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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Goggles and glaucoma? What you need to know before purchasing your next pair of goggles.


Make sure your goggles fit properly before swimming! Studies have found that tight, small goggles can actually raise the pressure of your eye to dangerous levels. Did you know that the pressure exerted by certain small racing goggles can raise a person's eye pressure 13 mm? For example, if your normal eye pressure was 15, then when you were wearing the small goggles, your pressure would be 28! The average pressure is between 10-20mm, and if it raised above 21 for prolonged periods of time, optic nerve damage can result and glaucoma can develop. This leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision and can eventually cause tunnel vision or blindness if not controlled.


The picture above shows several styles of goggles, of which the bottom left goggle is the safest. If in doubt, just bring an extra pair of your goggles in to our office and we can remove the front part and measure your pressure while you wear them in our exam room (see picture E)! Courtesy of Morgan et al, http://bjo.bmj.com/content/92/9/1218.full .

This is not intended to suggest that swimming with goggles can lead to blindness! However, for the serious swimmers, it is in their best interest to use large goggles that do not press too hard on the orbit of the eye. For example, in the above picture, the best goggle style was letter C - it has a continuous interface between the two eyes and the pressure exerted on the orbit was not clinically significant. However, stay away from goggles that look like the one pictured in letter A - that particular style raised eye pressure an average of 5mm. The goggles pictured in letter B and D only raised the pressure by about 1.5mm.

For more information, please read the interesting article published by Morgan et al. at: http://bjo.bmj.com/content/92/9/1218.full. In this study, the measurements had to be taken outside of the water. When under water, the pressure of the water could exert even more force on the orbit, potentially increasing the pressure more. However, there is some good news for swimmers! It is also estimated that 20 minutes of any aerobic exercise like swimming actually decreases eye pressure by about 4 mm.

Therefore, the moral of the story is to keep swimming! However, make sure you are wearing comfortable, nice large goggles. I found a good pair on Amazon.com (pictured below): http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Seal-Swim-Mask/dp/B000EORGXQ/ref=pd_sim_sg_4 .
Happy swimming!

3 comments:

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  3. Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve and can cause irreversible damage to vision if left untreated. While there are various treatments available for glaucoma, prevention is key when it comes to preserving eye health. Prescription Swimming Goggles are an important tool for those with glaucoma, as they can provide both vision correction and protection for the eyes during swimming activities.

    For individuals with glaucoma, prescription swimming goggles are essential for maintaining vision and preventing further damage to the eyes. These goggles provide clear vision in the water, allowing swimmers to navigate and avoid potential hazards. They also protect the eyes from harsh chemicals and UV rays found in pool water, which can aggravate glaucoma symptoms.

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    It's also important to consider the lens material and design of the goggles. Many prescription swimming goggles offer anti-fog and scratch-resistant coatings, which can be especially beneficial for those with glaucoma. Additionally, some goggles feature tinted lenses that can help reduce glare and improve visibility in bright outdoor environments.

    In conclusion, prescription swimming goggles are an essential tool for those with glaucoma who enjoy swimming. They provide clear vision and eye protection during water activities, helping to prevent further damage to the eyes. If you have glaucoma, consider investing in a high-quality pair of prescription swimming goggles to help preserve your vision and maintain eye health.

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