Snuba is an awesome activity, but what if you can’t see where you’re going? Well, you might end up in someone’s hair or worse, bump a turtle without even enjoying its majesty!
You can’t snuba with glasses. Snuba masks don’t fit over glasses, and even full-face snuba masks are often too small. Glasses are designed to sit a certain distance from your eyes which could otherwise result in blurry vision. You might not need them because of the magnification effect of water.
So, can you snuba with glasses? What are the benefits? I’ll get into that in this article. Plus, I’ll share some tips on choosing the right mask and snorkel.
In this post we'll cover:
Different Types of Masks Used for Snuba Diving
Single Lens Mask
This one-eyed mask is like something out of a horror movie! It’s made of silicon and hugs your face tight. Unfortunately, you can’t add prescription lenses to this mask, so if you need ’em, you’ll have to go without.
Twin-Lens Mask
This is the classic snuba mask that you think of when you imagine a dive. It has two wide lenses that give you a wider view and sits lower on your face so you can get a better sense of depth. You can add prescription lenses to this one, but you can’t wear your glasses underneath.
Full-Face Mask
This mask is usually used by diving instructors and commercial divers, but you can find cheaper versions for recreational use. It covers your entire face and you can wear glasses underneath, but make sure to test it out in the water first to make sure no water gets in! Plus, you can even add radios to it so you can communicate with other divers.
Can You Snuba with Contacts?
If you don’t want to go without your glasses, you can switch to contact lenses! But make sure you get the right kind – hard or gas permeable lenses can start to squeeze your eyes the deeper you go, which can be painful and make your vision blurry.
Tips for Snuba Diving with Prescription Glasses or Contacts
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re snuba diving with glasses or contacts:
- Don’t wear glasses at all
- Don’t use gas permeable or hard contact lenses
- Never open your eyes when taking your mask off under the water
Comparing Soft and Hard Contact Lenses for Snuba Diving
Hard Contact Lenses
- Ain’t nobody got time for blurry vision and discomfort! Hard contact lenses won’t let any gas in, so you can keep your vision clear and your eyes feelin’ fine.
- But watch out – if your mask floods, these lenses might not stick around.
Soft Contact Lenses
- Soft contact lenses are like the cool kids – they’re bigger, and they’re more likely to stay put if your mask floods.
- But if they do get stuck, don’t worry! Just grab some re-wetting drops and you’ll be good to go.
Prescription Goggles and Masks
If you don’t wanna go without your glasses, you can always buy prescription lenses for your snuba mask or Rx goggles. But they can be pricey, so be prepared to shell out some cash.
- Stock prescription goggles range from $50-$200.
- Some stock prescription lenses have the same strength of lens for each eye, so if you have different prescriptions, you’ll need custom masks.
- You can also get prescription lenses that don’t correct for eyesight, but rather for color correction.
- You can find prescription goggles online, but not all diving agencies carry prescription masks.
- You can purchase your mask and have them deliver to your hotel if they’re able to ship there.
Why won’t all snuba masks work with Glasses?
DIY Snorkel Mask with Glasses
- If you’re wondering how to snorkel with glasses, you’re not alone!
- DIYing a snuba mask with glasses is one alternative, but it doesn’t always work out so well.
- The earpieces of the glasses can interfere with the seal of the snorkel mask, causing it to leak.
- Additionally, the lenses of the glasses may be too close or too far away from your eyes, resulting in blurry vision.
Water Magnification
- If you have mild vision problems, you may not need glasses or contact lenses at all!
- Water magnifies objects below the surface, making them appear 25% closer and 33% bigger.
- If you wear prescription glasses between +1.00 and -1.00, you can probably leave them behind and still see everything clearly.
What Now?
No need to worry if you can’t wear glasses while snuba’ing! There are plenty of ways to enjoy the underwater world without missing out on the sights. Here are some options:
- Buy a prescription snuba mask
- DIY your own prescription mask
- Wear contact lenses
- Rely on the water’s natural magnification
Stick-On Magnifier Lenses
- Stick-on magnifier lenses are a budget-friendly alternative for farsighted people who only wear reading glasses.
- Popular among underwater photographers and scuba divers.
- Turn any mask into a prescription mask.
Conclusion
If you wear glasses and want to try snuba diving, you’re in luck! You can easily get a twin-lens mask that accommodates prescription lenses, so you can enjoy the underwater world in crystal clear vision. Just remember to leave your glasses at home, as you won’t be able to wear them under the mask. And don’t forget to brush up on your chopstick skills – sushi etiquette applies to snuba too! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and experience the wonders of snuba – it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget!
