contact lenses

[smtp]

i was just talking to a coworker and he was telling me that when you're under water, you need to take your googles out to remove the water...but what if i wear contact lenses...would that be a problem? or i guess i just close my eyes....anyone have this issue?

ok, nm..i posted and found answers after...sorry! i can't seem to delete this thread...

 

[Giggi]

Welcome to ScubaBoard, smtp.

 

[cudachaser]

Number 1...You don't wear goggles in Scuba...it's called a mask!

Contacts are only slight adjustment you have make...I am an instructor who happens to wear contacts and have to do the demo constantly of mask removal and flooding. Before we do the exercise I always ask my class if anyone is wearing contacts...if they are I instruct them to to either squint or keep their eyes shut...Over many years of doing this demo and using it real time...I have never lost a contact underwater nor had any significant problem associated with the lens.

Though when I do go on any trip past overnite...I try to remember to bring an extra pair along

Contacts are basically a non issue for diving...lot better than presciption masks

 

[scubamickey]

I personally prefer my prescription mask. But my vision isn't bad enough that I need the correction to see after I take the mask off.

 

[Dive1Dennis]

Contacts are only slight adjustment you have make...I am an instructor who happens to wear contacts and have to do the demo constantly of mask removal and flooding. Before we do the exercise I always ask my class if anyone is wearing contacts...if they are I instruct them to to either squint or keep their eyes shut...Over many years of doing this demo and using it real time...I have never lost a contact underwater nor had any significant problem associated with the lens.

Though when I do go on any trip past overnite...I try to remember to bring an extra pair along

Contacts are basically a non issue for diving...lot better than presciption masks

SMPT, glad you found your answers and welcome. I just wanted to comment that I agree with cudachaser, I wear my contacts and have no problem with mask flooding. Just squint a bit, no need to keep your eyes closed. I have also worn them swimming, waterskiing, etc with no trouble.

 

[m3830431]

I open my eyes under water without a mask wearing contacts and haven't lost one yet. Maybe just lucky.

 

[jsmharley]

i also dive with my contacts in with no problem.... and welcome to the boards

 

[RadRob]

Before I had Lasik (best money I ever spent in my life!), I wore contacts. When I was in salt water, I never opened my eyes up all the way anyway, so the squinting thing worked for me too. Prescription masks are ok, but a bit pricy. I tend to change masks more often than others, so it got expensive. If your prescription changes at all as you get older, that is another reason against the mask idea.

Another question. Are your contacts the gas permeable or disposable? Gas permeable may be scratched or damaged from the salt water. Disposable contacts are the way to go. IF you happen to lose one, no big deal. How often do you lose your mask after you complete you O/W course anyway?

Also, I used to fill my mask with water so I had the "Holy crap" look with huge eyes (magnification from the water). I never lost one. Maybe I was lucky too.

 

[cleung]

I wear contacts when diving and usually have no problem. Only the odd time does enough salt water ever get in that my eyes will sting slightly. But that is very rare. I can clear the mask no problem. As for clearing the entire mask like during a certification course, yes, contact lens wearers simply keep their eyes closed when doing this drill.

 

[NYHippo]

The only time I wear contacts is when I am diving. I used to wear them all the time, but as I got older, my eyes got too dry and I couldn't stand the way they felt. When I am diving, the salt water keeps them moist. Fresh water might be a problem