off water surfaces and can burn the delicate skin around the eyes as well as the eyes themselves. Long term UV exposure raises susceptibility for certain eye diseases.
Debris and Foreign Bodies
Unprotected eyes risk irritation or injury from debris, sand, plant matter, and other objects present in swimming waters getting accidentally introduced into the eye.
Selecting UV Protection Swimming Goggles
Not all swimming goggles provide adequate protection. When selecting UV protection swimming goggles, key considerations include:
Snug, Comfortable Fit
Goggles should maintain a close fit around the orbital bones without being painfully tight. A secure seal prevents water seepage while soft internal padding prevents pressure points around the eyes.
UV Blocking
Lenses should clearly indicate UV protection and the level provided - typically UV400 protection. This ensures filtering of both UVA and UVB rays from sunlight penetrating water surfaces.
Optical Clarity
Quality lenses optimize visibility in water without distortion or fogging. Features like anti-fog coatings maintain clear sight underwater. Mirrored lenses also reduce glare.
Durability
Frames and lenses should be shatterproof and impact resistant to withstand frequent swimming use. Straps made of durable silicone or similar stretchy material better tolerate exposure to chemicals and stretching.
Types of UV Protection Swimming Goggles
UV protective swimming goggles fall into a few main design categories:
Recreational Goggles
All purpose recreational goggles work well for casual swimming and water sports. Made from durable polycarbonate lenses and comfortable seals, they're built to handle frequent light use.
Competition/Racing Goggles
Sleek profile competition goggles feature low profile construction for less drag and resistance in water. The high grade lenses and snug fit optimize sightlines and airflow for competitive swimmers.
Kids Goggles
Kids goggles allow for smaller frames scaled down in size to properly fit children while still meeting UV protection standards. Fun colors and strap styles make them more appealing for young swimmers.
Prescription Goggles
Those requiring vision correction can purchase swimming goggles with prescription lenses bonded into the frames during manufacturing. Some models also allow swapping standard lenses for prescription ones.
Using UV Swimming Goggles Properly
To maximize the eye protection swimming goggles provide, certain usage guidelines apply:
Inspect for Damage Before Use
Check lenses for cracks or scratches and make sure straps remain intact before wearing. Damaged goggles compromise safety and won't seal or function properly in water.
Achieve Snug Fit Against Face
Improper fit defeats the protective barrier goggles provide for eyes in water. Adjust straps until the suction seal adheres firmly around orbital bones to prevent seepage.
Rinse After Swimming in Chlorinated or Salt Water
Give goggles a quick post-swim rinse before removal to wash away chemical residue. Periodically clean by hand or place in the dishwasher to disinfect.
Store Properly Between Uses
Keep goggles in protective cases and avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures to maintain lens and seal integrity. Don't stretch or dry the strap latex or silicone with direct heat.
Replace Goggles Every Swim Season
While most models withstand a season or two of use, replace UV protection swimming goggles annually to ensure stable light filtering capacity and structural soundness in the water.
Maintaining Eye Health With UV Goggles
Wearing UV protection swimming goggles promotes better eye health in several key ways:
Preventing Eye Infections
Sealing off the eye area shields against bacteria, viruses, and parasites lurking in swimming waters that could potentially infect the eyes' mucous membranes or surrounding tissue.
Reducing Chemical Exposure
Lenses provide a barrier minimizing direct contact between chlorinated, salt, or fresh water and the ocular surface. This limits chemical irritation and damage over time.
Blocking UV Radiation
Coatings filter out UVA-UVB sunlight rays which research links to cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium growth, and eyelid malignancies later in life.
Preventing Eye Injuries
Lenses shield against debris, sand, vegetation, foreign objects andfinger pokes - especially important for children. Cushioned inner gaskets lower friction against eyelids.
Improving Swim Experience
Clear underwater vision, glare reduction, and protection against eye issues that could cut swims short all lead to more enjoyable time spent safely swimming.
Recognizing Problems Despite Goggle Use
Sometimes complications can still arise even when wearing UV protection swimming goggles:
Discomfort/Irritation After Swimming
Stinging, burning, excessive redness, swelling, excessive eye discharge or light sensitivity may indicate infection, chemical irritation, allergic reaction or scratch on the eye.
Impaired Vision
Blurry sight, shadowy areas or loss of peripheral vision could arise from eye injury, infection, or conditions like astigmatism worsening from environmental exposure while swimming.
Headaches with Eye Strain
If uncomfortable pressure and headaches accompany persistent squinting or difficulty focusing eyes under water, an eye exam may be needed to address underlying issues.
Green or Brown Discoloration on Lenses
This usually results from sunscreen chemicals in the pool water building up on lenses over time, requiring more frequent cleaning or replacement of lenses.
Consult an eye doctor immediately if any worrisome eye symptoms or vision changes occur before, during or after swimming - regardless of goggle use. Proper diagnosis and treatment help prevent lasting damage.
Stay Protected In the Water
UV protection swimming goggles play a crucial role in promoting safety, comfort and visibility while spending time in pools, lakes and oceans. Taking steps to find properly fitting goggles offering adequate light filtering and durability ensures better eye health for swimming all season long.
FAQs
Why do I need UV protection swimming goggles?
UV protective swimming goggles create a shield around your eyes to block chlorine, saltwater, lake water contaminants, UV rays from the sun, and debris that could potentially irritate your eyes or damage eye tissue over time.
How tight should my swimming goggles be?
UV protection swimming goggles need a snug, tight fit against the orbital bone area around your eyes to prevent leakage of outside water. The seal should adhere closely when gently pressed but not be painfully tight or leave marks.
Can I reuse swimming goggles after having an eye infection?
No, you should always throw out and replace used goggles after experiencing an eye infection like pink eye while wearing them previously. Even with cleaning, bacteria can remain to spur reinfection.
How do I keep UV swimming goggles from fogging?
Select good quality goggles with anti-fog lens coatings. Before swimming, rinse lenses with a small amount of baby shampoo or apply special anti-fog gel/spray to prevent condensation from obscuring vision underwater.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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