Almost everyone who has perfect vision and wants to start diving, will have the same question – can you scuba dive with glasses? The quick and easy answer is yes! There are a few different ways that you can make diving with glasses easier and more comfortable.
The Pros of Scuba Diving with Glasses
Wearing glasses while scuba diving has some clear benefits. First, you’ll have much better vision underwater than if you were to wear contact lenses. This is especially important if you need corrective lenses. Second, glasses protect your eyes from the harsh saltwater and sun.
You can see
Wearing glasses while diving has some big advantages. The most obvious one is that you can see clearly. This is important for Dive Masters and Instructors who need to be able to recognize and identify fish, coral, and other underwater hazards. Good vision is also important for safety when diving in unfamiliar areas or conditions.
You have a better chance of not losing them
When you wear contacts in the water, there is always a chance that they will come out. This is not only frustrating, but it can be dangerous if you are in the middle of a dive and cannot see. If you wear glasses, however, you do not have to worry about this happening.
You may feel more comfortable
While regular contacts might move around and even fall out when you’re diving, diving glasses will stay in place. This is due to the fact that they fit snugly to your face and have a strap that goes around your head to keep them in place. This can give you a feeling of comfort and security while you’re diving, which is extremely important.
Another pro of diving with glasses is that they will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, as well as from any debris or chemical irritants that might be in the water. While your regular contacts might provide some protection, they certainly won’t offer the same level of protection as glasses will.
The Cons of Scuba Diving with Glasses
While scuba diving with glasses may seem like a more convenient option, there are actually a few cons to using them. Glasses can easily become fogged up, which can be a major detriment when you’re trying to see underwater. They can also be a pain to keep adjusting and can even fall off if they don’t fit properly.
They may fog up
One of the most frustrating things that can happen to a scuba diver is having their glasses or dive mask fog up. Water is naturally cooler than our body temperature, so when we jump into a pool, lake, or ocean, warmer air from our lungs hits the cooler water and causes water vapor to condense on the lens of our glasses. This natural process is called “fogging.”
There are a few ways to prevent your glasses from fogging up while diving. Some divers opt to wear contact lenses, which eliminates the need for glasses altogether. Others use special anti-fog solutions and treatments that can be applied to the lens of their glasses or dive mask. And still others choose to purchase a pair of prescription dive mask, which are designed to fit snugly around your face and help prevent fogging.
They may leak
Leaking is the number one problem with diving glasses. Many glasses have a rubber or silicone seal that goes around the entire edge of the lens. If this seal is not in good condition, water can seep in between the lens and the frame and cause your vision to be blurred. In addition, if your glasses do not fit snugly against your face, water can enter through the sides and get into your eyes.
You have to take them off to equalize
One of the most difficult things about scuba diving with glasses is equalizing your ears. You have to be able to do a Frenzel maneuver with your mouth and nose shut while wearing glasses. For people who don’t wear glasses, they can pinch their nose shut and blow air through their sinuses to equalize the pressure. When you wear glasses, you can’t do that. You have to take your glasses off every time you need to equalize, which can be a pain.
How to Make Scuba Diving with Glasses Work for You
It is possible to scuba dive with glasses, but it may not be the best option for everyone. If you decide to scuba dive with glasses, you will need to take a few extra precautions to make sure that your glasses do not get lost or broken during the dive. You will also need to be extra careful when cleaning your glasses after the dive.
Get a good mask
A good quality mask is an essential piece of diving equipment regardless of whether or not you wear corrective lenses. But if you need to wear glasses to see clearly, it’s even more important to find a mask that fits well and doesn’t leak. Look for a mask with a wide field of view, low-volume design, and tempered glass lenses. You should also make sure the straps are adjustable so you can get a snug, comfortable fit.
Get a good pair of glasses
A good pair of glasses is essential for scuba diving with glasses. You want a pair that fits well, does not fog up, and does not leak. There are special diving masks that can be purchased which have a place for glasses, but these can be expensive. A good alternative is to get a regular diving mask and wear contacts. This will provide a better seal and will not allow your glasses to fog up as easily.
Don’t touch your glasses while diving
A good rule of thumb is not to touch your glasses while diving. This is especially important if you have prescription lenses. Once you’re in the water, your glasses will start to fog up. The best way to keep them from fogging is to make sure they have an anti-fog coating and to rinse them with fresh water before diving.
If you do need to adjust your glasses while diving, be careful not to touch the lenses. Use the frame or ears only to avoid getting fingerprints on the lenses. If possible, put your finger in the cup of the mask strap and use that to push or pull the frame into place.
Conclusion
After reading this article, we hope you have a better understanding of whether or not you can scuba dive with glasses. The bottom line is that it is possible to scuba dive with glasses, but it is not recommended. If you do decide to scuba dive with glasses, be sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your glasses do not get lost or broken while you are underwater.