Swimming is an exercise that can get you in shape without enduring the injuries common in high-impact sports such as running. Swimmers are not immune from cosmetic hazards, though. Pale circular imprints from over-tight, sun-blocking goggles cause "raccoon eyes." Choosing proper-fitting goggles and applying adequate sunscreen on your face mitigates the issue.
Function
Goggles keep water out of your eyes when you swim. Some chemicals in pool water irritate sensitive eye membranes and can lead to red, itchy and teary eyes. Seawater stings your eyes and impurities in ocean water might cause infections. Goggles also provide safety when you swim. Seeing clearly keeps you on course in open-water swimming, and prevents mid-lane collisions in the pool.
Effects
Goggles enhance vision and keep eyes healthy. Some manufacturers construct goggles with latex or rubber to form watertight seals. Latex sensitivity results in reddened irritated skin, hives and asthma-like symptoms, so check what materials appear in individual brands if you have concerns. Silicone and other waterproof materials provide alternatives if you cannot use latex products. Goggle varieties today boggle the mind, and the aesthetic effect of goggles ranges from staid to wild, with specialty goggles featuring holographic effects on the eyepieces.
Types
Racing goggles fit tightly, and have a streamlined profile. Manufacturers design racing goggles for speed in the water, and swimmers wear them for relatively short periods during the race. Racing goggles are not foremost about comfort, so fitness swimmers might choose other goggle types. Fitness or lap pool goggles have a comfortable fit, and come in variable sizes. They feature adjustable nose-straps and different-size eye cups. Fitness goggles come in different lens colors too. Mirrored lenses help reduce glare, dark-tinted versions work well in high-light conditions and red-tinted lenses increase contrast in dim conditions. Mask-type goggles are good for surf and open water swims. They provide a wide field of vision and are sturdy, staying put in rough conditions.
Benefits
Goggles benefit swimmers by helping prevent eye irritation and eye infections. Some goggles actually improve vision. Prescription goggles available in different optical corrections eliminate the need to choose between wearing contact lenses under goggles, or swimming with poor vision.
Considerations
Dirty or poorly maintained goggles cause problems all their own. Dirt that collects in the cups and around the seals puts your eyes at risk. Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm wet environments, so rinse your goggles in cool clean water after a swim, and dry them thoroughly after rinsing. Check your goggles for fit if you get headaches or eyestrain after swimming because too small or too tight eye cups might be the culprit.
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