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Updated February 25, 2025 – Are you thinking about learning to scuba dive but you’re worried about your visual impairment? If so, you’ll be pleased to hear the good news: you can become a diver even if your vision is not perfect.
Whether you’re shortsighted, nearsighted, or use contacts for astigmatism, there are lenses to correct your vision. And for the most part, these same lenses can be worn underwater while you dive. That said, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
To help you get the most out of scuba diving or snorkeling with your contact lenses, here we go over everything you need to know. We’ll also cover a few of your frequently asked questions about diving and snorkeling with contact lenses.
Snorkeling with contact lenses
If you normally wear glasses but you’d like to go snorkeling and see all the fish, you really only have two options:
- Buy a dedicated prescription diving and snorkeling mask
- Wear contact lenses under a regular diving and snorkeling mask
The first option is best reserved for people who go snorkeling a lot and are willing to invest more money into their snorkeling gear. The average prescription snorkel mask sells for around $100 dollars or more, enough of an outlay that you don’t want it gathering dust under your bed.
One other thing to consider with prescription masks is that you’ll be blind on the beach until you get the mask on your face. Less than ideal, especially when you’re surrounded by beautiful vistas.
The second option—wearing contact lenses—is much more convenient. If you choose to wear contacts, daily disposable lenses are highly recommended. ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day for Astigmatism 90 pack is a great choice for those with astigmatism as these lenses have a BLINK STABILIZED® Design, so they stay in place even when moving in the water. Plus, being daily disposables, they minimize the risk of contamination after exposure to water.
Most snorkelers with vision impairments prefer to use daily disposable lenses, such as a Dailies Total 1 or other daily replacement lenses. They’re easy to use, hygienic, and great for travel. You can often find Dailies Total 1 contact lens discounts online which makes them not just convenient but cost-effective for casual snorkelers.
Scuba diving with contact lenses
As with snorkeling above, divers and prospective divers have two choices, a prescription mask or contact lenses. Many divers prefer contact lenses for reasons of cost and ease. And many dive professionals use contact lenses to correct their vision on a daily basis while at work, showing that it’s perfectly okay to dive with contacts.
Here are some additional factors you should consider when diving with contact lenses:
Choose soft contact lenses for scuba diving
While most people these days use soft contact lenses, some people still prefer hard or gas permeable lenses. If you’re in the latter group, you should switch to soft lenses for diving.
As you go deeper in the water, the atmospheric pressure increases. Gas permeable lenses may suction in line with the increasing pressure, which is both uncomfortable and bad for your eyes. Plus, as the name suggests, gas permeable lenses allow gasses to pass to your eyes. This could lead to the formation of nitrogen bubbles between the lens and your eye’s surface.
For divers with astigmatism, AIR OPTIX for Astigmatism contact lenses are a solid option. These monthly lenses provide clear and stable vision, even in challenging conditions. With SmartShield® Technology, they resist deposits, keeping your eyes comfortable throughout long dives. If you’re considering trying AIR OPTIX for your underwater adventures, check if there’s an Air Optix Aqua contact lenses rebate available to help you save on your first box.
Close your eyes when learning mask skills
When you learn to dive, your scuba instructor will have you complete several underwater skills with your mask. Because masks can leak and flood with water, it’s important that you know how to remove the water calmly.
Your instructor will ask you to partially flood your mask on purpose and fully flood your mask. You’ll be shown the technique for clearing the mask of water by simultaneously breathing out through your nose and applying pressure to the top of your mask’s frame where it sits on your face.
When you wear contact lenses, there is a chance that a lens will fall out when you flood your mask. But you can skirt this possibility by keeping your eyes closed during mask-flooding and no-mask underwater skills. Let your instructor know in advance that you wear contact lenses and they’ll accommodate your particular needs.
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Let your dive buddy know you’re wearing contacts
Once you’re a qualified diver, you’re able to go diving with a buddy. That is, you won’t need to have a professional diver in the water with you. It’s a good idea to let your buddy know you wear lenses.
That’s because in the unlikely event your mask is knocked off your face, you’ll probably close your eyes, or you’ll open them and may lose a contact lens. Giving your buddy the heads-up that your vision could suffer in that situation is good diving practice. To stay prepared, many divers choose to buy Acuvue Oasys 1-Day for Astigmatism which is a daily lens that stays stable even with movement in the water and provides clear, comfortable vision throughout the dive.
Diving and Snorkeling with Contact Lenses FAQs
Can you scuba dive with glasses?
No, regular glasses are not suitable for scuba diving or snorkeling as they don’t fit properly inside a diving mask and may interfere with the seal. Instead, consider using contact lenses or investing in a prescription dive mask. Prescription masks are custom-made with corrective lenses built into the mask, allowing for clear vision underwater without the need for contacts or glasses.
Is it safe to wear contacts while diving?
Yes, wearing soft contact lenses while scuba diving or snorkeling is generally safe. However, there is a slightly increased risk of infection due to exposure to particles, bacteria, and microorganisms in seawater. To reduce this risk, use daily disposable lenses and discard them immediately after your dive. Avoid touching your eyes with wet or unclean hands, and rinse your eyes with clean, sterile saline solution if irritation occurs. Always consult your eye care professional before diving with contacts.
Are contact lenses a problem for new divers?
Not at all. New divers wearing contact lenses may need to take extra care during mask-clearing exercises to avoid dislodging their lenses. Learning proper techniques, like keeping your eyes closed during mask flooding, can help prevent issues. Many contact lens wearers successfully learn to dive every day without difficulty. If you’re concerned, talk to your diving instructor about best practices for mask skills while wearing lenses.
Can contact lenses fall out while diving?
Soft contact lenses are less likely to fall out compared to hard lenses, as they conform better to the shape of the eye. However, strong water currents or improper mask adjustments can occasionally cause a lens to shift or dislodge. Ensure your diving mask fits snugly to prevent water entry, and keep your eyes closed during mask flooding or clearing exercises to minimize the chance of losing a lens.
What’s the best type of contact lens for diving?
Daily disposable lenses are highly recommended for diving and snorkeling. Since they are discarded after each use, they reduce the risk of contamination and infection. Reusable lenses, while an option, require proper cleaning and disinfection after exposure to water. For divers prone to dry eyes, consider lenses with high moisture retention to maintain comfort throughout the day. Consult your eye care professional to choose the best lenses for your needs.
Summary Graphic: Can You Scuba Dive & Snorkel with Contact Lenses?
