Can I wear my prescription glasses while skiing or snowboarding?
The answer is YES!
Many goggle brands include in their range ski and snow goggles that you can wear over your prescription glasses. These are called OTG (over-the-glasses) goggles.
Explore our range of OTG Ski Goggles or browse our full ski goggles collection.
You can also compare a shield-style helmet such as the Giro Orbit MIPS Shield Snow Helmet. Check its current sizes and shield specifications on the product page, and test clearance with your own glasses rather than assuming every prescription frame will fit.
Jump to the OTG goggles FAQs for quick answers about glasses compatibility, helmet fit and lens choice.
Why do I need goggles for skiing or snowboarding? Can't I just wear my glasses?
Most experienced skiers and snowboarders know that goggles are one of the most important pieces of equipment you will need for skiing, regardless of the weather conditions. You'll need them if it's sunny and bright for UV protection, for eye safety in general, and to stop your eyes from watering.
Also during low light, foggy, or snow and wet conditions enhance your vision, especially in whiteout conditions. A high-quality goggle and lens combination should enhance contrast and your vision significantly.
If you wear prescription glasses you know far too well that cold air is dry and when you are in the mountains your contact lenses can feel like sandpaper rubbing into your eyes and making them sore and dry. Additionally, your eyes will water as you pick up speed or it's windy, and they are left unprotected.
Prescription goggles are expensive and cost prohibitive - OTG goggles to the rescue!
This is why OTG's are your saving grace. OTG goggles are specially designed to fit over 'most' prescription eyewear. The foam configuration coupled with the 'cut out' design in the rubber frame allows for maximum face seal and an anatomical fit. Allowing room for your eyewear arms to pass through. OTG goggles are also deeper than regular goggles.
Some useful tips to remember to get the most out of your OTG goggles:
1) Make sure that your helmet and OTG goggles are compatible, and create minimal gaps for airflow to your forehead without blocking the top vents of your goggles.
2) If possible, don't wear metal-framed glasses under your ski OTG goggles as the metal frames conduct the cold and are quicker to fog (especially as your body heat builds). Ideally, wear plastic-framed prescription eyewear and use an anti-fog solution on them.
3) OTG goggles are available in children's styles for kids that wear prescription eyewear too.
Other notes for those who are visiting the snow and wear prescription eyewear:
1) You can get prescription goggles made up directly from some companies. These are incredibly expensive however if you have a very thick wallet, it may be something worth considering.
2) Over-the-glass goggles also come in a range of foam, strap, and lens options. Wearing a single-lens OTG goggles is a waste of your money.
3) The better the quality of the goggles and lens, the better your vision, so it is recommended that you buy the best goggles that you can afford. Goggles with spherical lenses will give you optimum vision with minimal distortion.
Also worth considering when looking at buying OTG goggles is the lens colour. As with buying any ski or snow goggles, the lens VLT (Visible Light Transmission) will enhance your vision in varying light conditions on the snow.
Shop Our OTG Goggles Collection
Ready to find the right OTG goggle for you? Browse our full OTG Ski Goggles collection and check availability for your selected frame and lens.
OTG Ski Goggles: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you choose goggles for wearing over prescription glasses.
Can I wear prescription glasses under ski goggles?
Yes, choose OTG (over-the-glasses) ski goggles designed to accommodate prescription frames. Fit varies between goggles and glasses, so try your own glasses, goggles and helmet together. Check for pressure at the temples or nose and make sure the lenses do not touch. Browse our OTG Ski Goggles collection to compare options.
What does OTG mean in ski goggles?
OTG stands for over-the-glasses. It describes goggles designed with room for prescription eyewear, often with extra interior depth and clearance for the glasses' arms. An OTG label does not guarantee compatibility with every prescription frame.
Will OTG goggles stop my prescription glasses from fogging?
Not completely. Glasses and goggles can both fog, even with an OTG design. Keep vents clear, check that the helmet does not block airflow and avoid directing warm breath into the goggles. Follow the care instructions for both your glasses and goggles, and use only treatments approved for the relevant lenses.
Can I use a shield-style ski helmet instead of OTG goggles?
A shield-style helmet is another option to compare, but check the specific helmet's prescription-glasses compatibility and test it with your own frames. The Giro Orbit MIPS Shield Snow Helmet is a model to investigate. Check the product page for current sizes and specifications rather than assuming all glasses will fit underneath.
How should I choose the lens for OTG ski goggles?
OTG describes fit over glasses, not the light conditions a lens suits. Check the exact lens's Visible Light Transmission (VLT), UV-protection specification and manufacturer's recommended conditions. Compare fit and lens features together rather than choosing only by colour, price or lens shape.
