Help for the optically challenged.

[archman]

There are a bunch of variables that need to be considered, including the distance from your eyes to the mask, placement of the lenses, the refractive index of water and the distances you need to see (gauges, far away stuff, etc.)

None of these are in fact significant concerns, being taken into account already by the lens manufacturer. So long as you have lenses that will fit into the mask, and those lenses follow the specifications for your prescription, you're all set to dive. Problems only arise when the lenses cannot accurately conform to your prescription... that's it!
This is a fairly plug-and-play industry now. The only real exceptions I'm aware of are those weird curved masks coming out. Gawd those things are ugly!

 

[Web Monkey]

How can the lens manufacturer already take into account how far apart my eyes are, or far the mask is from my eyes?

Terry

None of these are in fact significant concerns, being taken into account already by the lens manufacturer. So long as you have lenses that will fit into the mask, and those lenses follow the specifications for your prescription, you're all set to dive. Problems only arise when the lenses cannot accurately conform to your prescription... that's it!
This is a fairly plug-and-play industry now. The only real exceptions I'm aware of are those weird curved masks coming out. Gawd those things are ugly!

 

[archman]

How can the lens manufacturer already take into account how far apart my eyes are, or far the mask is from my eyes?
Terry

Masks that are capable of taking prescription lenses are pretty similar and often identical to one another. Masks aren't custom fitted to divers like eyeglasses are, after all. The distance from your eyeball to the lens is already factored into the lens, 'cuz those particular lenses mate to a specific mask model. Unlike glasses, a mask cannot be adjusted to make it further or closer to your eyes. Therefore it's a static (and known) measurement.

Regarding how far apart your eyes are, that's not much of a concern either. Again, your mask can't be adjusted like eyeglass frames can; the lenses are in fixed positions.

 

[Matthew]

deep 6,

Why don't you like contact lenses? I agree with EricDive, maybe you should give them another try. I think they're the quickest, cheapest, most practical solution to your problem. Once you get used to them, you won't even feel you're wearing anything. You can just close your eyes (or partially open them) when you flood or remove your mask, although I have done it countless times with my eyes open, and I have yet to lose a lens. I suggest you get the disposable lenses which cost only about P200-300 a pair. You can consider other options after you've been diving awhile, but I believe you'll be sticking with contact lenses for sometime.

 

[The Kraken]

SeaVision.com

 

[Andy Z.]

I don't have time to get contacts or perscription lenses - I am leaving in a few days. Still wondering what power lenses to get. Archman, do you know if it's correct to add half the cylinder to the sphere?

 

[Allen42]

Scubatoys here in Dallas (and other shops, I suppose) stock several correctional lenses for the Mares (and many related) masks. I simply held up various lenses until I found the one that let me see the trees across the street the best for each eye.

Then you (or the shop) can pop in your new lenses. I think each lens was about $25, but I'm not sure.


For those of you pushing Lasik... I thought Lasik messed with your reading vision.... my doc told me to expect to still wear reading glasses; if not now, within a few years. Not being able to read my guages was the main reason I haven't done Lasik. I'm 34 with a rock-steady prescription for the past 15 years.

 

[Allen42]

I don't have time to get contacts or perscription lenses - I am leaving in a few days. Still wondering what power lenses to get. Archman, do you know if it's correct to add half the cylinder to the sphere?

One nice thing about some countries (Mexico, for instance) is that "relaxed" medical laws allow contacts to be sold OTC. I usually pick a box or two up when there, no doctor's prescription needed-you just need to know it. If you DO need to know your prescription, many of the eye docs in the malls and such will do an exam very cheap. ($10-$20).

 

[Matthew]

One nice thing about some countries (Mexico, for instance) is that "relaxed" medical laws allow contacts to be sold OTC. I usually pick a box or two up when there, no doctor's prescription needed-you just need to know it. If you DO need to know your prescription, many of the eye docs in the malls and such will do an exam very cheap. ($10-$20).

Here, they even do the exam for free!