Rex Specs dog goggles are built to protect your dog’s eyes in the real world, whether they’re taking everyday walks and car rides, going on muddy trail running adventures, taking up demanding working roles, or being your trusted partner in the field. Designed for all breeds, sizes, and activity levels, Rex Specs deliver dependable eye protection without sacrificing comfort or performance.
At the heart of that protection are the rigorously tested, polycarbonate lenses. They’re tough enough to withstand high speed impact, protective, and made to last even when scratched, all while still being replaceable when life (and dogs) take their toll.
Let’s break down what makes Rex Specs lenses durable, how to care for them, and when it’s time to swap in a fresh pair.
Why Lens Durability Matters for Dogs
Dogs experience the world nose-first and full-speed ahead. Their eyes are constantly exposed to hazards like:
- Harsh sunlight and UV rays
- Dust and dirt
- Wind on car rides
- Sticks, brush, and trail debris
- Snow glare
Durable dog goggle lenses make a difference across a wide range of scenarios, including:
- Everyday walks, play, and car rides where wind and debris can cause injury.
- Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and running where sunlight, dirt, sticks, and debris are in full force.
- Hunting, search-and-rescue, and working environments where dogs are operating in extreme conditions.
- Post-surgery recovery or medical conditions where eye protection is critical.
For the Rex Specs team, creating durable lenses was not just about comfort - it was about protection, performance, and peace of mind.
What Makes Rex Specs Lenses Durable
Materials & Testing
Rex Specs lenses are made from shatterproof polycarbonate, the same material used in human protective eyewear. They’re rigorously tested to meet ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-32432 impact standards, meaning they’re designed to withstand serious hits without shattering. This helps protect your dog’s eyes from dirt, debris, and high-speed oncoming objects like kicked up rocks from mountain bikes or helicopter rotorwash.
UV Protection
Every Rex Specs lens (yes, even the Clear lens) are UV400 rated, blocking 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays. That means your dog’s eyes are protected from sun damage even when it doesn’t “look” sunny.
Scratches Are Normal
Yes, your lenses will scratch, and that’s expected. Each scratch means your dog’s lens is doing its intended job.
- Scratches happen from brush, paws, dirt, and normal play.
- Scratch-resistant coatings help reduce wear, but they don’t make lenses invincible.
- Tear-off lens covers don’t work with spherical lenses like Rex Specs, because the curved shape is essential for fit and optical performance.
- Lens covers that actually work on spherical lenses are difficult to apply, and do not stay on well in thick cover, or when they get wet.
- Spherical lens covers are similar in cost to purchasing a new lens.
We always recommend removing the lens from your goggles while your dog is learning to wear their gear. This will reduce scratches from pawing, rubbing, and rolling that your dog may do during the desensitization process. Check out all of our goggle training tips and tricks.
Dog Vision
The good news about scratched lenses? Scratches matter far less to dogs than they do to humans. Dogs typically have visual acuity around 20/60–20/80 and rely far more on scent and hearing than visual sharpness. Minor scratches that might annoy a human usually don’t affect a dog’s ability to navigate, work, or play.
If you want to dive deeper, we’ve covered this in detail: What Do Dogs See? Not Exactly What You Might Think.
Caring for and Replacing Lenses
Care Tips
Proper care helps extend lens life:
- Rinse lenses with clean water to remove dirt and grit
- Use mild soap to clean if needed
- Dry with a clean microfiber cloth
When to Replace Lenses
It’s time to swap lenses if:
- Scratches are heavy enough that they likely obscure vision
-
You’re changing environments or seasons:
- Clear and Yellow Lenses for low-light and training
- Tinted and Mirrored Lenses for bright sun, intense glare, snow, or high-altitude adventures
How to Replace Lenses
Replacing your Rex Specs lenses is quick and easy:
- Pop Out the Old Lens: Don’t be afraid to pull on the goggle frame. You won’t break it.
- Snap In the New Lens: Start at the bottom of the frame and work your way around the sides to the top, making sure to click the lens into each tab as you go.
- You’re done! No tools required.
A step-by-step video on how to change Rex Specs dog goggle lenses
Available Rex Specs V2 Lens Options
Rex Specs lenses come in 9 epic styles: Clear, Smoke, Red Mirror, Blue Mirror, Green Mirror, Silver Mirror, Pink Mirror, Purple Mirror, and Yellow. Each lens is UV400 rated, and designed to have unique Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages, making them useful in a variety of situations.
To find out more about each lens and which adventure it’s best for, check out our V2 Lens Guide.
Beyond the Lens: Frame & Strap Durability
Lens durability is only part of the equation. Rex Specs are designed with your dog in mind, and feature:
- Flexible thermoplastic frames that absorb impact while maintaining structure.
- Soft foam lining that adds comfort and helps protect the eye socket.
- Adjustable elastic straps that keep your dog’s goggles secure during everything from casual walks to high-energy play.
Straps may show normal wear over time, but Rex Specs stands behind our products. The Doggy Lifetime Guarantee (DLG) supports goggles that experience functional wear under normal use. Reach out to our team at info@rexspecs.com to learn more about the DLG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Rex Specs dog goggle lenses scratch?
A: Yes. Scratches are expected with active use. This means your dog goggles are doing its job.
Q: Will scratches affect my dog’s vision?
A: Typically, no. Most dogs don’t notice scratches the way humans do thanks to their unique vision.
Q: Are the lenses shatterproof?
A: Yes. Rex Specs lenses are impact-tested and rated, just like human protective eyewear standards.
Q: How long do lenses last?
A: This depends on frequency and intensity of use. Many dogs use the same lens for many months to years before needing replacements. Dogs who are harder on their gear or use their goggles in harsh environments may need more frequent replacements.
Q: Which lens should I start with?
A:
- Clear for training and low-light conditions
- Tinted or Mirrored for bright sun and harsh conditions, like snow.
Rex Specs V2 lenses are built to handle real life with dogs; they’re impact-resistant, UV-protective, and adventure-tested. Scratches aren’t a flaw; they’re a sign your dog is out there doing what they love.
The good news? Goggle lenses are a replaceable part of the system, paired with frames built to go the distance.
When it’s time for a refresh, swapping lenses is easy, and your dog is ready for the next adventure.