Department of Ophthalmology,
National Taiwan University Hospital
“SWIMMING CAN BE HARMFUL TO EYES.

A PAIR OF CUSTOM MADE WATER SPECTACLES OFFER THE SOLUTION.”

I would like to propose strongly that all myopic swimmers should have their prescription swimming goggles custom made in order to get the water optics correct and avoid permanent damage to eyes. This is particularly so if they enjoy swimming in the summer. Undoubtedly, wearing correct swimming goggles should be an important issue as there are more than ten millions nearsighted people in Taiwan.

For instance, approximately 70% of our students are nearsighted and their vision can be harmed as a result of the swimming training programmes recently carried out by all schools and universities. Moreover, I suggest that nearsighted people should not, for convenient reason, wear contact lenses when swimming. This will help them to avoid allergic reaction to disinfectants or any waterborne infection or even severe cornea fester. There are several criteria of choosing a suitable pair of prescription swimming goggles. First of all, the goggles should be custom-made to accommodate the individual’s needs. For example, the diopter of the lens should match each eye. Secondly, the individual PD value should be measured.

Thirdly, the comfort should not be compromised with the design of frame which may produce stress on eyes. Stress on eyes is something that professionals should put more attention to than exercise itself.

THE INCORRECT SWIMMING GOOGLES CAN BE A POTENTIAL RISK

Most consumers believe that swimming goggles offer different visions above and below water. This results from irresponsible manufacturers, who sell normal swimming goggles to customers, and caused many accidents around water activities. For example, 70% Taiwanese students are now in such danger because they are nearsighted and wear improper goggles in terms of water optics.

IT IS ADVISABLE NOT TO WEAR CONTACT IENS WHILE SWIMMING

I suggest people who wear contacts lenses should take them off and put on correct prescription swimming goggles before jumping into the water to avoid severe damage to eyes. There are many components such as Chlorine, bacteria, chemical agents, and dirt in the water and they could easily attach to the lens causing damage to it. Also, because contact lenses are worn on the crystal-lens of eyes, eyes could be infected. Even cornea could severely fester resulting in unexpected consequences.

UNCHANGED DIOPTER ENSURES SPECTACULAR UNDERWATER SCENERY

The first and foremost criterion of a good pair of swimming goggles, as a result of optical experiments, is the absolute flat lens. Only absolutely flat lenses could maintain the same diopter above and below water. Therefore, quality of vision can be achieved. Some products sold on the market have convex or arc-shape lenses in order to achieve the so-called drag-free engineering. However, this type of products generally creates at least -2.50 for myopia and -5.00 for astigmatism in deviation above and below bringing serious damage to our eyes.

CUSTOMISING YOUR VISION

Most swimming goggles on the market have the same diopter for both eyes. Choices for those people who have different diopters are rare. To ensure the health of eyes and clear vision, one should choose the correct diopter for both eyes. If one has astigmatism, it is advised that one divide the diopter of astigmatism by 2, and then add in myopia for the right diopter of swimming spectacles.

CORRECT PD VALUE IS CRITICAL

PD stands for Pupil-Distance, meaning the distance between pupils of right and left eyes. To get the best diopterfor myopia, the centre of the spectacles need to be perpendicular to the center of pupil and position slightlynward. However, the PD value for most brand name swimming goggles fails to meet such need of consumers. This is thereason why swimming goggles should be made in accordance with individual PD value.

ERGONOMIC FRAME DESIGN REDUCES STRESS

Generally Speaking, professional swimmers wear swimming goggles which can be fitted in the eyehole to ensuremaximum streamlining movement. However, it is likely to increase pressure on eyeballs and cause capillaryhemorrhage. I suggest professionals choose Eye-Pit type of goggles. Not only does this satisfy your low-drag andwide vision needs but also reduce the possibility of impaired vision after prolonged wearing.