Swimming is an exhilarating and refreshing activity that many enjoy, but for those with vision impairments such as myopia, it can pose a unique set of challenges. Prescription swimming goggles are a fantastic solution, offering the visually impaired the ability to see clearly underwater and enjoy swimming to the fullest. In this guide, we’ll delve into how to select the perfect pair of prescription swimming goggles that cater to your specific needs, ensuring comfort, clarity, and an enhanced swimming experience.
Understanding Your Prescription
When it comes to choosing prescription swimming goggles, the most critical factor is the diopter strength of the lenses, which should match your eyeglasses prescription. To determine the correct diopter strength, you'll need to know your current prescription, which includes values for sphere (SPH), cylinder (CYL), and axis.
- Sphere (SPH) is about whether you have trouble seeing things far away or close up. A minus sign (-) means distant things are blurry, and a plus sign (+) means it's hard to read a book or see things close to you.
- Cylinder (CYL) tells us if your eye is shaped a bit more like a rugby ball than a perfect sphere, which can make things look a bit off. This number helps to correct that so you can see things as they really are.
- Axis is a number that goes with the CYL. It's like a direction on a map, telling us where to put the special correction on your lenses to clear up your vision.
These numbers are the secret to making glasses that help you see the world clearly, without any blurriness or distortion. And don't worry, your eye doctor will figure out all these numbers for you! 😊
With this information, you can use our Agily Prescription Calculator, a tool designed to convert your eyeglass prescription into the diopter strength needed for your goggles.
Calculating Diopter Strength
To calculate the diopter strength for your swimming goggles, you'll primarily focus on the SPH and CYL values. Here's a step-by-step guide with examples:
Calculate the combined power for each eye by adding the SPH value to half of the CYL value. Example: If your prescription is -3.00 SPH and -1.00 CYL, you would add half of the CYL value to the SPH value: -3.00 + (-0.5) = -3.50.
Round to the nearest integer diopter if necessary, as most goggle lenses come in 1.0 increments. If the combined power is not a multiple of 1.0, round down to avoid over-correcting your vision. Don't worry about choosing a weak diopter strength since during swimming, water refracts light in a way such that it slightly improves the vision of people with myopia. Example: If the combined power is -3.75, you would round down to -3.00.
Repeat the process for the other eye. Each eye may have a different prescription, so it's important to calculate the diopter strength for both eyes separately. Note that the right eye can sometimes be referred to as "oculus dexter" (O.D.) on eye prescriptions, while the left eye can be referred to as "oculus sinister" (O.S.).
Select your goggles based on the calculated diopter strength for each eye. At the moment our Agily AV1 goggles come with pre-set symmetrical diopter strengths for both eyes. Since each one of the eye sockets can easily be replaced, it is possible to buy two pairs of goggles with different diopter strengths and combine them to create your own customized glasses. However, this is only recommended when the prescription differs significantly from one eye to the other. When the prescription for both eyes is similar, it is more cost-effective to simply choose the lowest strength.
Here is an example to illustrate the process from top to bottom:
- Right Eye (OD): -2.50 SPH, -0.50 CYL
- Left Eye (OS): -3.00 SPH, 0.00 CYL
- Right Eye: -2.50 + (-0.25) = -2.75 (rounded down to -2.00)
- Left Eye: -3.00 + 0.00 = -3.00
- Right Lens: -2.00
- Left Lens: -2.00
By following these steps and using the examples as a guide, you can accurately determine the diopter strength needed for your prescription swimming goggles. This will ensure that you have the best possible underwater vision, allowing you to swim with confidence and clarity. Remember, if you need assistance or prefer an automated calculation, our Agily Prescription Calculator is here to help you find the perfect fit for your eyes.
Fit, Comfort, and Lens Choices
Beyond diopter strength, several other factors are essential in selecting the right goggles. The fit and seal of the goggles are paramount to prevent water from leaking in. Adjustable straps and nose pieces can help customize the fit to your face, while soft silicone seals offer comfort and a watertight seal. The lens type is also an important consideration. Clear lenses are ideal for indoor swimming or low-light conditions, while tinted or mirrored lenses are better suited for bright outdoor environments. Look for anti-fog coatings and UV protection to ensure clear and safe vision during your swim.
Here's how you can tell if your prescription swimming goggles fit correctly:
- Seal Test: The conventional wisdom is that when you press the goggles against your eyes without straps, they should create an airtight seal and the suction should keep the goggles in place on your face for 2-3 seconds before falling. This is not definitive however, as it depends on many factors such as roughness and dryness of the skin. For a more accurate seal test, one can wet the silicone eye gaskets simply by tapping them with wet fingers before performing the test. Alternatively, and the only way to know for sure, is to simply try them in the water.
- Strap Adjustment: The strap should be snug but not too tight. If it's leaving marks on your skin, it's too tight. If the goggles slip off easily, it's too loose. Note that the suction felt during the "Seal test" above, should only be felt during the test since it's done without straps. The straps should not be so tight that the suction is felt constantly throughout your swim!
- Nose Bridge: The nose bridge shouldn't pinch or leave a gap. Many goggles come with adjustable or interchangeable nose bridges to ensure a better fit.
- Comfort: You should be able to wear your goggles for the duration of your swim without discomfort. Pay attention to any pressure points around your eyes and nose.
- Field of Vision: Properly fitted goggles will not obstruct your peripheral vision. You should be able to see clearly and widely.
- Leak Test: While swimming, your goggles should remain leak-free. If water seeps in, you may need to adjust the fit or try a different model.
Remember, a well-fitted pair of goggles is key to an enjoyable swimming experience. If you're unsure about the fit, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Agily for further assistance.
Durability and Personal Style
The quality and materials of the goggles are indicative of their durability and longevity. Polycarbonate lenses and silicone straps are signs of a sturdy pair of goggles that can withstand regular use. Additionally, high-quality goggles often have better anti-fog and scratch-resistant properties. Personal style and preferences also play a role in your choice. Prescription goggles come in various styles and colors, so select a pair that reflects your personality and boosts your confidence in the water.
Testing and Making the Right Choice
Testing different models and reading reviews from other swimmers can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision. Whenever possible, try on different pairs to find the most comfortable fit and the best visibility.
In conclusion, selecting the right prescription swimming goggles involves careful consideration of diopter strength, fit, lens type, quality, and personal preferences. By taking the time to choose the right pair, you'll ensure a comfortable and clear swimming experience. Remember to use our Agily Prescription Calculator for an easy and accurate way to determine your diopter strength. Dive into clarity and enjoy the underwater world like never before! Happy swimming!