Rx dive masks

[Puttzer]

For about 6 years I've been wearing Rx dive masks with bifocal lenses. The bifocals are better but I've always had a problem reading at 12-14" underwater. I repeated asked 2 different optometrists to set the focal length at 9". But always the same result: I still can't see close up.

Yesterday and for the first time, I met with Dr Alan Dean in Tallahassee for shooting glasses (another topic / another forum). Per my request, he read the dive mask lenses Rx and indeed the bifocal was set for 12-14". Did a little math with me to figure out the correct Rx and problem solved. Wrote me a correct Rx and explained the difference. And the lenses only cost $200, which is less that I've ever paid to Seavision or the company in CA.

My point: if your over 50 and want Rx bifocals, go to someone who knows how to listen and do them in a dive mask. Your optometrists may not know how to make your lenses or be willing to take the time to listen and understand your needs.

Now about those shooting glasses......................

[Me]

You are soooo right! I do fine with bifocal contacts and disposable readers in my mask, but I understand your frustration and can post a similar story for you.

I went to see my opththalmologist this past summer. Beforehand I had been talking to my dive buddy, who is a physicist and professor at the local university. I asked him, in laymans terms (read "dimwit terms") to explain optics to me in conjunction with the light refraction effect being under water, etc. He did, very patiently and with drawings!! God love him!

Anyway, I went to my opth....who is a very good doctor, btw. And we got talking about bifocals....since I needed a new script anyway, lasix, being over 40 etc. Well, long story short......he was very interested in my retelling of my lesson from physicist buddy and chuckled...."you've brought back a lesson I haven't thought about in years! I'm going to go home and pull out my old textbooks and refresh my knowledge."

So there, it's not that they can't or won't, it's more they aren't fresh with it or really don't get that much of a call for it to stay fresh. Sorta like the game show, "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader". You don't use it, you lose it.

[bullfrog]

Just bought a XS GAUGE READER MASK from divers supply. they are a + 1.75 . I use a 2.00 in my reading glasses. but the work well. I can read my nitek now. All for $68 bucks. and they won't wash out.

[Gary]

Depending on a diver's prescription some might find this an easy solution

Magic Bifocals
Your eyes will focus close, like they did when you were in your 20's! You will not need bifocals underwater if the Rx strength of your bifocals or reading glasses is +2.0 or less. If +2.25 or stronger, then the latest bifocal contacts or monovision will give you great close-focus ability.

I bought this mask for fun in the pool. I don't usually wear it out diving because it doesn't provide any prescription effect above water - but it's very nice in the water and matches my prescription perfectly.

I took the mask cave diving once and it worked fine.

It comes with a carrying case. Because it is plastic the lens is prone to scratches but due to materials involved generally doesn't effect vision in the water.
Though the lens gives excellent peripheral and long distance vision I noticed a bit of a strain when attempting to focus on close in objects (in the pool no problems noticed cave diving). The nose pocket is quite large and the mounting area seems to intrude slightly into the central vision area. The large internal air volume of the mask gives it more buoyancy then most masks.

[Puttzer]

As I understand it, most close up Rx lenses are set for 12-14" . People in their 40's or early 50's can still adapt and read even closer with these lenses. As you get closer to 60 your ability to focus at less than this length is or is soon be be nonexistent.

So if your over 50 don't expect sheer magnification lenses or Rx lenses to be adequate for "cookie cutter" cures.

Any optometrists out there?

Richard