Concern: Contact Lenses and the Sea

[goodknight411]

I had this discussion with my optamologist. I wear contacts all the time. I've never noticed excessive dryness or the like. Losing a contact isn't a huge problem when you dive, i learned a few months ago that when you lose a contact underwater, it isn't as noticable as on the surface. You just lose depth perception, not much else. (and my eyes are really bad) As long as you have an extra on the surface ur ok. One caution, if you get any significant amount of water in your eyes, throw away your contacts. they harbor little bugs that drill into you eyes and cause permenant blindness. (i'm not joking it happend to a lady that goes to my doc)

I don't wear a perscription mask, never have, so i can't comment on that option. But i think with all the problems glasses give me (headache, perscription difficulties, ect) i wouldn't want to try.

 

[opiniongirl]

Contacts are great - but pretty important as the doc said - SOFT are recommended...

'coz your eyes can swell and the hard lenses will stick to your eyes..pretty nasty damage...yuckkk

 

[EricJ]

It's mostly a matter of personal preference, but I wear my lenses swimming and SCUBA diving. My optometrist adviced me to throw out my lenses after dive trips because of possible bacteria in the water. I follow his advice, but my eyes rarely get water in them while diving.

 

[kraken]

I've been diving for about 6 years, 603 dives (as of today) and I've worn soft disposables on every dive. I have not noticed any problems, however I throw them away every few days while travelling. I have had my mask dislodged twice, but quick reactions allowed me to keep my eyes closed. My buddy wears a mask, and let me tell you, he was pretty bummed when it got knocked off going through the surf one time, he wasn't able to see to find it. Just something to consider. One buddy has a spare pair of glasses in his BC pocket in case he loses his lenses underwater.

THere ya go, some experiences and an idea. I always take a spare set of contacts with me, even on day boats... just in case.

 

[kraken]

I've been diving for about 6 years, 603 dives (as of today) and I've worn soft disposables on every dive. I have not noticed any problems, however I throw them away every few days while travelling. I have had my mask dislodged twice, but quick reactions allowed me to keep my eyes closed. My buddy wears a mask, and let me tell you, he was pretty bummed when it got knocked off going through the surf one time, he wasn't able to see to find it. Just something to consider. One buddy has a spare pair of glasses in his BC pocket in case he loses his lenses underwater.

THere ya go, some experiences and an idea. I always take a spare set of contacts with me, even on day boats... just in case.

 

[scubapro50]

I have dived using a prescription mask and also have tried diving with my contacts. I found that I prefer having a mask with bonded lenses attached. Too many times i have gotten saltwater or something else in my eyes while diving. Believe me it's a real pain if you flood your mask while wearing contacts.

 

[VeniVidi]

I agree with the aforementioned remarks about (soft) contact lenses. Yet I experienced some other problem with fresh water. While it is possible to have my eyes wide open in sea water, a tiny splatter of fresh water may wash the lens away. So one has to be more cautious when diving in lakes...