If you’ve watched the film Notting Hill, you probably can still remember the scene where Hugh Grant wore his prescription snorkel mask to the cinema because his glasses were nowhere to be found.
Yes, you probably didn’t know it back then but you can get some prescription items aside from your regular eyeglasses.
Today, many scuba divers opt to wear their contact lenses every time they go scuba diving because it’s convenient and quick.
However, there are a lot of concerns associated with using them so prescription snorkel masks are considered a safer and better option.
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Snorkelling with Contact Lenses or Eyeglasses
Gone are the days when scuba diving or snorkelling with poor eyesight is a big problem. Numerous solutions are available ranging from more affordable quick fixes to expert solutions that can offer glasses wearers a clearer view once they get underwater.
What should you do if your eyesight isn’t too great but you have always wanted to go diving or snorkelling or at least experience its adrenaline rush?
Don’t worry because you’ve got a few options to choose from.
Try Prescription Snorkelling Masks with Premade Lenses
Prescription snorkelling masks with premade lenses are ideal solutions that offer the best value for money. Premade corrective lenses are often available for far sight ranging from +1.0 to +4.0 and for near sight ranging from -1.0 to -10.0 with both cases having increments of 0.5 depending on the maker or manufacturer. Bifocal lenses are available at times as well. You can also order different prescription strengths for each eye.
Opt for Snorkelling Masks with Drop-in Lenses
You can also opt for snorkelling masks with changeable lenses. Bigger manufacturers of dive gear and equipment provide masks with detachable masks. The diver can simply replace them to match their prescription ones.
These masks are also an ideal solution for people who know that they need different strengths after some time, saving them from having to purchase a new mask all over again. Instead, they can simply switch the lenses when the need arises.
Enjoy the Natural Magnification Underwater
In case you haven’t noticed it, things seem to look bigger when they’re underwater. For your information, water can magnify objects up to 30%, which means that everything will seem like they’re a bit closer and bigger.
If your vision problem isn’t too serious, you probably don’t have to wear a special prescription snorkelling mask since the natural magnifying effect of the water itself can already offer some sort of correction.
Use Prescription Snorkelling Mask Inserts
This next solution is an affordable but very effective choice for people who typically use just their reading glasses. These detachable prescription snorkelling mask inserts tend to work best if your vision concerns aren’t that complex. They help you read close things when you’re underwater such as your dive watch or your waterproof camera.
Choose Custom-Made Corrective Lenses
If you’re willing to shell out more money, this solution will work best for you, especially if you’re looking for special lenses that can correct your vision problems. You might want to get in touch with dive shops that specialise in prescription snorkeling masks and have one customised to your particular needs. The shop can either replace your old mask’s lenses or give you a brand-new prescription mask for your snorkelling activities.
Stick with Your Contact Lenses
A lot of people are curious to know if they can wear their contact lenses when snorkelling. The answer is a big yes. Today’s contact lenses have become very comfortable, making them safe to use when in the water. These are made for your eyes to offer you the best vision while being almost unnoticeable.
You can wear your soft day contact lenses for snorkelling or other water activities. Just don’t forget to close your eyes every time you remove your mask in the water to ensure that your lenses don’t get washed away.
How to Shop for a Prescription Snorkel Mask
To ensure that you will have clear vision underwater, you must use a snorkelling mask that features corrective lenses that most closely match the eyeglasses you wear daily.
To make it easier for you to determine which prescription snorkelling mask suits you best, there are a few important factors you need to keep in mind. The first one is the level of complication of your existing eye problems.
The second one is how frequently you plan to use the mask. Finally, you should also decide on the amount that you’re willing and ready to spend for it.
You can also contemplate renting your prescription snorkelling mask. However, take note that this is not available everywhere. It means that if you often go snorkelling, it might be better to buy your prescription mask for snorkelling instead. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your gear is specifically customised according to your specific needs.
Back in the day, custom-made prescription snorkelling masks were exclusively available through a handful of manufacturers, with price tags easily ranging from $150 to $200 because of the special process used for manufacturing.
The good news is that these days, shoppers already have more options to cater to the glass wearers looking for snorkelling masks. The cost of a new prescription snorkel mask starts at around $50. If you prefer something cheaper, you can consider alternative solutions like mask inserts.
If you’re looking for custom-made corrective lenses, it might be best to search for a dive store that will be able to order these on your behalf and install corrective ones as replacements for the original ones.
If your vision concern isn’t too serious such as astigmatism or double vision, you can just order an optical snorkelling mask online. All you have to do is pick the prescription and you’ll receive your brand-new prescription snorkelling mask with the right lenses.
Both farsighted and nearsighted versions are available online and you can also get separate strengths for each eye. Bifocal versions are also available in some manufacturers. Whatever it is, you can be sure that you will be getting the best value for money if you choose a prescription snorkelling mask installed with premade corrective lenses.
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