Prescription Goggles

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right prescription lens strength for my swim goggles?

Look at the Sphere (SPH) value on your eyeglasses prescription — this is your diopter strength. Negative numbers indicate near-sightedness; positive numbers indicate far-sightedness. Take that number for each eye and add 1/2 of the Cylinder (CYL) to get your approximate generic lens diopter. We stock pre-made optical lenses in standard diopter increments to install in the Tusa Swipe goggles. Round to the nearest available increment — for most swimmers, a half-diopter difference from the exact prescription is not noticeable during pool use. If your two eyes have different strengths, we install a different lens in each side at no extra charge. Not sure what to select? Email us a photo of your prescription and we can recommend the right lens for you, or consult your optometrist for guidance on choosing a generic optical lens strength.

Are prescription swim goggles the same as prescription dive masks?

They serve the same purpose — correcting vision underwater — but they are completely different products. Prescription swim goggles are sealed around the eye socket only, do not cover the nose, and are designed for pool and open water swimming where breathing is done normally at the surface. Prescription dive masks cover both eyes and nose, creating an air space for breathing through a snorkel or regulator during snorkeling and scuba diving. The optical lenses used in swim goggles and dive masks are both pre-made in standard diopter increments, but the hardware and fitting systems are entirely different — dive mask lenses cannot be used in swim goggles and vice versa. See our prescription dive masks section if you need vision correction for snorkeling or scuba diving.

How quickly can I receive prescription swim goggles from your warehouse?

We stock the optical lens inserts at our Edmonton warehouse and install them in the Tusa Swipe goggles the same day we receive your order — usually within 24 hours of ordering if placed before our daily shipping cutoff. This is significantly faster than specialty optical retailers or custom-order prescription eyewear. The lenses are pre-made in standard increments, not custom-ground to your exact prescription, which is what allows us to install and ship same day. Orders placed Monday through Friday before our cutoff typically ship the same day. We ship across Canada with free shipping on orders over $150.

What if the pre-made prescription lenses are not strong enough for my prescription?

Pre-made optical lenses work well for most swimmers with straightforward near-sighted or far-sighted prescriptions in the standard diopter range. If your prescription includes significant astigmatism (a Cylinder value on your prescription) or falls outside our available range, the pre-made lenses may not provide sufficient correction. In those cases, custom-ground prescription swim goggle lenses from a specialist optical retailer or optometrist may be necessary. Alternatively, many swimmers with complex prescriptions find that wearing daily disposable contact lenses in the pool — sealed under standard swim goggles — is a practical solution. Consult your optometrist about whether contact lens use in pool water is appropriate for your specific situation.