If you’re looking for the best fit and performance in your goggle lenses, learning how to make custom goggle lenses is a great option. Custom lenses can provide a perfect match for your face shape, offer enhanced vision, and even incorporate specific features such as anti-fog or UV protection. Whether you’re an athlete or a hobbyist, creating your lenses can improve both comfort and style. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make custom goggle lenses, explore the materials involved, and discuss the process from start to finish.
What Material Are Goggle Lenses Made Of?
Before jumping into creating your custom lenses, it’s essential to understand the materials typically used to make goggle lenses. Most goggle lenses are made from one of the following materials:
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a popular choice for goggle lenses because it is lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant. This material offers excellent optical clarity and is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, or motorsports. It also has built-in UV protection, which helps shield your eyes from harmful sunlight.
Acrylic
Acrylic lenses are another option for goggles. They are more affordable than polycarbonate but are generally less impact-resistant. Acrylic lenses can still provide good clarity and protection, though they may not be as durable for high-impact activities.
Trivex
Trivex is a newer material that combines the lightweight properties of polycarbonate with superior optical clarity. It’s stronger and more scratch-resistant than acrylic and is becoming a preferred choice for custom goggle lenses.
Glass
Although less common in goggles, glass lenses offer the best optical clarity. However, they are heavier and more prone to breaking upon impact, which is why they’re typically used in high-end goggles designed for specific purposes, such as scuba diving.
Knowing which material suits your needs will help you make the right choice when creating custom lenses. Polycarbonate and Trivex are usually the go-to materials for durability and optical performance.

Read More: How Much Do Custom Lenses Cost
How to Make Custom Goggle Lenses Step by Step
Creating your custom goggle lenses might sound complicated, but it’s a manageable process if you follow these steps carefully. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Choose Your Lens Material
First, you need to choose the right lens material for your goggles. Consider the type of activity you’ll be doing, your budget, and the optical quality you require. For most sports, polycarbonate lenses are an excellent choice due to their combination of strength and clarity.
Step 2: Measure Your Face
Proper fit is essential for comfort and performance, so measuring your face is crucial. Start by measuring the distance between your eyes to ensure the lenses align perfectly. Next, measure the width of the goggle frame where the lenses will fit. You’ll want to make sure the lenses are the right size to sit comfortably in the goggle frame without gaps.
Step 3: Choose the Lens Shape
Custom lenses allow you to select the shape that best fits your face. Some goggles come with a standard lens shape, while others offer more flexibility in design. You can opt for a cylindrical, spherical, or toric shape, depending on the type of vision correction you need and the fit you desire.
- Cylindrical lenses are flat and curve horizontally, providing a wide field of view.
- Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically, offering superior peripheral vision.
- Toric lenses combine both cylindrical and spherical elements, optimizing both comfort and performance.
Step 4: Select the Coating and Features
Once you’ve decided on the shape, it’s time to add some extra features. Many custom lenses come with coatings that improve their performance. Consider adding:
- Anti-fog coating: This prevents your lenses from fogging up during intense activities, especially in humid or cold conditions.
- UV protection: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with lenses that have built-in UV filtering.
- Scratch resistance: Scratch-resistant coatings help keep your lenses in top shape even after heavy use.
Step 5: Order Your Lenses
After finalizing the details, you can place an order for your custom lenses. Many goggle manufacturers offer online tools that allow you to upload your measurements and select your preferred features. Alternatively, you can work with a local optician or lens manufacturer to create your custom lenses.
Step 6: Install the Lenses
Once your custom lenses arrive, it’s time to install them into your goggle frame. If you ordered your lenses from a manufacturer, they might be pre-installed. However, if you purchased lenses separately, you’ll need to carefully align them with the frame. Ensure the lenses fit securely and don’t move around during use.
How Long Does It Take to Get Custom Lenses?
The time it takes to get custom goggle lenses depends on a few factors, such as the complexity of your order, the manufacturer’s processing time, and shipping. On average, you can expect to wait between 2 to 4 weeks for your custom lenses to be made and delivered.
Here’s a rough breakdown of the timeline:
- Design and customization: Once you place your order, the manufacturer will begin designing and producing your custom lenses. This can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the complexity.
- Coatings and features: Adding coatings like anti-fog or UV protection can add a few extra days to the process.
- Shipping: Shipping times vary based on location, but it generally takes 1 to 2 weeks for the lenses to reach you.
To speed up the process, consider choosing expedited shipping or checking with local manufacturers who may offer quicker turnarounds.
Conclusion
Learning how to make custom goggle lenses can be a game-changer for anyone who needs personalized eyewear for sports, outdoor activities, or specific vision needs. By following the steps outlined above, you can create the perfect pair of lenses tailored to your unique requirements. Whether you prioritize comfort, durability, or optical clarity, custom lenses can elevate your goggle experience.
Remember to choose the right material, measure your face carefully, and select any additional features like anti-fog coatings or UV protection. While the process might take a few weeks, the result is well worth the wait. Once you’ve created your custom lenses, you’ll enjoy better performance, comfort, and a stylish fit for all your adventures.
Also Read: What is the Best Custom Ski Goggle Strap