low volume masks with prescription lenses

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05-01-2006 08:01 PM

low volume masks with prescription lenses

I use glasses only for reading and have hell-of-a-time finding an outfit willing to make glass inserts that can be glued into small volume masks typically used by cave divers. SeaVision seems to be the choice of most dive shops but their inserts are too small and they only produce lenses up to + 2.0. I need + 2.75 and, as I said, their so-called "gauge lenses" are just too small for me. I have tried plastic inserts but, regardless what you do, they all fog-up very quickly particularly in cold water. Any suggestions ??
05-01-2006 08:09 PM
Ken Roop

Reading Glasses

I have the same problem. I recently puchased a mask that has magnification on the lower portion of the lense. I cannot say which company makes it but they work much better than inserts. But even with
all that magnification I still have problems reading in low light conditions.

Many dive computer manufacturers should consider making models with
larger font!!!!!!!!!!
05-01-2006 08:27 PM
sdenney

I bought my mask and then took it to my optometrist. He sent it off and had it professionally done. Cost was about $100, but well worth the clearer vision. That would be my advice.
05-01-2006 09:02 PM
SLIM

you might try http://www.prescriptiondivemasks.com/ I hope this does not break a rule. For I have no gain from them. I have sent others there and they will deal direct with the public.

SLIM
05-02-2006 06:32 AM
MORGAN

presciption mask lenses

I am quite nearsighted without glasses and need a fairly strong prescription. Though I do not usually buy dive gear (or anything else) over the internet I got a Dive Rite mask with prescription lenses from Dive Rite Express. It is very comfortable, low volume, and has quickly become my favorite mask. Service was very fast and the price reasonable.
Mike
05-02-2006 06:45 AM

I think what doron nof is looking for is a different thing entirely. What most dive companies offer in the way of prescription masks are minus diopters only, for nearsightedness. From three feet away and farther, my vision amazes friends and frightens small children. But anything closer than three feet away is a blur.

I've seen marketed, in the backs of dive magazines, little round "bubbles" that you stick on your lenses for up-close reading. But I've never talked to anyone that used them and were satisfied. The few people that had used them said they wouldn't stay stuck.

I, too, would like to find a product that works. Is that two minutes of deco, or twenty?
05-02-2006 07:49 AM
curtschu

Hear Hear

I'm considering mounting my computer on a stick so I can hold it 3 feet away. Sludge if you find something please let me know. I have seen the gage reader but it is high volume and if I'm not mistaken clear silicone.
I think it is the curse of very good distance vision. The arms get too short sooner in life.

Curt
05-02-2006 08:27 AM
Jason B.

Re: Hear Hear

Quote:

Originally Posted by curtschu

I'm considering mounting my computer on a stick so I can hold it 3 feet away.

LOL! Any of you guys wear contacts? I've been thinking of going that route for diving.
05-02-2006 08:29 AM
Walter Pickel

You can get prescription lenses for DiveRite's low volume mask...
05-02-2006 08:39 AM

A Google search came up with the Dive Optx Magnifier Lens. This can be found in the middle of this page:

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Masks.asp

I think I'll see if we can get them (why pay retail?), and if I can try them out I'll DEFINITELY make a report. We've had customers ask for something like this ever since I've worked in a shop (eleven years).
05-02-2006 09:20 AM
OutlawCaver

I have used the Dive Optx and they won't stay put. I finally had a optical facility cut a lenses and glue it in with opitcally clear glue/epoxy.

Without the help of the lenses I can read my buddies computer 6 feet away but not my own. It sure is tough turning 25.
05-02-2006 09:34 AM
Luxrok

Lasik

This might not be an option for all, but I elected to get Lasik after doing the open water follow the line drill for cavern class. I had been diving with contacts for a couple of years and had just had enough of not being able to open my eyes or worry about another piece of gear like a special mask.

Just think about it. A little eye surgery and you elimate one more point of failure. Well, I got it done in Jan. and my buddy got it done in December and I am very happy with the results and I don't have to worry about special masks or lens now. I can now see the clock when I wake up in the morning. What a miracle.

Just a thought, an expensive one but a thought none the less.

Hans
05-02-2006 09:59 AM
Signal 20

Re: Hear Hear

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason B.

LOL! Any of you guys wear contacts? I've been thinking of going that route for diving.

yup i wear contacts all the time. and i just keep them in while diving.
05-02-2006 10:14 AM
DeWayne

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sludge

I think what doron nof is looking for is a different thing entirely. What most dive companies offer in the way of prescription masks are minus diopters only, for nearsightedness. From three feet away and farther, my vision amazes friends and frightens small children. But anything closer than three feet away is a blur.

I've seen marketed, in the backs of dive magazines, little round "bubbles" that you stick on your lenses for up-close reading. But I've never talked to anyone that used them and were satisfied. The few people that had used them said they wouldn't stay stuck.

I, too, would like to find a product that works. Is that two minutes of deco, or twenty?

I have the same problem Sludge, can't focus on anything within arms reach anymore but can still count the hairs on a tick's arse a mile away. I tried the guage readers as well as the stick-in lens inserts (the ground guage readers did work much better for me as like most the stick-ins did not stay in place and had a bad habit of fogging up.) I finally broke down and had lens for my mask ground to my prescription; this worked so well that I had a second mask made so I would have a back-up. Cost was roughly $100 and well worth it being able to see my guages without going through all the contortions. My last mask I went ahead and had my bifocal script ground in and it wears better than my regualr glasses.
05-02-2006 11:04 AM
Dave Lizdas

I wear soft contact lenses every dive. During the mask off swim for cavern, the guy in front of me wouldn't move, and I had my eyes open for ten minutes. I didnt loose 'em! I've taken off my mask and opened my eyes back at thirds with complete confidence.

Now I've never tried it in saltwater; there you have a salinity gradient going the other way across a permeable membrane. That sure sounds good, but I dont know. the salt might cause them to curve out and float away.
05-02-2006 11:14 AM
OutlawCaver

I like the idea of the LASIK but not sure of the effects at altitude. When I can no longer cave dive I am headed for a try at mountaineering. I recall one of the Everest expedition teams that had multiple fatalities had one survivor who stayed just above base camp 4 that had corrective surgery and could not see.
05-02-2006 11:18 AM
JE

Re: Reading Glasses

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Roop

I have the same problem. I recently puchased a mask that has magnification on the lower portion of the lense. I cannot say which company makes it but they work much better than inserts. But even with
all that magnification I still have problems reading in low light conditions.

Many dive computer manufacturers should consider making models with
larger font!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.rxdivemask.com/

http://www.prescriptiondivemasks.com/

http://www.babylonvillage.com/rx_diving_mask.htm

FYI-!

j.
05-03-2006 06:57 PM
JLH

I bought a glass magnifier in a shop on the north side of Gainsville (L. B's) you have to glue it in I have had it in for a year and a half, and am very happy with it.

Jack