Water sports of all genres require goggles to enable the athlete to see through water. Whether water-skiing or scuba diving, water sports enthusiasts need some kind protection in order to see. The two types of eyewear that are available for water sports are masks and goggles. Though both are intended to help the wearer see underwater, they each have different properties that better suit them for different sports.
Masks
Water masks are generally intended for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water-submersion activities, because masks can be submerged underwater at various depths and still prevent water from getting inside the mask. Masks are constructed with a tempered glass lens enclosed in a frame, which is lined with a silicone or rubber seal to prevent water from getting inside the mask. Though goggles can be submerged underwater as well, masks provide a tighter grip and can withstand lengthier depths for longer periods of time. Masks are also designed to enable the wearer to equalize the pressure in their middle ear, which is necessary for deep diving. For a mask to function effectively, the wearer must ensure that it fits snug against their face to prevent any leakage. This fit can be enhanced by adjusting the mask’s strap, and making sure that the mask’s size fits the face accordingly. Mask lenses are available in different colors and with several options, including anti-fog, scratch resistant, and UV protection.
Goggles
Goggles are intended for swimming, water-skiing, and other water activities besides scuba diving, since goggles typically allow water submersion of a only a few feet. Goggles are also smaller and lighter than masks, which makes them more comfortable to wear. The most effective goggles are the ones that fit properly, which can be ensured by a proper fit around the eyes and adjusting the strap. Goggle lenses are also available in several colors and options, so the wearer can purchase the lens that best adheres to the activity’s requirements.
Prescription Goggles and Masks
If you have vision impairment, most goggle and mask manufacturers offer prescription lenses. Prescription goggles and masks enable you to see with corrected vision while wearing goggles, without the use of contacts or eyeglasses. Bear in mind that prescription lenses for water sports eyewear are different from regular contact or eyeglass prescriptions, because goggle and mask lenses are at a different distance from the eyes than contacts or eyeglasses. For this reason, a new prescription from an eye physician is needed for water sports eyewear.
"If you remove your contact lenses while you are swimming, I suggest you consider RX swimming goggles such as Sable Water Optics,” says Dr. Hodgson of FramesDirect.com. “They are inexpensive, and they do a great job helping nearsighted swimmers see while in the water."
Mask wearers have two options when it comes to buying prescription lenses: an actual prescription lens that fits inside the frame, or a prescription lens insert that can be inserted and removed at will. The benefit of the insert is that you can remove it when you like, in case you decide to wear contacts while wearing a mask.
For prescription goggles, all sides of the lens need to be prescription quality to ensure that the wearer has accurate peripheral vision.
