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For individuals who wear glasses, the excitement of snorkeling often fades when they imagine the vibrant underwater world turning into a blurry, indistinct spectacle.
The desire to behold the beauty beneath the waves with crystal-clear vision leads many to wonder if they can simply slip their prescription glasses beneath their snorkel mask. At first glance, this might seem like a practical fix, but in reality, it’s not quite as straightforward as it appears.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the unique challenges that glasses wearers encounter when snorkeling and explore some innovative solutions that can help them enjoy their underwater adventures.
We will also weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. By the time you reach the end of this guide, you will have gained a clear understanding of how to immerse yourself in the underwater realm while preserving the clarity of your eyesight.
The Dilemma of Glasses Under Snorkel Masks
Glasses and snorkel masks, though designed for different needs, often pose a challenge when it comes to getting along. If you’ve ever thought about slipping your regular glasses under a snorkel mask to see clearly underwater, you might be in for a bit of disappointment. You see, it’s not as straightforward as it might seem.
The frames of your glasses, particularly those little side arms called temples, can get in the way of the mask’s ability to form a tight, waterproof seal against your face. In simple terms, this means that wearing your regular glasses under a snorkel mask won’t work well for underwater adventures.
When you’re snorkeling, having a snug seal between your face and the mask is crucial to keep water out and ensure a clear view of the underwater world. The presence of your glasses can disrupt this seal, making it less effective for its intended purpose. So, while it might seem like a handy solution to wear your glasses beneath your snorkel mask, it’s not a practical one.
But don’t worry, in the following paragraphs, we’ll explore some alternative options to help you enjoy the beauty beneath the waves without compromising your vision.
Prescription Snorkel Masks: A Solution for Traditional Masks
Traditional snorkel masks have addressed the glasses-wearer conundrum with the introduction of prescription snorkel masks.
These masks replace their original lenses with prescription lenses, offering a clear underwater view tailored to your eyesight.
Alternatively, some cost-effective options include wearing contact lenses or affixing bonded corrective lenses over the mask’s existing lens.
However, these solutions, which work well with traditional snorkel masks, may not be compatible with full face snorkel masks, leaving glasses wearers seeking alternatives.
Innovative Solutions for Full Face Snorkel Masks
Fortunately, two pioneering companies, Ninja Shark and Ocean Reef, have introduced innovative solutions catering to glasses wearers seeking full face snorkel mask experiences. The answer lies in “optical lens support,” a groundbreaking concept that transforms the snorkeling landscape for glasses wearers.
Optical Lens Support for Full Face Snorkel Masks
Optical lens support is an optional accessory provided by Ninja Shark and Ocean Reef. It can be attached to or removed from a full face snorkel mask as needed. The concept is simple yet ingenious: it functions as a secure anchor for your glasses inside the mask, eliminating interference with the mask’s seal.
These optical lenses resemble glasses frames with the temples removed, ensuring they do not hinder the mask’s performance. However, it’s essential to note that they don’t offer additional eye protection or impact resistance; their primary purpose is to maintain lens positioning for improved underwater vision.
The optical lens support can be customized with generic optical lenses, closely approximating your prescription. However, obtaining lenses that precisely match your prescription may incur additional costs. These lenses are not intended for daily use or activities beyond snorkeling.
Prolonged use can lead to eye strain, so it’s advisable to consult your local dive shop or contact the companies directly to explore this option further.
Wearing Contact Lenses with a Full Face Snorkel Mask
For occasional snorkelers who may not justify the investment in optical lens support, a more budget-friendly alternative is wearing contact lenses. While this option is controversial due to contact lenses not being designed for aquatic use, it can still be viable if managed carefully.
The primary concern with contact lenses in the water is the risk of saltwater contamination, which can harbor bacteria and viruses, potentially leading to eye infections. There’s also the possibility of losing your contacts underwater, posing a safety hazard if your eyesight is compromised.
To mitigate these risks, you can opt for daily disposable contact lenses, ensuring you discard them immediately after snorkeling. Avoid attempting to clean contact lenses with solution, as it may not fully eliminate contaminants. Furthermore, maintaining a watertight seal with your mask and avoiding mask removal during your snorkeling session can prevent water from reaching your contacts.
While contact lenses offer a cost-effective solution for glasses wearers, they come with heightened risks of eye irritation and infection. Weighing the convenience against potential hazards is essential when deciding on this option.
DIY Prescription Glasses for Full Face Masks
For those with old glasses they don’t mind repurposing, there’s the DIY approach. By following specific guidelines, you can create your own optical lens support for a full face snorkel mask, ensuring a customized fit that caters to your prescription.
Conclusion
In the world of snorkeling, full face snorkel masks have now become accessible to glasses wearers, thanks to the introduction of optical lens support. Instead of replacing the mask’s lenses, optical lens support functions like a pair of glasses without temples, enabling a secure fit within the full-face mask. It offers a convenient solution for those seeking underwater clarity.
You have the option to select generic optical lenses that approximate your prescription, although exact matches are available at an additional cost. If this option doesn’t align with your budget, contact lenses, while not without risks, present a more affordable alternative suitable for occasional snorkelers.
As glasses wearers, you can now explore the depths of the ocean with confidence, reveling in the beauty of underwater landscapes without compromising your eyesight. Whether you choose optical lens support, contact lenses, or a DIY solution, the underwater world beckons, inviting you to witness its wonders in crystal clarity.
