After swimming for 10 years with no problem, I recently developed a bad reaction to my goggles. Every time I wear them the skin around my eyes (and other parts of my face) swells and turns red, itchy, and scaly. I went through allergy patch testing at the dermatologist's, and they diagnosed an allergy to two groups of chemicals, Thiuram Mix and Carba Mix. These are rubber accelerators used to turn raw rubber into rubber products. I tried latex-free googles - it didn't help. I also tried Swedes, and I still get a reaction, although not quite as bad (maybe from the strap and nosepiece?) I tried a bungee cord, but it didn't help, probably because the chemicals are found in most elastics. I have tried to contact TYR and Speedo to see if they make any goggles that don't use these chemicals, but so far I've only gotten the email equivalent of a blank stare.
So, has anyone ever heard of or experienced this? Any ideas on what might work? I read older forum discussions from ~2008 where people complained of similar issues, but no one seemed to have a solution. Thanks for your help! For the chemists out there, these are the specific chemicals I'm trying to avoid: tetramethylthiuram monosulfide, tetramethylthiuram disulfide, tetraethylthiuram disulfide, dipentamethylenethiuram disulfide, zinc diethyldithiocarbamate, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, and diphenylguanidine.
25 years ago I randomly had the same eye reaction allergy to my goggles. I was using the old school speedo black foam goggles. I didn't go to a Doctor or Allergist, I just started eliminating anything I used on my face and eye area and found the goggles to be the culprit. I switched to the Barracuda brand goggles; they use a replaceable white foamy type gasket around the eye area. The switch immediately solved my problem. I exclusively wore Barracuda's for 3 or 4 years.
Now I'm back to using any type of goggle I want with no reaction from my eyes.
My point is that this may be a temporary situation for you.
Good luck!
25 years ago I randomly had the same eye reaction allergy to my goggles. I was using the old school speedo black foam goggles. I didn't go to a Doctor or Allergist, I just started eliminating anything I used on my face and eye area and found the goggles to be the culprit. I switched to the Barracuda brand goggles; they use a replaceable white foamy type gasket around the eye area. The switch immediately solved my problem. I exclusively wore Barracuda's for 3 or 4 years.
Now I'm back to using any type of goggle I want with no reaction from my eyes.
My point is that this may be a temporary situation for you.
Good luck!
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I used The Standard, and The Medalist. These goggles take a little getting used to but become extremely comfortable and tend to not leave goggle rings. You can purchase replacement kits for the eye gasket and straps so they are economically efficient.
I remember that sometime in the mid-80s, there were goggles with no rubber or foam around the edge. The plastic eyepiece was directly on your skin. They were the fad-of-the-day for racing. There was a plastic piece between the eyes around a string (if I recall correctly). I cannot remember the strap, but assume it must have been an elastic of some sort, but I am sure that you could probably find another way to secure on your head. I did a quick search of Speedo goggles and it does not look like they make anything like that today. Maybe another manufacturer?
I remember that sometime in the mid-80s, there were goggles with no rubber or foam around the edge.
That would be Swedes. I use Tyr Socket Rockets, which are essentially Swedes with a thin rubber "gasket". Actual Swedes (no gasket) are still available though. (I hope the pointers don't get my post the boot. I'm not intending to promote either of these companies, just trying to provide useful pointers.)
So far I have had a reaction from Tyr Socket Rockets, Tyr Femmes, Speedo Vanquishers, and Speedo Swedes. I haven't tried an all-silicone goggle yet, although Zogg's makes one. The Barracudas that Bobinator mentions above may be silicone too.
Thanks! I will give Barracudas a try. At this point, I'm happy to try anything that has a chance at working. It's also good to know that this may not be a "forever" problem.
I appreciate the thought - I had the same one! Unfortunately the goggles that caused the original problem are my (formerly beloved) Socket Rockets. I've tried regular Swedes with no gasket at all, and while the reaction is slightly less, it still causes a lot of irritation.
