Diving With Contact Lenses - Yes Or No?

When it comes to diving with contact lenses, the question of whether it's a good idea or not can be murky. 

As avid divers, we understand the desire to have a clear vision while exploring the underwater world. However, safety should always be the top priority.

While many divers wear contact lenses without any issues, certain risks are involved. Water can cause your contacts to dislodge or move around in your eye, leading to discomfort and blurred vision.

Additionally, if water gets trapped between your lens and eye, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria that may result in infections. On the other hand, some divers find wearing prescription masks cumbersome and prefer the convenience of using their regular contacts. 

Ultimately, whether or not you dive with contact lenses is a personal choice that should be made after considering both safety concerns and individual preferences.

So let's dive in and explore this topic further!

Can I Dive With Contact Lenses?

Can you safely dive with contact lenses or consider using prescription masks instead? 

This is a common question among divers who wear contacts. As divers, we understand the concerns and have extensively researched this topic. The short answer is YES. You can dive with contact lenses, but some important considerations must be remembered.

Firstly, ensuring that your contact lenses fit correctly and are suitable for water activities is essential. Soft contact lenses are generally more comfortable for diving since they conform to the shape of your eye and provide better vision correction.

However, if you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, consult with your optometrist to determine if they are suitable for diving.

Secondly, maintaining good hygiene is crucial when diving with contact lenses. Before inserting the contact lenses, ensure your hands are clean and free from any contaminants that could irritate your eyes. Additionally, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes while underwater to minimize the risk of dislodging a lens.

Lastly, it's important to note that wearing prescription masks instead of contact lenses may be safer for some divers.

But remember that you can cancel a dive trip underwater if you have contact lens problems. If you frequently experience discomfort or irritation while wearing contacts underwater or have difficulty seeing clearly without them, prescription masks might be worth considering.

Is it Safe to Dive With Contact Lenses?

You should consider the potential risks and discomfort of wearing contact lenses underwater. 

While diving with contact lenses may seem convenient, it is crucial to understand that specific hazards are involved. One of the main concerns is the possibility of losing a lens in the water. If this happens, it can be frustrating and pose a risk to your vision if you cannot see clearly underwater. 

Additionally, contact lenses can become dry and uncomfortable due to exposure to saltwater or chlorine.

To help you better understand the risks and make an informed decision, here are two sub-lists highlighting both the risks and discomforts of diving with contact lenses:

Risks:

• Loss of a contact lens in the water
• Potential damage to eyes from contaminated water

Discomforts:

• Dryness and irritation caused by saltwater or chlorine exposure
• Difficulty in focusing underwater due to reduced visibility

Considering these factors, weighing the potential risks and discomforts before deciding whether or not to dive with contact lenses is crucial. However, if you still choose to wear them, it is essential to take proper precautions, such as using masks that provide a watertight seal around your eyes.

Now that you know the potential risks and discomfort associated with diving while wearing contact lenses, let's discuss what types of contact lenses are suitable for diving.

What Types of Contact Lenses are Suitable for Diving?

Are there specific types of contact lenses that are safe to wear while underwater?

The answer is YES. Certain types of contact lenses are suitable for diving. The best option is to wear daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses are designed to be worn for a single day and then discarded, which reduces the risk of contamination from waterborne organisms. 

Another option is to wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. These lenses allow oxygen to reach the cornea, providing better comfort and reducing the risk of complications while diving. But If you lose the RGP lens, it may be very expensive to replace it if you lost it. RGP is mainly meant for 12 months of wearing time.

When choosing contact lenses for diving, it's essential to consult with your eye care professional, who can recommend the best type for you based on your individual needs and preferences. They can assess factors such as your prescription, lens material, and any existing eye conditions you may have. 

Considering these factors, they can help ensure that you have a safe and comfortable diving experience while wearing contact lenses.

So, are there any unique diving masks for contact lens wearers? Yes! Many manufacturers (brands like Cressi, Mares, Aqualung or Apeks) offer diving masks for divers wearing contact lenses.

These masks feature built-in corrective lens inserts or interchangeable lens systems that accommodate different prescriptions. This eliminates the need to wear glasses underneath the mask or struggle with blurry vision underwater. 

With these specialized masks, divers can enjoy clear vision without compromising their safety or comfort.

Should I Get Custom Prescription Dive Masks?

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring underwater world with a custom prescription dive mask, and let every detail of marine life come into focus like never before. 

Custom prescription dive masks are specially designed to accommodate your unique vision needs while diving, including correction of astigmatism. Unlike regular dive masks that can be uncomfortable for contact lens wearers, these custom masks provide a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to enjoy your diving experience without any worries fully.

One of the main advantages of custom prescription dive masks is their ability to correct your vision underwater. With a customized mask, you no longer have to rely on wearing contact lenses or dealing with the inconvenience of glasses while diving. 

The prescription lenses in these masks are explicitly tailored to your eyesight, ensuring clear and crisp vision underwater. This means you can fully appreciate marine life's vibrant colors and intricate details without any visual impediments.

Prescription dive masks can be made in diopter powers from -20 diopters up to +8 diopters, including astigmatism up to 5 cylinders.

Another benefit of opting for a custom prescription dive mask is its added convenience. By having your prescription built directly into the mask, there is no need to worry about inserting or losing contact lenses while diving. 

Additionally, these masks eliminate the risk of water getting trapped between your eyes and lenses, which can cause discomfort or even infections. You can put it on with a custom mask and start exploring the underwater world hassle-free.

Investing in a custom prescription dive mask is definitely worth considering if you want to enhance your diving experience. These masks provide clear vision underwater while offering comfort and convenience for contact lens wearers. 

So go ahead and take the plunge with confidence, knowing that every detail of the mesmerizing marine life will be brought into sharp focus through your personalized dive mask.

Conclusion

Diving with contact lenses is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. 

While it is generally safe to dive with contact lenses, certain precautions need to be taken. Choosing the right type of contact lenses for diving is crucial and ensuring they fit correctly to prevent any discomfort or issues underwater.

Additionally, using a diving mask specially designed for contact lens wearers can significantly enhance your diving experience. These masks have built-in prescription lenses or inserts that allow you to see clearly without wearing contacts.

For those requiring a stronger prescription or with unique eye conditions like astigmatism, custom prescription dive masks may be worth considering. 

Overall, it is crucial to prioritize safety and comfort while diving with contact lenses. Taking proper care of your eyes and following any recommendations from your eye doctor will help ensure an enjoyable and hassle-free underwater adventure.

So go ahead, dive into the depths with confidence, and let your vision take you on an extraordinary journey beneath the surface!