Swimming goggles protect your eyes against chlorine, salt and pool or lake debris. Some even offer protection against the sun's UV rays. For competitive swimmers, goggles can be the added edge that gets them moving faster, eliminating minor snafus, such as veering into a competitor's lane after a somersault turn. Goggles are most likely to leak if they're not sized or cared for properly. A bit of attention when you purchase your goggles (for example, trying on several pairs to get the right fit) and ongoing maintenance can help keep water out of your eyes.
Step 1
When trying on a pair of goggles to buy press them firmly against your eyes--without using the strap. Remove your hands from the goggles slightly. If the goggle eye cups remain adhered to your face, they should provide an adequate seal against leaks. If one or both eye cups come loose, they likely will leak under water.
Step 2
Pull the goggle head strap or straps over your head and position them so you're comfortable. Try to dislodge the goggle eye cups by making faces in a mirror. If both eye cups remain firmly sealed around your eye sockets, despite your best attempts to loosen them, they're not likely to leak as long as you take good care of them.
Step 3
Keep your swim goggles dry and out of direct sunlight when not in use. This includes not leaving them by the side of the pool, where they're likely to endure repeated wettings. Rinse them off with fresh water after leaving a salty or chlorinated environment.
Tips and Warnings
- If your goggles have never leaked, but suddenly begin to let water into the eye cups, try adjusting the nose piece to reestablish a firm seal. If your previously reliable goggles still leak, the gasket material has probably degraded over time or due to abuse. It's time to replace your goggles. If your goggles leak because of a poor fit and adjusting the nose piece doesn't create a better seal between the eye cup gaskets and your face, there's not much you can do to stop the leak. You'll simply have to purchase new goggles that are a better fit. A swimmer who has lost a lot of weight may find that her goggles suddenly begin to leak because the shape of her face has changed. If adjusting the nose piece doesn't work, buy a new pair of goggles that fits correctly. Competitive swimmers usually prefer small, low-profile eye goggles to reduce drag. They also wear the goggle strap beneath their swim caps--again, to reduce drag.
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