Diving With Glasses:
Prescription Masks, Contacts, and Options

Not everyone has 20/20 vision—and for many divers, the question of how to see clearly underwater is more than a minor detail. If you wear glasses, you’ve got a few solid options for scuba diving, and some are better than others depending on your prescription, diving frequency, and comfort. I wear a prescription mask myself, and here’s what I’ve learned.

Can You Wear Glasses While Diving?

No. Standard eyeglasses won't work under a dive mask for two reasons:

1. The arms of the glasses break the mask seal and cause leaks.
2. The lenses are positioned incorrectly behind the mask lens, distorting your vision.

That said, there are other ways to correct your vision underwater without relying on your everyday glasses.

Option 1: Prescription Dive Masks

A prescription dive mask is often the best solution for divers with moderate to strong prescriptions. These masks replace the standard tempered glass with prescription lenses matched to your vision.

Two types:

• Off-the-shelf correction: Pre-made lenses in common diopters (e.g., -2.0 to -8.0), ideal for nearsighted divers with basic prescriptions.
• Custom-ground lenses: Made specifically to match your exact prescription, including astigmatism or bifocal needs. These are more expensive but can be a game-changer for those with complex vision.

Pros:

• Comfortable, always with you
• No fogging or fussing with contacts
• Durable and low maintenance

Cons:

• Costly if you change prescriptions often
• You'll need a backup mask or lens inserts for redundancy

Tip: Always carry a backup mask or bring your old prescription mask if you’ve recently upgraded.

Option 2: Contact Lenses

Soft contacts work well underwater if you're careful. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) or hard contacts are not recommended—they can cause eye discomfort and complications due to pressure changes.

Pros:

• No need for custom lenses in your mask
• You can switch masks or borrow gear without losing vision

Cons:

• Risk of losing a lens if you flood or clear your mask frequently
• Can be uncomfortable after multiple dives
• Eye infections are a risk if you’re not meticulous with hygiene

Best practices for diving with contacts:

• Close your eyes when clearing your mask
• Avoid diving if your eyes are irritated or dry
• Carry extra lenses and lens solution on every trip

Option 3: Stick-On Magnifiers (“Gauge Readers”)

For farsighted divers or those who just need help reading gauges or a dive computer, stick-on bifocal lenses are an inexpensive solution.

Pros:

• Cheap and easy to install
• Don’t affect distance vision
• Removable and reusable

Cons:

• Can peel or shift in water
• Not ideal for full-time correction needs

Use case: You see fine at a distance but struggle to read small text on your computer or camera. Stick-ons are perfect.

Other Tips for Divers With Vision Needs

• Bring a spare: Whether it’s a backup mask or a few extra contacts, always plan for a failure.
• Carry your glasses on the boat: So you can see clearly before and after the dive.
• Talk to your eye doctor: If you have astigmatism, monovision correction, or progressive lenses, you may need specialized advice.

Final Thoughts

Clear vision isn’t optional—it’s a safety issue. Whether you go with a prescription mask (like I do), wear contacts, or use magnifiers, the most important thing is to test your setup before you’re 80 feet underwater trying to read your SPG.

As a diver who wears a prescription mask, I can say it’s absolutely worth the cost and effort to dial this in. You’ll enjoy your dives more, and you won’t miss the turtles swimming by because your vision’s foggy or off.