## Can You Wear Contact Lenses When Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore the underwater world up close. However, if you wear contact lenses, you may be wondering if it’s safe to wear them while diving.
### Contact Lenses and Scuba Diving
Contact lenses can be worn while scuba diving, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Pros of Wearing Contact Lenses While Scuba Diving:
– Clearer vision: Contact lenses can provide clearer vision than dive masks alone.
– Convenience: Contact lenses eliminate the need for prescription dive masks, which can be expensive and difficult to find.
– Wide range of options: Contact lenses are available in various materials and designs, allowing you to choose the ones that best suit your needs.
Cons of Wearing Contact Lenses While Scuba Diving:
– Risk of infection: Scuba diving poses a risk of infection to the eyes due to the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms in the water. Wearing contact lenses can increase this risk.
– Saltwater damage: Saltwater can damage contact lenses, especially soft lenses.
– Fogging: Contact lenses can fog up due to the condensation caused by the temperature difference between the water and the air inside the dive mask.
### Safety Precautions
To minimize the risks associated with wearing contact lenses while scuba diving, follow these precautions:
– Use daily disposable lenses: Daily disposable lenses are the safest option for scuba diving as they are discarded after each use, reducing the risk of infection.
– Consider prescription dive masks: If you are concerned about the risks of wearing contact lenses, consider investing in a prescription dive mask.
– Use lubricating eye drops: Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and prevent fogging.
– Rinse your eyes thoroughly: After each dive, rinse your eyes thoroughly with fresh water to remove any saltwater or foreign particles.
– Seek medical attention if needed: If you experience any eye pain, redness, or swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
### Soft vs. Hard Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are more comfortable and easier to wear than hard contact lenses, but they are also more likely to absorb water and bacteria. Hard contact lenses are less comfortable and may cause abrasions, but they are less likely to absorb water and bacteria.
### Special Considerations
– Myopia (nearsightedness): Divers with myopia should have the foresight corrected with their contact lenses or dive mask lenses.
– Hyperopia (farsightedness): Divers with hyperopia should have the near vision corrected with their contact lenses or dive mask lenses.
– Astigmatism: Divers with astigmatism may require specialized contact lenses or dive mask lenses to correct their vision.
### Conclusion
Wearing contact lenses while scuba diving can be safe and convenient, but it is important to take the necessary precautions to minimize the risks. By using daily disposable lenses, following safety precautions, and considering your specific vision needs, you can enjoy the underwater world with clear vision and peace of mind.