Diving with Glasses or Contact Lenses: The Complete Guide

You wear glasses or contact lenses and you're wondering if diving is still for you? The answer is a definite yes. Thousands of divers around the world have vision problems, and there are solutions for every situation. Here's everything you need to know.

Can you dive with regular glasses?

First things first: you can't dive with regular glasses. A dive mask covers both your eyes and nose (essential for equalizing pressure), so there's simply no room for spectacle frames. But don't worry, there are two very effective alternatives.

Can you dive with contact lenses?

Many divers wear soft contact lenses under their mask, and it works very well. Daily disposable soft lenses are the best option: if you lose one (it rarely happens, but it can), it's no big deal. Avoid rigid (hard) lenses, as they can cause issues with pressure changes.

A few important precautions: close your eyes if your mask floods (it becomes a reflex quickly), and always carry a spare pair of lenses in your bag. After the dive, rinse your eyes with fresh water. Saltwater and contacts aren't best friends, but with a little care, it all works out fine.

What is a prescription dive mask?

If you dive regularly, investing in a prescription mask is a real game-changer. There are two options: masks with standard corrective lenses (available in dioptre increments, typically from -1 to -8), or custom-made masks with your exact prescription, including astigmatism correction.

Standard corrective masks cost between 80 and 150 euros. Custom versions are pricier (200-350 euros), but the vision quality is incomparable. If you need help finding the right prescription mask, Lau can point you in the right direction and source one through DiveWithLau.

What is mask squeeze in diving?

Mask squeeze is that suction feeling on your face when you descend without breathing out through your nose into the mask. With contact lenses, it's not dangerous as such, but it's uncomfortable. The fix is simple: gently exhale a small amount of air through your nose into your mask as you descend. It's a basic skill you learn from the very first training session, and it quickly becomes automatic.

How do you get the right dive mask fit?

Whether you wear contacts or a prescription mask, the fit is everything. A leaking mask means water in your eyes constantly, which isn't ideal when you're wearing lenses. To test the seal: place the mask on your face without the strap and inhale through your nose. If it stays in place without falling, that's a good sign.

Take the time to try several models. Face shapes vary enormously from person to person, and a mask that's perfect for someone else might be terrible for you. It's one of the most personal pieces of diving equipment.

The bottom line

Wearing glasses is absolutely not a barrier to diving. Daily disposable soft lenses to start with, prescription mask if you get hooked: the solutions exist and work perfectly. The most important thing is seeing clearly underwater, because what's down there is truly worth seeing.

Got questions about this? Don't hesitate to get in touch, and we'll find the best solution for you.