Blackened goggles: why do some athletes compete with them?

Among Para swimming-specific equipment, one item that often sparks curiosity is the use of blackened goggles. But why do some athletes wear goggles that completely block out light?

Swimmers in classes S/SB/SM11 have a very low visual acuity and/or no light perception. To ensure fair competition and equal conditions to all athletes in these classes, they are required to wear opaque (blackened) goggles – unless they have prosthetic eyes in both eye sockets.

Athletes in those classes are also required to have tappers, the support staff who use a tapping device to assist the swimmer when they approach the end of the pool.

After each race, blackened googles are checked to ensure compliance. For athletes whose facial structure does not support goggles, an opaque eye covering must be used instead. 

🏊‍♂️ World Para Swimming & Swans 🥽 celebrate extension of their partnership through 2028.

Since 2017, Swans has been an Official Approved Supplier of WPS equipment, specifically providing blackened goggles for vision impaired athletes competing in classes S/SB/SM11. pic.twitter.com/yvccMswIYf

— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) September 2, 2025

Since 2017, Swans has been an Official Approved Supplier of World Para Swimming equipment. The Japanese eyewear company specialises in sports goggles and is a leading brand in the production of blackened models used by vision impaired swimmers. 

You can find Swans blackened googles collections here.