## Can You Wear Contact Lenses While Scuba Diving?
Contact lenses are a popular way to correct vision, but can you wear them while scuba diving? The answer is yes, you can wear contact lenses while scuba diving, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
### Types of Contact Lenses for Scuba Diving
There are two main types of contact lenses that are suitable for scuba diving:
Hard contact lenses: These lenses are made of a rigid material and are more durable than soft contact lenses. They are also less likely to be dislodged by water pressure.
Soft contact lenses: These lenses are made of a soft, flexible material and are more comfortable to wear than hard contact lenses. They are also less likely to cause irritation or dryness.
### Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses While Scuba Diving
There are several benefits to wearing contact lenses while scuba diving, including:
Improved vision: Contact lenses can correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This can improve your ability to see underwater, which is essential for safe diving.
Wider field of vision: Contact lenses provide a wider field of vision than eyeglasses, which can be helpful for divers who need to be able to see in all directions.
No fogging: Contact lenses do not fog up like eyeglasses, which can be a problem when diving in cold water.
Convenience: Contact lenses are more convenient than eyeglasses, especially when you are wearing a scuba mask.
### Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses While Scuba Diving
There are also some risks associated with wearing contact lenses while scuba diving, including:
Eye irritation: Contact lenses can cause eye irritation, especially if they are not properly fitted or if you wear them for too long.
Infection: Contact lenses can increase your risk of eye infection, especially if they are not properly cleaned and disinfected.
Dislodgement: Contact lenses can be dislodged by water pressure, especially if you are diving in strong currents or at depth.
### Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses While Scuba Diving
If you choose to wear contact lenses while scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks:
Get your eyes examined: Before you go scuba diving, it is important to get your eyes examined by an eye doctor to make sure that your contact lenses are properly fitted and that you do not have any eye conditions that could be aggravated by diving.
Choose the right type of contact lenses: Hard contact lenses are more durable and less likely to be dislodged by water pressure than soft contact lenses. However, soft contact lenses are more comfortable to wear.
Wear a contact lens retainer: A contact lens retainer is a device that helps to keep your contact lenses in place while you are diving.
Use artificial tears: Artificial tears can help to keep your contact lenses moist and comfortable.
Remove your contact lenses if you experience any discomfort: If you experience any eye irritation or discomfort while wearing contact lenses while scuba diving, remove your contact lenses and seek medical attention.
### Conclusion
Wearing contact lenses while scuba diving can be a convenient and effective way to correct vision problems. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to minimize them. If you have any concerns about wearing contact lenses while scuba diving, talk to your eye doctor.
### Additional Resources
[Contact Lenses and Scuba Diving](https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/contact-lenses-and-scuba-diving.447353/)
[Can You Wear Contact Lenses While Scuba Diving?](https://www.verywellfit.com/can-you-wear-contact-lenses-while-scuba-diving-3289426)
[Contact Lenses vs. Prescription Dive Masks](https://www.scubatravel.co.uk/blog/contact-lenses-vs-prescription-dive-masks/)