If you wear contacts every day, you might wonder before your next trip: Can you dive with contacts? The short answer is yes—many divers do. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the best or safest option. In fact, a growing number of divers are switching from contact lenses to prescription (Rx) dive masks for clearer vision, better comfort, and improved eye health underwater.Let’s break down what you should know about diving with contacts—and why Rx dive masks are becoming the preferred solution.
Can You Dive With Contacts?
Yes, you can dive with contacts, and many divers choose soft contact lenses while snorkeling or scuba diving. That said, diving with contacts comes with several potential risks and limitations that are often overlooked.
Underwater environments are already challenging for vision. When you add contact lenses into the mix, small issues can quickly become big distractions.
The Risks of Diving With Contact Lenses
While contacts may seem convenient, they aren’t designed for prolonged exposure to
water—especially saltwater.
Common Issues Divers Experience With Contacts
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Lost lenses if your mask floods or is removed
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Eye irritation or dryness caused by saltwater and airflow
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Blurry or shifting vision during the dive
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Higher risk of eye infection from bacteria trapped under the lens
Soft contact lenses can absorb water and contaminants, increasing the risk of discomfort or infection—particularly for frequent divers or multi-day dive trips.
Why Divers Are Switching From Contacts to Prescription Dive Masks
Because of these challenges, many divers are choosing a more reliable solution: prescription dive masks.
Benefits of Prescription Dive Masks Over Contacts
1. Clear, Consistent Vision Underwater
Rx dive masks provide custom optical correction, allowing divers to clearly see gauges, dive computers, marine life, and dive partners—without relying on contacts.
2. No Risk of Losing a Lens
With a prescription mask, there’s no concern about losing a contact if your mask floods or needs adjustment.
3. Improved Comfort and Eye Health
Rx masks eliminate dryness, irritation, and exposure to bacteria caused by wearing contacts underwater.
4. Ideal for Both Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Whether you’re diving deep or floating on the surface, prescription dive masks provide dependable clarity in all conditions.
What Makes SeaVision Prescription Dive Masks Stand Out?
Not all Rx dive masks are created equal. SeaVision prescription dive masks are crafted specifically for underwater performance and optical precision.
SeaVision Rx Mask Features:
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Custom prescriptions including single vision, bifocals, and Gauge Reader lenses
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High-quality optics designed for underwater refraction
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Seamless lens integration—no stick-on readers or glued/bonded lenses
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Compatibility with many popular dive mask brands
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Fast, reliable prescription turnaround
SeaVision offers a long-term vision solution that outperforms contacts in both comfort and clarity.
Is It Better to Dive With Contacts or a Prescription Mask?
While diving with contacts is possible, it often comes with compromises. Lost lenses, discomfort, and eye health risks can take away from the experience.
A SeaVision Rx dive mask removes those concerns, allowing you to focus on the dive—not your vision.
Final Thoughts: Can You Dive With Contacts?
Yes—you can dive with contacts. But more divers are realizing they don’t have to.
Switching to a prescription dive mask provides better clarity, greater comfort, and peace of mind underwater. When you can see clearly, you dive confidently.
Ready to Leave Contacts on the Surface?
Explore SeaVision Prescription Dive Masks and experience underwater vision the way it was meant to be—clear, comfortable, and worry-free.
