Goggles are a great form of eye protection from chlorine and the elements when swimming. A variety of manufacturers make different styles and colors of goggles. According to speedousa.com, a leading provider in swim wear, the barrel of the goggle should be able to stick momentarily, covering the eye, indicating good suction and fit. The nose piece, if available, should be adjusted to avoid water leakage. Finally, the silicone goggle headstrap, which rests on the crown of the head at an approximate 45 degree angle, should be taut, but not too tight. Just like buying a good pair of shoes, a good brand of goggle is one that fits the eye socket the best.
What to Look for
Consider the environment when choosing goggles. If goggles are going to be used for indoor lap swimming, any color will do. However, if using the goggles outdoors, choose a darker color such as dark blue, purple, brown or even mirrored goggles with ultra-violet protection. These will help protect they eyes from the sun and its reflection on the pool water. If swimming in open water, a lighter colored goggle such as clear, yellow or orange with ultra-violet protection may be a better choice. Goggles in this setting are mainly used to protect the eyes since the swimmer cannot normally see the bottom of the body of water, but needs to be able to see the swimming markers.
Also, consider the surrounding environment. Some goggles have silicone gaskets, neoprene foam or hypoallergenic gaskets to cover the eye socket. If the goggles are going to be used for training or lap swimming in a structured environment, any of the above mentioned types can be used. However, during open water or group swims without structure, goggles with silicone gaskets or neoprene foam on the eye sockets are recommended since there can be a risk of being kicked in the face. These goggles provide some protection from this mishap.
Finally, prescription lenses can be made into goggles to make swimming a more pleasurable experience for those who wear glasses. An optician provides this service, thought it can be costly.
Common Pitfalls
High quality goggles will withstand the deteriorating properties of chlorine and the elements better than cheaper brands. Over time, the silicone gaskets or neoprene foam will begin to pull away from the plastic eye covering and the silicone strap may break. This may provide a faulty protective barrier against the water. It is ultimately up to you to determine whether to keep the goggles when they get to this point. To enhance the life of goggles, rinse them in tap water and let them air dry after use. Also, the goggle lenses should be kept free from grease and dirt. Some sports stores stock a solution to assist with cleaning of the lenses, but a thorough rinse of a tap water after use without any rubbing works well too.
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