Sunglasses protect your eyes on land — but what about when you're swimming outdoors for hours? Sun glaring off the water is surprisingly harsh, and most basic goggles do nothing about it. Here's what UV protection in swim goggles actually means.
Why UV protection matters in the water
Water reflects sunlight straight back into your eyes, so an outdoor swim can mean more glare and UV exposure than a normal sunny day on land. Squinting through it is uncomfortable and tiring, and over time UV exposure isn't good for your eyes.
What does "UV400" mean?
UV400 means the lens is designed to help block UV rays up to 400 nanometers — essentially the full range of UVA and UVB. A UV400 mirror lens also cuts glare the way sunglasses do, so bright water is much easier on your eyes.
When UV goggles are worth it
- Outdoor pools and lap swimming in the sun
- Open-water and lake swims
- Beach and vacation days
Coram's swim goggles use a UV400 mirror lens that helps shield your eyes from glare outdoors, combined with anti-fog coating and a wide, clear view. They double as your pool-day sunglasses — and come with built-in earplugs, a nose clip and a protective case. If you swim outside, UV protection is one of those features you'll wish you'd had sooner.