Scuba Diving with Contact Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide

Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience, offering a glimpse into a vibrant underwater world. However, for contact lens wearers, the prospect of diving with them might raise concerns about safety and comfort. This comprehensive guide addresses those concerns, providing you with the knowledge and advice you need to enjoy a safe and enjoyable dive. We’ll explore various lens types, discuss potential risks, and offer practical tips to ensure a worry-free underwater adventure. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Risks of Scuba Diving with Contacts

While many divers successfully use contact lenses, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks involved. The primary concern is lens displacement or dislodgement. The pressure changes during descent and ascent can affect the fit of your lenses, potentially causing discomfort or even leading to loss of a lens in the water. This could impair your vision, creating a hazardous situation underwater. Furthermore, the salt water itself can irritate eyes already sensitive from contact lens wear, potentially causing infection or inflammation.

Types of Contact Lenses and Their Suitability for Diving

Not all contact lenses are created equal when it comes to scuba diving. Daily disposable lenses generally offer the safest option. Their short lifespan minimizes the risk of prolonged irritation or infection. However, even with disposables, precautions are needed. Hard or gas permeable lenses, while durable, can be more prone to displacement due to pressure changes. Extended wear lenses are strongly discouraged for diving due to the increased risk of infection in a wet environment. Always consult your ophthalmologist before diving with any type of contact lens.

Preparing for Your Dive: Essential Steps

Proper preparation is paramount to a safe and enjoyable dive with contacts. Before even entering the water, ensure your lenses are clean and properly fitted. A well-fitted lens is less likely to dislodge during pressure changes. Consider using lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist. Dry eyes are more susceptible to irritation from saltwater. You might also consider wearing a dive mask that provides a snug, comfortable fit to minimize the risk of lens displacement.

• Clean Lenses: Thoroughly clean your contact lenses before diving to remove any debris or irritants.
• Lubricating Drops: Apply lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
• Proper Fit: Ensure your contact lenses fit properly and are comfortable before entering the water.
• Dive Mask: Choose a dive mask that fits snugly to help prevent lens displacement.

Alternative Options for Underwater Vision

If you’re uncomfortable diving with contacts, several alternatives offer clear underwater vision. Prescription dive masks provide a customized fit and clear vision without the need for contact lenses. This eliminates the risks associated with contact lens use underwater. Alternatively, if your prescription is relatively mild, you may find that over-the-counter dive masks offer sufficient clarity. Always test any mask beforehand to ensure a comfortable fit and clear vision.

During and After the Dive: Important Considerations

During the dive, pay close attention to any discomfort or changes in your vision. If you experience any problems, signal your dive buddy immediately and ascend to the surface. After the dive, rinse your eyes with fresh water to remove any residual salt or debris. Remove your contact lenses as soon as possible after surfacing to allow your eyes to breathe and reduce the risk of infection. Remember to always prioritize safety and comfort.

Post-Dive Eye Care

Post-dive eye care is just as important as pre-dive preparation. Upon surfacing, immediately rinse your eyes with fresh, clean water. This helps remove any saltwater, chlorine, or other irritants that could cause discomfort or infection. After removing your contact lenses, apply another dose of lubricating eye drops to soothe your eyes. If you experience any redness, irritation, or persistent discomfort, consult your ophthalmologist or optometrist immediately.

Advanced Diving and Contact Lenses

For experienced divers undertaking deeper dives or more challenging dives, the risks associated with contact lenses are amplified. The increased pressure changes at greater depths can significantly increase the likelihood of lens displacement. For such dives, prescription dive masks are strongly recommended. The safety and comfort of your vision should always be the top priority, especially in challenging dive environments.

Choosing the Right Dive Mask for Contact Lens Wearers

Selecting the appropriate dive mask plays a crucial role in the success of your dive with contacts. Look for masks with a comfortable and snug fit. A mask that creates a good seal around your eyes will minimize water leakage, reducing the risk of lens displacement and eye irritation. Some masks are designed with specific features to accommodate contact lenses, enhancing comfort and stability. Testing different masks before your dive is highly recommended to ensure a perfect fit.

• Snug Fit: Look for a mask that provides a comfortable and airtight seal around your eyes.
• Material: Consider masks made from high-quality, durable silicone for a comfortable and long-lasting seal.
• Lens Size: Choose a mask with large enough lenses to provide ample visibility.
• Strap Adjustability: Ensure the mask strap is easily adjustable to find the perfect fit.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some issues while diving with contacts. If a lens feels dislodged, try gently repositioning it under the water; however, if this proves difficult or causes further discomfort, ascend to the surface immediately. If your eyes feel irritated, apply lubricating eye drops. Persistent discomfort or blurry vision warrants immediate ascent and consultation with a medical professional. Remember, your safety is paramount.

The Importance of Consulting Your Eye Doctor

Before embarking on any scuba diving adventure with contact lenses, scheduling a consultation with your ophthalmologist or optometrist is crucial. They can assess your individual eye health and advise on the suitability of diving with your specific type of contact lenses. They can provide personalized recommendations and address any concerns you might have about the safety and feasibility of diving with contacts. This proactive step will help ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Scuba Diving with Contacts: A Final Word

Scuba diving with contact lenses can be a perfectly safe and enjoyable experience, provided you take the necessary precautions. Proper preparation, careful lens selection, and awareness of potential risks are key factors. Remember to prioritize your eye health and comfort throughout the process. Always consult your eye doctor for personalized advice before diving with contacts. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can enjoy the wonders of the underwater world without compromising your vision or safety. Regular maintenance and mindful choices will ensure many more safe and enjoyable dives to come. Safe diving!