Prescription Swimming Goggles: How they work and who they suit.
If you wear glasses, swimming can mean a blurry world of shapes and colours: you can't read the clock, you squint at the lane signs and you're never quite sure who's coming towards you. Prescription goggles fix that for a lot of swimmers. This explainer sits within our swimwear guide and covers how they work, who they suit and when to speak to your optician first.
How do prescription swimming goggles work?
They work like glasses, but with the correction in the goggle lens. Most prescription goggles use pre-made corrective lenses in set strengths, sold in steps, rather than lenses made to your exact prescription. You choose the strength closest to your own prescription for each eye.
Because the lenses are pre-made, they correct for a single strength across the whole lens. They're best at correcting straightforward short or long sight, and they don't correct astigmatism the way custom glasses do. For many swimmers, that's still a huge improvement on swimming blind.
Who are prescription goggles for?
Most prescription goggles are made for short-sightedness, where distant objects look blurry. That's the most common reason swimmers struggle to see the clock or the end of the pool. If you're long-sighted, check the product details carefully, as options are more limited.
Are Prescription Goggles Right for You?
| Your situation | Good fit? | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Short-sighted, similar strength in both eyes | Yes | Choose the same lens strength for both sides. |
| Short-sighted, different strength per eye | Usually | Look for goggles where each lens is chosen separately. |
| Significant astigmatism | Partly | Pre-made lenses won't fully correct it. Ask your optician. |
| Long-sighted | Check carefully | Fewer options, so check the strengths available. |
| Wear contact lenses to swim | Worth considering | Many opticians advise against swimming in contact lenses. |
How do you choose the right strength?
Start with your glasses prescription. The sphere number (SPH) for each eye is the figure that matters most. Short-sighted prescriptions have a minus sign, such as -2.50. Choose the goggle lens closest to that figure, and if you're between two strengths, many swimmers find the slightly weaker one more comfortable.
If your two eyes are quite different, choose goggles that let you pick each lens separately. Our prescription swim goggles list the available strengths on each product.
The mistake: Picking the strongest lens available because "stronger must be clearer".
What happens: Over-correcting can cause eye strain, headaches and a dizzy, swimmy feeling, especially when you look at things close to you, like your watch or the wall.
How to avoid it: Match the lens to your actual prescription, or go slightly weaker if you're between steps. If you're unsure about your numbers, check with your optician before you buy.
When should you check with an optician first?
Speak to your optician if you have significant astigmatism, a large difference between your eyes, any eye condition, or if you're not sure how to read your prescription. They can tell you whether pre-made lenses will work for you or whether you need a custom option.
Do prescription goggles fit like normal goggles?
Yes, and fit matters just as much. A pair with the perfect lens that leaks is no use. Use the same press test as any other goggle, and check our guide to choosing swimming goggles for fit advice. Look after the lenses carefully: rinse in fresh water, air dry and store in a case. Our goggle cases keep them protected in your bag.
Leaks are the other common complaint, and the causes are the same as with any goggle. Our post why do my goggles leak? walks through the fixes.
What is it like swimming in prescription goggles?
For most swimmers, the first session is a revelation. You can read the pace clock, see the T at the end of the lane and spot other swimmers in good time. Give your eyes a few lengths to adjust, and take care getting in and out, as steps and edges can look slightly different through corrective lenses.
Fogging is just as much of an issue with prescription goggles. Our tips on stopping goggles fogging apply here too. If you're struggling to choose a strength, our swimwear experts are happy to talk it through on 01827 330600.
Why Buy Prescription Goggles From Allens Swimwear
We've been helping glasses-wearers see clearly in the pool for years.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 5 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get prescription swimming goggles for each eye?
Yes. Many prescription goggles let you choose a different lens strength for each eye, which suits swimmers whose eyes have different prescriptions.
Do prescription goggles correct astigmatism?
Ready-made prescription goggles don't fully correct astigmatism, because the lenses have one strength across the whole lens. If your astigmatism is significant, ask your optician about the options.
What strength prescription goggles should I get?
Use the sphere (SPH) figure on your glasses prescription and choose the closest lens strength. If you're between two, the slightly weaker lens is often more comfortable.
Can I wear contact lenses for swimming instead?
Many opticians advise against swimming in contact lenses because of the risk of eye infection. Prescription goggles are a popular alternative, but check with your optician for advice specific to you.
Are prescription goggles good for long-sighted swimmers?
There are fewer options for long sight than short sight, so check the strengths available on each product. Your optician can advise if your prescription is outside the usual range.