Ski Goggle Lens Options Explained: What to Know Before You Buy

Lens Tints and Colors

Not all lenses are created equal. Different lenses are designed for various conditions you might encounter on the mountain. But, as you’ve probably experienced, the hundreds of lens options can be overwhelming. To simplify the options, the industry has adopted a standardized measurement called Visual Light Transmission or VLT.

VLT is the percentage of the amount of light that can pass through the lens. The higher the percentage, the more light is allowed to pass through a lens, which is ideal for lower-light conditions. The lower the percentage, the less light is allowed through, which is good for bright conditions.

Along with VLT percentages, you may also encounter S Rating Categories that group lenses based on their best-use conditions. Here’s a general breakdown of the different lens types and categories:

Photochromic Lenses

Photochromic lenses have become more popular in ski and snowboard goggles because they cover a wide range of light conditions, making it super convenient on a ski day or vacation. Rather than needing to carry a spare lens and swap out lenses throughout the day, photochromic lenses adapt to the light conditions you’re in. On sunny conditions, they darken to block out more light, and in cloudy or shaded conditions, they lighten to allow more visibility. While photochromic lenses are more expensive than traditional lenses, they eliminate the need to swap lenses throughout the day while conditions change.

Lens Shapes

There are three main lens shapes used in ski and snowboard goggles. The different lens shapes were designed to minimize visual distortion and increase the field of view. When choosing your goggle lens shape, consider the benefits of each and take into account your personal preferences, style, and budget.

Cylindrical

Cylindrical lenses have a horizontal curve from left to right and a flatter, more square shape. Cylindrical ski goggles sit closer to the face, which offers a good horizontal field of view. Cylindrical goggles tend to be at a lower price point compared to the other lens shapes.

Spherical

Spherical lenses have a rounded, bubble shape that curves from left to right and up and down. The spherical shape offers a wider overall field of view with very little optical distortion and also more space for ventilation to reduce the chance of fogging.

Toric

The toric shape is a mix of the spherical and cylindrical shapes. It’s rounded like a spherical lens, but with a slightly flatter vertical profile. This change offers a substantial reduction in peripheral distortion, providing the maximum clarity.

Other Goggle Features

Other features to think about when choosing your next pair of goggles:

Anti-Fog Coating: Most goggles have anti-fog coatings inside the lens to prevent moisture from building up and to reduce fogging. Some brands, like Anon, incorporate additional tech, like a hydrophobic coating to repel water and snow and prevent it from accumulating on the lens, and an oleophobic coating to provide extra protection against smudges and fingerprints.

Mirrored Lenses: Mirrored lenses reflect more light to reduce glare. Mirrored lenses are commonly found on goggles for brighter conditions.

Goggle Care

Here are a few care tips to follow to keep your goggles working their best:

• Don't rest your goggles on your lenses. Keep stored in the provided case to prevent scratches.
• If you struggle with your goggles fogging up, avoid taking your goggles on and off throughout the day. The changes in temp from lifting your goggles up and down can cause the lenses to fog. Also, ensure that you have a proper fit with no gaps, and your helmet, hat, or snow does not block the ventilation at the top of the goggles.
• Use a lens cloth rather than your shirt or other material to prevent scratches.
• Do not touch the inside lens, since that can mess with the anti-fog coating. Shake out any water and allow your goggles to air dry.
• Allow your goggles to dry before storing.
• Do not leave goggles in direct sunlight, as it causes the plastic and foam to break down quicker.