Swimming with a vision problem can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re used to wearing glasses or contacts. Fortunately, there are a variety of prescription goggles on the market that can help improve your experience in the pool. So, what are the best prescription goggles for swimming?
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the top 5 best prescription goggles so that you don’t have to!
Why Prescription Goggles are Important for Swimmers
Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but if you have vision problems, it can be a real challenge. Wearing regular goggles won’t do anything to help you see clearly underwater, and wearing glasses or contact lenses while swimming is not an option for most people. That’s where prescription goggles come into play.
They’re specially designed to correct your vision while also protecting your eyes from chlorine and other irritants that can cause discomfort. If you’re someone who suffers from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and find it difficult to swim without your glasses or contact lenses, prescription goggles are the perfect solution for you!
Top Prescription Goggles for Swimming
1. Speedo Vanquisher Prescription Goggles
Our favorite overall prescription goggles for swimming.
Speedo Vanquisher Prescription Goggles
- Brand: Speedo
- Lens Features: -1.5 to -8
- Nosepiece Options: 4
- Price: $$
- Additional Features: G.O FIT system for precision fit
I absolutely love the Speedo Vanquishers! They’ve become my go-to goggles for numerous reasons. Firstly, their silicone straps are incredibly durable, unlike those older goggles with latex head straps that fade way too quickly. Plus, they look super stylish! I’ve worn countless pairs of Vanquishers, and guess what? Not a single leak! These goggles have truly stood the test of time.
What’s even better is that they’re Speedo goggles, which speaks volumes about their quality and reliability, regardless of the specific type. The prescription Vanquisher even includes four different nose pieces, ensuring a perfect fit for your unique face. Mine fit like a dream straight out of the box! However, you may need to spend some time making necessary fitting adjustments, so here’s my how-to guide for wearing swim goggles. And let’s not forget that these goggles are made of polycarbonate, making them shatter-proof and incredibly durable.
With three different tint options to choose from (mirrored, smoke, and clear), you can find the perfect pair to suit your preferences. Plus, they feature an anti-fog coating, just as you’d expect from any top-notch swimming goggles.
The best part? These goggles are reasonably priced, especially considering the added prescription feature. They cost slightly more than regular swim goggles, making them a fantastic investment.
Trust me, once you try the Speedo Vanquishers, you’ll understand why they’re my best overall choice.
2. Sporti S2 Optical Mirrored Swim Goggles
Our best budget-friendly option for prescription goggles.
Sporti S2 Optical Mirrored Swim Goggles
- Brand: Sporti
- Lens Features: -1.5 to -8
- Nosepiece Options: 3
- Price: $
- Additional Features: Mirrored lenses and enhanced peripheral vision.
I can’t help but rave about Sporti! They specialize in creating top-notch gear for both competitive and recreational swimmers, offering goggles, fins, and even swimsuits at incredibly affordable prices. In fact, their prices are often half as expensive as those big-name brands you see on the pool deck.
Let me introduce you to the Sporti S2 Optical Mirrored Swim Goggle, a shining example of its incredible value. Priced under $15, it’s an absolute steal considering its sleek and stylish design that rivals more expensive options. These goggles have an optical range of negative 1.5 to negative 8.0, catering to a wide range of vision needs.
The Sporti S2 Optical Goggle boasts all the fantastic features you’d expect from a premium swim goggle. It comes with an anti-fog coating and polycarbonate lenses for ultimate UV ray protection, and it even includes three nose pieces to ensure a perfect and comfortable fit.
The S2 is available in mirrored (exclusively through Swim Outlet), smoke, and clear lens options (available through Amazon). This means that no matter the brightness or darkness of the pool, there’s a prescription Sporti S2 swim goggles tailored just for you.
Once you experience the quality and affordability of Sporti gear, you’ll never look back!
3. Sporti Antifog Optical Pro II Swim Goggles
Our favorite option for prescription goggles with a wide view range.
Sporti Antifog Optical Pro II Swim Goggles
- Brand: Sporti
- Lens Features: -2 to -8
- Nosepiece Options: 2
- Price: $
- Additional Features: Antifog lenses, UVA, and UVB protection.
Introducing another fantastic pair of goggles brought to you by Sporti! The Optical Pro II Swim Goggle is an excellent pick for swimmers seeking exceptional peripheral vision while in the water.
With its wide lens and gasket, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear visibility in all directions—whether you’re gliding on your front or gazing to the sides.
These goggles offer a range of diopters, from negative 2 to negative 8, and can be easily adjusted using the buckles on the gasket. Plus, the soft silicone gasket ensures a watertight seal as you navigate the pool.
Choose between two stylish tint colors, smoke or blue, for the Sporti Antifog Optical Pro II Goggle. The best part? They are incredibly affordable, priced at around just $12!
One minor drawback is that the Pro II’s come with only two nose piece options, which might be less suitable for those with unique face shapes.
4. TYR Blackhawk Optical Goggles
Our favorite option for swimmers who are farsighted.
TYR Blackhawk Optical Goggles
- Brand: TYR
- Lens Features: -1.5 to -8 and +1.5 to +8
- Nosepiece Options: 2
- Price: $$
- Additional Features: Antifog lenses, UVA, and UVB protection.
Introducing the TYR Blackhawk Optical Swim Goggles, a great choice for swimmers who require prescription lenses. These goggles are designed with top-notch materials, including 100% silicone head straps and gasket, ensuring exceptional durability even against harsh pool chemicals.
These goggles offer the popular features of TYR racing goggles and come in both positive and negative prescriptions, catering to various visual needs.
Experience the advantages of these swim goggles, such as the sleek and low-profile lens, which minimizes drag in the water. The watertight gasket ensures a snug fit, preventing any pesky leaks as you power through your laps. You can also easily adjust the head straps for a personalized and comfortable fit.
Rest assured, the TYR prescription goggles provide UVA/UVB protection, safeguarding your eyes while you swim under the sun. And don’t worry about breaking the bank because these goggles are competitively priced.
5. TYR Corrective Optical Goggles
A great option for prescription goggles with a wide view range.
TYR Corrective Optical Goggles
- Brand: TYR
- Lens Features: -2 to -8
- Nosepiece Options: Adjustable
- Price: $$
- Additional Features: Polycarbonate lenses, wide peripheral range.
Introducing the TYR Corrective Optical Goggles, a solid solution for clear vision in the water. These goggles are a game-changer for swimmers who need prescription lenses, offering a clear, wide-angle view.
Constructed with high-quality materials, these goggles are designed to withstand the rigors of regular swimming. They come with a 100% silicone head strap and gasket, ensuring excellent durability.
The TYR Corrective Optical Goggles not only incorporate the popular features of TYR racing goggles but also cater to a wide range of visual needs.
These goggles provide UVA/UVB protection, safeguarding your eyes while you swim under the sun.
Don’t let poor vision hold you back in the water. Order your TYR Corrective Optical Goggles today!
Features to Consider When Choosing Prescription Goggles
Lens material and durability
When choosing prescription goggles, it is important to consider the lens material and its durability. Many prescription lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is durable, lightweight, and impact-resistant.
This makes them ideal for swimming goggles since they can withstand the harsh elements of chlorine and saltwater pools. Other options include acrylic or glass lenses, but these tend to be less popular due to their heavier weight and higher risk of breakage.
It’s also worth noting that some prescription goggles may offer interchangeable lenses. This can be a great feature for swimmers who need different prescriptions for each eye or who prefer different tints or polarizations depending on the lighting conditions.
Prescription-strength availability
The whole point of prescription goggles is to be able to see clearly while swimming without having to wear contacts or glasses. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the prescription strength you need is available in the goggles you’re considering.
Most brands offer a variety of prescription strengths ranging from -1.5 to -8 diopters (a measure of nearsightedness). However, if your vision requires a stronger prescription than that or if you have astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea), finding suitable options may be more challenging.
Comfort and fit
Comfort should always be a top priority when it comes to any piece of swim equipment — especially something that will be worn on your face for extended periods of time, like swim goggles. A poorly fitting pair of goggles can cause discomfort, headaches, or even leak water into your eyes.
When shopping for prescription goggles online (which is often more convenient than trying them on in person), check the brand’s sizing guide carefully before making a purchase. Some brands have specific measurements for nose bridge width or eye socket depth that can impact how well the goggles fit.
Anti-fog coating
Nothing ruins a good swim workout like constantly having to stop and clear fog from your goggles. Luckily, many prescription goggles come with an anti-fog coating that helps prevent condensation buildup on the inside of the lenses. Not all anti-fog coatings are created equal, however.
Some may wear off over time or require special cleaning instructions to maintain their effectiveness. Look for goggles with a high-quality anti-fog coating that has been tested and reviewed positively by other swimmers.
UV protection
Swimming outside exposes your eyes to harmful UV rays, just like any other outdoor activity. However, certain prescription lenses may not offer adequate UV protection on their own. Look for goggles that specifically advertise 100% UV protection or have tinted lenses that block out harmful rays.
It’s worth noting that not all tinted lenses are created equal either — some may be too dark for indoor swimming or not provide enough contrast in low-light conditions. Consider what type of swimming you’ll be doing most often before choosing a pair of prescription goggles with tinted or mirrored lenses.
FAQ
Conclusion
Swimming is a great form of exercise, and it’s important to have clear vision while doing so. Prescription goggles can help swimmers with vision problems see clearly and enjoy their time in the water.
Prescription goggles provide a number of benefits for swimmers with less-than-perfect vision. They allow swimmers to see clearly while they swim, which not only enhances the experience but also improves safety. In addition, prescription goggles prevent the need for contact lenses or glasses, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous when worn in the water.
Choosing which pair of prescription goggles to purchase depends on individual needs and preferences. The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Optical Swim Goggle is my favorite choice for those who want a comfortable fit with added peripheral vision while swimming laps or competing.
Choosing the right pair of prescription goggles can significantly enhance your swimming experience by providing clear vision without relying on contacts or glasses that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous to wear in the water.
