Melanie wrote:
I recently began swimming and want to wear corrective swimming goggles. My prescription is R (-2.75) L (-1.75/-1.50/77). In my city, I have not been able to find a retailer that sells swimming goggles corrected for astigmatism, nor are there any that sell individualized lenses.
My right eye is my dominant eye and a salesperson suggested to me that I just wear goggles that correct for my right eye and forget about the astigmatism in my left. I am thinking of purchasing a pair that is -2.50 (both eyes) because they only sell them in .50 increments. My questions are: 1) Will lack of correction for astigmatism have any adverse effects on my vision in my left eye? 2) Will the stronger correction for myopia in my left eye have any adverse effects?
I tried the goggles on, and I did notice the floor looking clear but slightly distorted and I thought that since the water will be moving anyway, it might not be a problem - I just want to be able to see the clock and not crash into the bulkhead without causing vision problems later.
Thank you.

ANSWER

Melanie,
To the best of my knowledge swimming goggles are not available with astigmatism correction.  The correction you are considering buying would work fine.  To answer your questions, neither the lack of astigmatism correction or stronger correction for myopia will have any adverse effects on your vision.  If you were wearing them for hours you may develop eyestrain or headaches, but there will be no long-term problems.  Of course you will not get perfect vision out of your left eye, but as you said it will give you sufficient vision while swimming.  The vision through the goggles may seem a little funny at first because you are accustomed to having your astigmatism corrected, but this should improve with time.  Happy swimming!

Dr. Doman

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