Swimming Goggles have been part of a swimmer’s standard equipment for decades, and also this is where the origins of modern goggles go back to. Ingermann reports that goggles were already used in Korea around 2400 BC. In ancient Greece, the naked divers used polished tortoise shells as swimming goggles. Also, other cultures have been using various materials over time: from coconut shells to hollowed beech nuts or ostrich eggs.
In 1873 Richard Fappenrath developed the first mass-produced goggles specifically designed for competitive swimmers. Later on, several companies began to produce swimming goggles – even before sunglasses were produced – which can be explained by the necessity of the goggles.
Sunlight, reflections on the water surface and other environmental factors heavily degraded vision while swimming in open water, therefore it was mandatory for swimmers to protect their eyes with specialised gear. The first mass-produced models were made of flexible grilamid or vinyl – currently still popular materials for modern swim goggle lenses.
Goggles also had another purpose besides just protecting the eyes: they were used by coaches to monitor turns during practices – which was one of their main purposes before races! To this day, many coaches use goggles to watch swimmers at all times during training sessions.
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Swimming Goggles’ Development Over Time
Until recently, competitive swimmers had very restricted choices when it came to choosing the right model of goggles. The biggest difference between early models and modern ones was the lack of a good adjustment system, which made it difficult for swimmers to find a perfectly comfortable pair of goggles.
Lenses were usually made from polycarbonate or acrilonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) – giving them an advantage in terms of optical clarity compared with older lenses that had been made from celluloid acetate.
In the 1990s, Japanese company Asahi started producing anti-fog treated lenses using fluoropolymers such as Teflon, which improved performance significantly. Not only did they prevent fogging – also known as ‘fogging’ – to occur in the first place, these materials also helped breaking up the fog once it had formed on the lenses.
Even though models with a perfect fit were already available, modern goggles have a better shape and a great variety of shapes to choose from – catering to special requirements such as for athletes with flat noses or an Asian face structure. Many companies now produce goggles with interchangeable lenses, which come in very handy when swimming outdoors in different light conditions or due to equipment failure.
Today’s most modern swim goggles are manufactured from silicone instead of vinyl, making them more comfortable and durable. In addition, they can be produced in any desired shape thanks to 3D printing technology that creates customised, personalised models for each customer.
Conclusion: Swimming Goggles – A Must-Have Accessory For Every Swimmer
Swimming Goggles are one of the most important pieces of equipment for every ambitious swimmer. With high-quality goggles, all swimmers can optimise their training results and performance – even in open water!
FAQ
What are swimming goggles for?
Swimming goggles can be used in warm and cold water to improve sight, especially in open water. As a result, training and race performance will increase and the risk of injuries will decrease.
Is it good to wear goggles while swimming?
Yes, goggles are an essential part of every swimmer’s equipment. Not only do they protect the eyes from sunlight and irritants in the water, they also provide a clearer view under water – even in open water swimming.
Which goggles fit best for which face structure?
While one-size-fits-all goggles have been popular in the past, many manufacturers provide a selection of different models in order to meet the requirements of their customers. For example, some models are suitable for flat noses while others have a greater field of view or can be worn by people with an Asian face structure.
Is it necessary to use anti-fog spray?
Yes, in case your goggles begin to fog up while you are swimming, it is necessary to use a special anti-fog spray. This will help you see clearly under water without having to take your goggles off.
What kind of swim goggles should I get?
That depends on your individual requirements. Are you a competitive swimmer who needs the best of the best in terms of performance and comfort? Or do you only want to use your goggles for leisure and recreation? When choosing your model, you should also consider whether you want to use goggles with interchangeable lenses or not.
Do swim goggles need prescription?
No. Thanks to the development of modern technologies, most models do not need prescription glasses . These are available in different tints and at an affordable price.
What is prescription swimming goggles?
Prescription goggles are goggles that combine two lenses – one for clear vision under water and one for out of the water. This is particularly suitable for people who only need glasses for reading or close-up work.
Can you wear prescription glasses in the pool?
Yes, as long as you have a model that sits comfortably over your prescription glasses. In case the goggles are too wide or sit too high up on your face, you can also use goggles with prescription lenses which are custom made for your glasses.
How can I swim with bad eyesight?
Swimming is possible with bad eyesight, even if you wear contact lenses or glasses. However, it is recommended that you get the proper equipment for swimming. This includes sports glasses or prescription swimming goggles if you wear contact lenses.
Are mirrored swim goggles better?
Mirrored goggles provide 100 % protection from sunlight, which is why they are very comfortable to wear. Therefore they are recommended for outdoor swimming in any weather. However, they are not suitable for indoor swimming as they absorb too much light and make it difficult to see under water.
How many hours you can wear goggles?
You should take your goggles off after about 2 hours to let your eyes rest. You can adjust this timespan depending on how you feel.
Anti Fog Swim Goggles
Anti-fog swimming goggles are great to prevent a situation where visibility is not good because of steam that is inside the goggles. These goggles are made of a sheer plastic layer that prevents the fogging.
Fogless Goggles
Just like anti-fog swimming goggles, fogless goggles are designed to prevent the steam from building up inside of them. They absorb all moisture and provide a better experience for swimmers who want a clear vision underwater.
Swim Mask
As an alternative to conventional goggles, some swimmers use scuba diving masks for training or competition. Like traditional goggles, they provide clear vision underwater thanks to their technologically advanced lens system. They are also known as swim mask, speed goggles, bionic mask .
What is the difference between goggles and mask?
Both masks and goggles come in different shapes and designs so that each individual gets the right fit. However, while goggles sit on top of the face, masks are worn over the head like scuba diving masks.
Swimming goggles are available in different shapes and sizes, but most models have a broad seal to fit most face structures. This makes it easier for swimmers who want to protect their eyes from cold water or chlorine when training in an outdoor pool. However, if you have sensitive or dry eyes , you should consider using goggles with tear ducts . These remove excess moisture so your eyes won’t feel irritated during training sessions. The lens comes in different colors depending on how deep you want to see under water – darker lenses provide better visibility down to twelve feet while lighter tints are suitable for shallower depths. Those who run into trouble with fogging can look for models with anti-fog lenses or even use goggles designed to prevent fogging – they absorb all moisture.
Children’s Goggles
Children need goggles to protect their eyes when they swim in chlorinated water. The goggles will encourage them to put their head under the water, which will then build up their confidence.
Infant (2 to 6 years)
Children under the age of six should wear a soft and well-fitting pair of goggles during pool practice. The goggles must be fitted with lenses that are as near to their face as possible. If the goggles fog, they will not swim as efficiently as those without any steam inside them.
Toddler (6-12 years)
For children aged between six and twelve, it is recommended that you purchase special junior swimming masks designed especially for small faces. These masks fit perfectly around noses and eyes – giving your child’s face plenty of room to grow.
Junior Swimming Masks
Junior swimming masks are specially suited for young swimmers aged between six and twelve years old. They fit comfortably over small faces, even if it takes time to adjust the straps. Goggles that are not well-fitting may cause irritation or damage, so you should spend some time finding a pair that is just right for your child.
Adult Swimming Masks
Adult swimming masks are used for activities like underwater hockey, scuba diving and snorkeling. Depending on their design , they provide either wide vision or close-up views under water . They come with protective lenses to reduce the risk of scratches during vigorous games. These goggles can also be fitted with special lenses designed for better clarity under water – depending on the depth levels you need, you can use tinted lens (after dark) or clear (to see beneath the surface).
They must complement your face structure well and remain watertight throughout your time in the pool. If you have a round face , for example, look for a mask with a full seal that gives you plenty of room to breathe comfortably . You should also choose one that is made from hypoallergenic rubber or silicone – especially if you have allergies.
Competition Goggles
Swimmers who participate in competition swi m either use swim goggles or swim masks to get a clear line of vision underwater. Competition goggles must be designed with anti-fogging lenses and slight tinting so their users can see every detail when they take off during races under water . These models come with large eye sockets and curved edges around the lens area, which helps swimmers avoid irritating points while putting them on.
Swim goggles are suitable for people with small faces, so if you have larger facial features , you may want to go for a swim mask instead. These are also ideal if you have sensitive skin or have never used any kind of eye protection before – since their total seals give them extra-good visibility underwater .
Open Water Goggles
Goggles designed for open water swi m are usually the same as competition swimming models because their users need good vision across long distances under water at all altitudes . The lenses are slightly darker than those found on competition goggles, but they still provide clarity that allows you to see every detail at different depths. Since this type of eye protection is not worn inside an indoor pool, it does not come with lenses designed to avoid fogging up.
Adult Open Water Goggles
Most adult open water swimming goggles are made from reinforced plastic to make them both lightweight and strong . They also come with soft rubber or silicone parts that can adapt well to facial curves. Most models have wide straps that go around the head instead of over the top because this keeps them in place even when you dive into deep waters. These specialized goggles are generally available in bright colors, which makes it easier for other swimmers to see you out in the open – especially when there is light coming from above, rather than below.
Competition Open Water Goggles
Open water swimming masks are similar to competition swimmer’s goggles when it comes down to their design ; the only difference between them is how they are used. Competition goggles typically have wide eye sockets, curved edges to avoid scratches and lenses designed to avoid fogging up . Unlike models meant for open water swimming , competition goggles are not fitted with tinted lenses or protective UV coatings because their users are inside an indoor pool the entire time.
Training Goggles
Not all swimmers require special eye protection even if they practice regularly. Aspiring competitive swimmers, for example, can go without any kind of eye protection until they reach a certain level in their training – which means that entry-level swimmers should use the most basic swimming masks available around. Training swimming masks are also made from lightweight materials but come with anti-fogging lenses that allow swimmers to see clearly beneath the surface.
For people who only want to swim recreationally , training swimming goggles should offer an affordable way to enhance their experience in the pool. These models are usually disposable, which means that they will not last very long before you need to get a new one; this makes them ideal for pools where everyone shares the same water. Since these low-cost goggles do not come with lenses designed for clear vision under water, it is best if swimmers use them during the day or when there is plenty of light coming from above .
Goggles Accessories
Whether you choose specialized goggles or regular swimming masks , you can accessorize your eye protection easily ; anti-fogging sprays and wipes are always available, no matter where you are. You can also use swimming caps that have anti-fogging or water repellent properties – which should come in handy if you take your eye protection off regularly to hang it around your neck.
Swim Goggles Recommendations
Goggle lenses tend to fog up at the most inconvenient times during practice sessions , which is why swimmers should always bring a pair of goggles with them . Since advanced anti-fog features may not come cheap, opt for an affordable model that offers good fog resistance and clear vision underwater before anything else. To extend the lifespan of your goggles, remember to wash them regularly and never leave them inside a wet locker – which is where most people forget about their eye protection.
Summary
Swimming goggles are often overlooked but play a vital role in competitive swimming.
Adult open water swimming goggles have reinforced plastic to make them both lightweight and strong . They also come with soft rubber or silicone parts that can adapt well to facial curves. Most models have wide straps that go around the head instead of over the top because this keeps them in place even when you dive into deep waters. These specialized goggles are generally available in bright colors, which makes it easier for other swimmers to see you out in the open – especially when there is light coming from above, rather than below.
