Swimming goggles may impact eye pressure and anterior segment metrics

Wearing swimming goggles can induce an acute rise in IOP and alter anterior segment parameters, likely due to oculopression, but does not appear to impact optic nerve head morphology in the short term, according to a study.

In the study, 28 healthy young adults underwent assessments before wearing goggles, at the 1st and 10th minutes of wear, as well as immediately after removal. There was a significant increase in IOP during the initial wear period, with values returning to baseline levels post-removal.

In addition, decreases in central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and anterior chamber angle were noted, alongside an increase in axial length while wearing googles. However, no significant changes in optic nerve head parameters were observed throughout the study.

Reference
Bilici S, Toprak A, Koru-Toprak M, et al. Acute effects of swimming goggle wearing on intraocular pressure, anterior chamber biometrics, and optic nerve head morphology. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):23339. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-73990-9. PMID: 39375418.