Average vs Custom Prescription Swim Goggles: Which Is Right for You?
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, swimming can be frustrating without clear vision. The good news? Prescription swim goggles solve that problem. But should you choose ready-made (average power) goggles or invest in custom-made prescription swim goggles?
This guide explains the key differences to help you choose the best option for your swimming needs.
What Are Average Power Prescription Swim Goggles?
Average power prescription swim goggles — also known as ready-vision goggles — are pre-made goggles with fixed lens strengths.
How They Work
-
Each lens has a fixed + or – dioptre strength (e.g., -1.0, -2.0, -3.5, etc.).
-
You select the power closest to your regular glasses or contact lens prescription.
-
Both lenses can have different strengths.
Pros of Ready-Made Prescription Goggles
-
✅ More affordable
-
✅ Fast availability (no long manufacturing wait)
-
✅ Suitable for mild to moderate short-sightedness
-
✅ Easy online ordering
Cons of Ready-Made Prescription Goggles
-
❌ Not an exact match to your full prescription
-
❌ Do not correct astigmatism (cylinder and axis)
-
❌ Vision may not be perfectly sharp
-
❌ Not suitable for high cylinder values
Best For:
-
Swimmers with simple, low-to-moderate prescriptions
-
People who only need to see the clock, pool wall, or other swimmers
-
Casual swimmers and fitness swimmers
What Are Custom-Made Prescription Swim Goggles?
Custom prescription swim goggles are built specifically for your individual eye prescription — similar to custom eyeglasses.
They are typically made by specialist optical manufacturers such as Goggles N More or Optical 4 Less.
How Custom Prescription Goggles Work
-
Built using your full prescription:
-
Sphere (SPH)
-
Cylinder (CYL)
-
Axis
-
Pupillary Distance (PD)Each lens can be different if your eyes differ. Can correct astigmatism and complex prescriptions.
-
Pros of Custom-Made Prescription Swim Goggles
-
✅ Much sharper, clearer vision
-
✅ Corrects astigmatism
-
✅ Each eye precisely matched
-
✅ More comfortable for long training sessions
-
✅ Ideal for competitive swimmers
Cons of Custom-Made Prescription Swim Goggles
-
❌ More expensive
-
❌ Takes time to manufacture
-
❌ Often non-refundable (made specifically for you)
Best For:
-
Swimmers with astigmatism
-
People with different prescriptions in each eye
-
Competitive swimmers
-
Anyone who wants maximum clarity underwater
