Diving for the Optically Challenged

[Foggy]

Not sure if this is in the right place, but...


Following Finless 's thread about laser surgery, and being too much of a whimp/skinflint for that, AND

My shortsightedness has progressed to the point of considering lens in my mask, BUT

As I now have to take my glasses off to look at very close things (like reading a guage for example)

What should I do?
No corrective lenses in mask?
Bifocal correction?

And would anyone care to share their experiences of the same?

Cheers, Paul

[Whale Shark]

I have been using lens in my mask for a few years..absolutely brilliant. Used to wear soft contact lenses before. Doesn't work for me. Always struggling to put the lenses on while others are kitting up. Also, sometimes, one of them fell out during a dive...not a pleasant feeling and get disorientated..

[nigelH]

Half lenses.
Most places that do the proper 'glued to the glass' lenses can do them.
They just cut it shape then cut it in half before gluing it in.

When I look down I effectively take off my glasses.

[Kalahari Diver]

Go Dive used to sell little plastic "reading lenses" that just used moisture to stick to the inside of your mask. They were very cheap and might be a low cost trial to see how you get on before you spend mega bucks. You could then maybe use single use soft lenses for cleanliness and have a low cost bifocal mask.

David.

[CMOT]

These guys make prescription masks ,buddy uses them and has now issues
range of masks and prices
08702646665

[nickb]

Originally Posted by Kalahari Diver

Go Dive used to sell little plastic "reading lenses" that just used moisture to stick to the inside of your mask. They were very cheap and might be a low cost trial to see how you get on before you spend mega bucks. You could then maybe use single use soft lenses for cleanliness and have a low cost bifocal mask.

DiveOptx - but they don't make them for short-sightedness

[Foggy]

Thanks for the replies

Nigel, are those lenses in the lower part for magnification, or in the top half or both (ie different in lower to top). AND how much do they affect your normal view, oh and does the transition line annoy the bejasus out of you??? - sorry to pester, but I value experience (trying to avoid expensive mistakes)

Cheers, Paul

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Nigel, are those lenses in the lower part for magnification, or in the top half or both (ie different in lower to top). AND how much do they affect your normal view, oh and does the transition line annoy the bejasus out of you???

The lenses are in the top half. I'm short sighted and, as I said, really need to take off the glasses for close stuff. I normally wear varies so I'm quite used to moving my head fractionally to get the best view.

The only problem with the divide is that is isn't far above the top of the rebreather hose and that moves with my head. I don't have a huge slot to see the computers and gauges through but it was only a matter of adjusting. Diving OC is certainly no problem because half my visual field is 'close'. It works very well with a camera as the screen is close and I look over the top, through the lens to see the subject direct.

If my eyesight deteriorates further I may end up with a bifocal build with top and bottom half lenses but I'm not there yet. Then the mask be even more expensive. <sigh> How I envy those who recomend contact lenses. If you can get away with one prescription you still have quite good eyesight.

If you do this make sure you pick the best possible fit mask and get that one converted. Do all the tricks like choosing it with a mouthpiece in. You will be together for a long time.

I carry an unlensed spare. If I loose a mask or just a strap breaks I am on my way up and I can read gauges and operate reels with no lenses I just might take home the wrong buddy.

HTH

[scubagit]

How do Foggy, For years I just went without the specs but the last couple of years, Iv'e been using the daily disposable lenses. Very cost effective and the aul eyesight is A1 with them in. No problems at all.

[GAO]

Hi Guys
I'm registered blind, so i need magnifiers in my masks to enable me to read my hand set and computer, and i do the same as Nigel, i have lenses in my masks but in my case just in the lower left side of the left hand lemse.
I'm very lucky as this is done for me by the low vision clinic i attend and i only pay for the mask.
G