Every swimmer, whether recreational, serious or professional should don a pair of goggles before taking the dive. A leading international swimming brand understands what it’s like to have dry, red swollen eyes after swimming (without eye protection) and recommends goggles as an essential piece of kit for the following reasons:
1) Protect eyes from salt, chlorine and other chemicals used in the water- chemicals can be damaging and red, stinging eyes are very unattractive.
2) Protects eyes from bacteria in the water - ensuring eye health is maintained – you only have one pair of eyes and you need to look after them.
3) Helps you see where you are going – Don’t be the hated swimmer who zigzags across the pool causing mayhem to fellow swimmers!
4) Enables you to see clearly under water – whether it be the bottom of the pool or the barrier reef.
5) Protects your eyes from other swimmers – we’ve all had a run in with a flying arm while lapping in the pool or competing in a triathlon, make sure your eyes aren’t hit in swimming combat!
6) Shields eyes from the sun and glare from the water - good quality goggles ensure that eyes are fully protected from the suns harmful rays and glare from water’s reflection - both of which can be very detrimental to eyes. Like sunglasses for swimming!
Iain Anderson, Chairman of the Eyecare Trust explains:
“Chemicals and bacteria found in swimming pools are one of the biggest causes of conjunctivitis. Wearing goggles can help prevent your eyes coming into contact with pool water and so reduce your risk of suffering from red, swollen and scratchy eyes. Contact lens wearers should never wear their lenses in the pool as chlorine and other contaminants may remain on and in the contact lens material causing complications, including acanthamoeba keratitis - a rare but painful infection, which can lead to serious and even permanent loss of vision. Prescription goggles are the best option for contact lens wearers.
Goggles can help swimmers enjoy a comfortable and clear swim in
a pool or the open water, however, you should always ensure your
goggles meet British Standard BS 5883.”
June 2007
Information provided by Zoggs
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