Every year around the holiday season, snowboarding and ski enthusiasts of all ages tackle snow-covered slopes across the globe. While you may disagree on which snow sport is superior, we can all agree that snow goggles are a necessity. But what if you have prescription needs? We're breaking down what you need to know about prescription snow goggles — and why you'll want to ditch your contacts and over-the-glasses (OTG) setups.
Everything You Would Want to Know About Prescription Snow Goggles
1. They're the Best Rx Option
2. Better Anti-Fog than Glasses
3. Wider Field-of-View
4. Safer & More Comfortable
5. Don't Dry Out Like Contacts
6. Keep Your Expensive Glasses Safe
7. Great Fit for Every Snow Goggle
1. They're the Best Rx Option
Technology hasn't reached the point where you can put a prescription in a shield lens, so prescription snow goggle inserts are currently the best option. This insert consists of a custom-cut lens, which sits securely inside the venting channel of the goggle for optimal clarity, unrivaled fog reduction, and improved safety.
Prescription snow goggle inserts fit securely and safely inside your goggles.
Check out our Snow Goggle Buyer's Guide if you haven't picked out the snow goggle you're planning to wear this season.
2. Better Anti-Fog than Glasses
Compared to eyeglasses, prescription goggle inserts have greater anti-fog capabilities. Even if you use all 5 ways to keep your goggles from fogging, eyeglasses are more likely to fog than Rx inserts. The environment inside your prescription snow goggles is like an oven: the overall temperature may be warm, but the exact temperature varies depending on where you put the thermometer. Eyeglasses that sit closer to your face are warmer than the goggle shield — creating more overall fogging.
Second, the insert sits inside the venting channel of the goggle - taking maximum advantage of the goggle's ventilation design to keep the insert fog-free. Glasses remain on your nose, close to the heat source that is your face, and do not get to realize the full benefit of the circulation the goggle is designed to promote toward the backside of the goggle lens.
Third, you may not have an anti-fog coating on your glasses. When you get a custom-made prescription snow goggle insert, you'll have the option for additional anti-fog coating for a clearer field of view.
3. Wider Field-of-View
Inserts that go into prescription snow goggles are bigger than your typical eyeglass lenses. Glasses are designed for sitting on your face, balancing fashion and function, but are not specifically designed for creating the most area you can see through.
Prescription goggle inserts are completely different. They're designed for the most distortion-free, maximized visual real estate. Optical clarity is of the utmost importance, so we recommend the digital lens because it fine-tunes your prescription lens, taking into account the difference in distance between the insert lens and your eyes compared to the distance from the lenses in your eyeglasses. It's a bit of science and art that makes getting prescription snow goggles worth it every time.
4. Safer & More Comfortable
If you've tried OTG methods for your current snow goggles or purchased OTG-specific goggles, chances are you've had a similar experience to ours, which is far from amazing. It goes back to design. Snow goggles, by default, aren't meant for comfortably accommodating eyeglasses behind the lens shield.
OTG-specific goggles are ultimately a half-measure. Typically, the goggle manufacturer cuts a little foam out of the snow goggle so your eyeglasses are a little less uncomfortable than before. Sometimes, they don't even cut out the foam, but rather the backing to the foam so your temples can more easily squish into the foam. In this way, our prescription inserts are certainly a better option.
Rx inserts are also safer. Thanks to their lightweight construction, they can take a hit. Your typical everyday glasses? Not so much. You could lose or even break them in a fall, so it's better to safely stow them back at the lodge and use a prescription insert for the task.
5. Don't Dry Out Like Contacts
If contacts are working for you, getting a prescription goggle insert may seem redundant. However, if you've ever experienced the irritation and discomfort of your eyes drying out, thus shortening your day enjoying the mountain, an insert is a godsend. No more stopping after your second or third run because you can't keep your eyes open. Don't let dry eyes ruin the fun you could have on your next run.
6. Keep Your Expensive Glasses Safe
A pair of prescription glasses can be worth several hundred dollars depending on your frame and prescription. That's an investment worth holding onto. A prescription goggle insert lets you leave the glasses behind, so you can enjoy the slopes without having to constantly check on the condition of your glasses. Give yourself the peace of mind and permission to go all in by using a prescription insert.
7. A Great Fit for Every Snow Goggle
Every goggle is unique and while some inserts may fit a variety of different snow goggles, our Rx inserts aren't one size fits all. We don't believe in a "universal fit" because it means you have to make sacrifices for the sake of accommodating every goggle. We've sized virtually every snow goggle on the market. When we come across a less-than-ideal fit in a goggle among all of our insert designs, we go back to the drawing board and get a new design in the works. We take this very seriously. With an ever-growing variety of shapes and sizes, you can count on a secure fit and great optics so you can keep your focus on the snow and not have to fuss with your vision.
Prescription Snow Goggle Insert in a SMITH 4D Mag snow goggle
Shop Prescription Snow Goggle Insert
Get Prescription Snow Goggles at SportRx
Ready to shop prescription snow goggles? When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription snow goggles.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your snow goggles for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription snow goggles at SportRx today!
Thank You,
Joseph Lofink
The inserts are interchangeable! Since you have two Canopys, you won't have any problem swapping the insert between the two goggles. However, the insert itself isn't a universal fit for every goggle ever created. The prescription snow goggle insert starts at $90. If you want to start shopping immediately you can use this link for the Oakley Snow Goggle Insert here. If you'd like to ask us a few questions before committing (I like to do thorough research before buying anything, personally) then please Contact Us and we'll happily answer any questions you've got for us.
Have a great day, Joseph!
I read your blog and i like your information very much. and i also belong the same industry
thank you