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How to Scuba Dive Safely When You Wear Glasses or Contact Lenses

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Image Credit: SeeDeep Diving Optics

Text and Article Credit: THE SCUBA NEWS PRESS TEAM — December 1, 2023

Scuba Diving with prescription mask, stick-on lenses or reading glasses

Scuba diving has long been a beloved activity for ocean enthusiasts and adventurers. In 2021, the United States alone saw 2.48 million scuba diving participants, underscoring the widespread love for exploring the sea.

However, successful diving entails more than a simple plunge into the water; it involves critical considerations, particularly concerning your vision. For individuals requiring vision correction, navigating underwater can pose challenges when clear sight is compromised. Consequently, many turn to solutions such as prescription dive masks or contact lenses to ensure a crystal-clear underwater experience.

To optimize your scuba diving experience, it's crucial to assess your preferences and requirements when it comes to vision correction beneath the waves. Here's how you can safely scuba dive while wearing glasses or contacts:

Diving with a Prescription Mask

Diving with conventional glasses is discouraged due to their interference with the mask's ability to create a tight seal on your face. This can result in discomfort and potential damage to your glasses.

A viable alternative is using a prescription dive mask, specially designed to provide clear underwater vision. You can select a dive mask that fits snugly on your face and explore the option of installing prescription lenses. It's essential to consider your specific prescription, as it can influence the thickness and curvature of your lenses, impacting your comfort during dives.

For those who only require close-up vision correction, bifocal diving masks offer another solution, functioning like traditional reading glasses. You can opt for adhesive magnifying lenses to attach to your mask or have custom-made lenses. Innovative accessories like SeeDeep's underwater reading glasses can be worn over your diving mask, secured in place by a rubber head strap. These glasses offer the flexibility to adjust their position on the mask, ensuring unobstructed vision and comfort during the dive.

Diving with Contact Lenses

In addition to prescription masks, contact lenses are another option for scuba divers. Contact lenses are widely accessible, available for purchase online or at various retailers, allowing you to find lenses that meet your specific needs. They are often more cost-effective than prescription masks and provide clear vision even when your mask is removed.

Hard contact lenses are a possibility; however, they may not allow gas to penetrate, potentially causing blurred vision, dryness, and discomfort. Soft contact lenses are recommended for scuba divers as they permit gas penetration, preventing these issues. Additionally, they are more likely to stay in your eyes if your mask floods, thanks to their larger size compared to hard contacts.

Choosing the Right Option

The choice between prescription masks and contact lenses ultimately depends on your vision requirements and personal preferences. If you are already comfortable with contact lenses, sticking with them may be the preferred option. Y

ou can also consider switching from hard to soft lenses for a more comfortable diving experience. On the other hand, prescription masks can be an excellent choice if you find contact lenses uncomfortable or if you frequently engage in diving activities and believe the investment is worthwhile.

Scuba diving is a thrilling adventure, but safety is paramount when exploring the underwater world. Alongside comprehensive training, knowledge of your limits, and diving with a buddy, selecting the appropriate eyewear is crucial for maintaining awareness of your surroundings and fellow divers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable diving experience.