Swimming goggles allow you to see under the water and help to keep harmful chemicals and bacteria out of your eyes. Goggles for swimming have been around in some form or another since the 1300's when they were worn by Persian divers. They gained popularity in the 1930's but they weren't commonly used until the 1970's, when they were first used by swimmers in the Olympics during the Montreal Games in 1976.
Bruising
Swimming goggles that do not fit properly or are too tight can lead to bruised eyes. Bruised or black eyes often look a lot worse than they actually are thanks to the discoloration in the affected area. Swelling can also accompany the bruising and in severe cases this may affect your vision.
Treatment
To treat bruised eyes caused by swimming goggles rest in a comfortable position, close your eyes and press a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad soaked in cold water over them. The cold water will help to reduce the bruising and swelling. It is important to keep your eyes closed as this reduces movement in the area. Seek medical advice if the bruising or swelling is severe or you experience other symptoms as a result of an accident with your goggles.
Prevention
To prevent bruised eyes, choose swimming goggles that fit comfortably and are suited to your face shape. Before you buy a pair of goggles, hold the frames against your eye sockets to see if they are comfortable. Put them to the suction test to ensure they won't leak. To do this, push the goggles against your eyes without the use of the strap and see if they stick. The right pair should stick for a few seconds while others will fall away instantly.
Considerations
To avoid injury, adjust your goggles correctly before putting them on. To put your goggles on, hold them against your eye sockets and then place the strap over your head. To remove them, take the strap off first before you take the goggles from your eyes. This eliminates the risk of the goggles accidentally pinging back into your eye sockets. Always take your goggles off if you need to adjust them.
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