Healthy fun
People of all ages can swim - swimming is the ideal low-impact fitness program. According to the American Heart Association, a 30- to 60-minute swim routine three to four times a week can reduce risks of heart attack and stroke, as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Part of a successful swim routine is the proper equipment. Snug but comfortable swim goggles protect the eyes. Water acts as a magnifier, so that many people who wear corrective lenses can wear regular swimming goggles. However, for people with very poor eyesight, there are prescription goggles available.
Swim goggles and swim lessons
There are swim teachers who believe that adjustments to goggles take up valuable class time and that children learning to see bare-eyed under water are better prepared for emergency situations; there are outdated horror stories of eyes cut by breakable glass swim goggles. The advantage of swim goggles poses a strong argument; for children enrolled in swim classes, goggles improve vision and reduce eye irritants, and updated technology leaves little risk of injuries. |  |
Style and fit of swim goggles
There are hundreds of models of goggles for adults and children, and the styles are always changing. Swim goggles have round or oval eye sockets and tinted or clear lenses; there are anti-fog and hypoallergenic goggles. Fit is the primary factor when selecting swim goggles. To ensure the proper fit, see if the goggles stay pressed to the eyes without the strap; the nosepiece should be comfortable.
Clear swim goggles are for swimming in the shade or indoors; dark-colored or mirrored swim goggles are for bright conditions. UV protection is important for outdoor use. Always purchase optically safe lenses that resist shattering. For kids, look for solid construction, strong straps, and shatterproof lenses, but do not pay high prices for items so easily lost by children.
