Corrective Lens for dive mask

[chucopr]

Hi:

I new in the hobbie.Actually I use lens ( L -1 , R -1 ) and I want know if is mandatory that I need use for dive. Thanks for your help. Chucopr

 

[The Kraken]

It's not mandatory to use prescription lenses when diving, but it sure does make checking one's gauges a whole lot easier!!!

May I suggest checking out SeaVisionUSA.com

the K

 

[Damselfish]

-1 -1 isn't very strong so it may not be worth the bother. If you haven't been in the water yet I'd just wait and see how it is.

 

[chucopr]

Thank for your help. Fast answer. Thanks for all. Ah one more question, what is better mask with purge or w/o?

 

[Damselfish]

Some people do like purges, but most masks don't have them and the majority of divers don't use them. They are one of those things that sound like a good idea when you haven't actually tried diving yet. But they aren't really necessary, it might make a mask seem easier to clear, but you'll (hopefully) find it is quite easy to clear the water out of a mask without one. Meanwhile, a purge is something else to go wrong, like get a bit of something stuck in it that would cause your mask to leak. And on some masks it may get in the way a little of pinching your nose which many people do when equalizing, especially when starting out. (If this doesn't make sense yet it will once you start class.)

I would start with a regular mask. Only get a purge mask later if you find you absolutely need it for some reason, which is unlikely if you get a properly fitting mask. You can search for tips on this board on mask fitting. If you have a mustache you can find tips on dealing with that too.

 

[alo100]

Sometime ago, I heard about sickers that you can put on lens for vision correction. I tried to find it, and I think I found some +1 +2... but not -1 -2...
maybe some experts here can help you in case you would consider a quick and cheap solution....

 

[Scottri]

I would try without prescription lenses, the water itself will provide some vision correction so you may find that you don't need them. I used a prescription mask for a few years then switched to contacts and prefer them to a prescription mask.

 

[Damselfish]

actually I think the water will correct + some, but make - worse? Do I have that right?

 

[Rick Murchison]

actually I think the water will correct + some, but make - worse? Do I have that right?

Backwards...
A -1 -1 prescription is compensated by the mask/water interface almost perfectly.
Infinity under water is optically equivalent to about eight feet in air - if you're nearsighted, you need less prescription under water, if you're farsighted you need more.
If you need reading glasses topside, you'll most likely have trouble seeing your gauges. If you can read without your glasses but need them to see across the street you'll probably be ok underwater without any correction.
The little stick-on lenses are + and serve the same purpose as reading glasses.
Rick

 

[Damselfish]

Backwards...

figures... :shakehead