USVI-On-Line

My vision has deteriorated to the point where I can't get away without wearing my glasses if I really want to see what I'm looking at. I wear bifocals. Do they make bifocal dive masks? Where should I be looking? What can I expect to spend?

You don't need bifocals in your dive mask unless you're planning to read underwater.

Prescription dive masks are WONDERFUL. I got a set before my first trip to St. John because I am very near-sighted and didn't think I could count on finding my prescription at any rental place. I don't remember what I paid (and it was 12 years ago, so wouldn't be relevant). But it wasn't noticeably more expensive than any good dive mask.

Note that the prescription does not need to be exact or account for astigmatism or anything like that. At the time I got the mask I was -5 diopters in the right eye and -4 in the left. I got a -4 prescription in both eyes (I think they didn't have any -5 lenses) and it works just fine. Everything looks clear as a bell underwater, and I don't even notice the difference between the two eyes.

You should go to a dive shop and tell them you need a prescription mask. I suppose you could order online, but it's so important to get a mask that fits your face that I think you should be fitted locally if at all possible. Search online to get an idea of prices, and expect to pay a little more for the personal service of a small shop.

Hi GPB
My husband has had 2 prescription masks over the years. The first one was made so you could pick a lenses for each eye and pop it into the mask. This mask was ok for about 2 years, then started to leak. The dive shop said the masks with the pop-in lenses tend to leak after a while. The ones made at the factory don't tend to leak.

For the second mask, he took a copy of his prescription to the dive shop and they ordered it from the factory. He tried the mask on in the shop to make sure it fit his face properly, as that is very important. He was able to get bifocals in the lenses as well as his exact prescription. He *loves* being able to see clearly underwater. He does underwater photography, and really needs bifocals to see the camera well. The prescription mask with bifocals has really made a difference for his underwater viewing pleasure

He paid $200 for the mask and lenses (with installation in the factory) and it took about 2 weeks to get it. Check with your local dive shop to see if they offer this. Its great!

DO NOT get the lenses that pop in or attach to a mask. Pay the extra and get a mask that fits and you like and actually have the prescription lenses put. I have reader lenses in the bottom on my mask. A mask that fits and is comfortable is critical. As an instructor, I can't count the number of times students are frustrated with the cheap mask they bought.

The mask that I like so much has pop-in lenses. I've had it for 12 years and it has never leaked. It wasn't a cheap mask by any means, but probably cheaper than the option of having a mask custom-made with your prescription.

I guess I can see how bifocals would be helpful if you are a serious underwater photographer with a complicated camera. I've never felt the need of bifocals. Most of what I'm looking at underwater is straight in front of me at and well beyond bifocal range.

I too was a skeptic but used them for the first time today and they were marvelous. I am extremely nearsighted and wear a bifocal lens at home. I have tried contacts in the past but never really felt comfortable with them. I got my RX mask on snorkelmart.com and they were extremely helpful in choosing the lens for me. Best $50.00 spent. Well that, and the $10 at Slim mans parking lot tonite.

long time lurker, but this i have experience with.
scuba off coast of delaware to new york for many years. have had same mask until 2 years ago....when i got lasik.
Never had a problem with it, pop on lenses. deepest dive was well over 100 feet.....we got a bit lost.
bought the mask in 1990....retired it in 2011.
no fear of the pop in lenses.

I use a prescription mask that I bought online for less than $100 - maybe $50. I bought it far enough in advance of our trip that I would have no problem returning it if it didn't fit. It fits fine, and I can see fine with it on. LOVE IT! Previously, I'd tried using contacts just for snorkeling but that was a pain in the butt.
One problem I was having was finding my way into the water, and back to our camp on exit. I felt like a goon, wearing the mask walking on the beach. Someone here suggested taking an old pair of glasses and hanging them around your neck on one of the floating straps. Wear the glasses into the water, then put your mask on and leave them hanging around your neck. When you exit, mask off, glasses on and you can see through them enough to find camp even wet.
I tried that this trip, and it worked great. So thanks to whomever suggested that! Thought I'd pass it along to you - maybe it'll be of some help. I'm truly blind without my glasses!

I'm on my second snorkelmart type prescription mask. The first one lasted about 6 years. They both were $50 or $60.

I did go to a dive shop to check them out as well. The dive shop wanted $300.00 for a prescription mask. If you scuba or if money is no object I think the dive shop mask is the way to go.

Otherwise my $50.00 masks have worked just fine for snorkeling.

You really don't need to worry about astigmatism or bifocals. I have one and need the other. Not needed for a dive mask.

Mike

My eyes aren't really THAT bad, but I decided to get a prescription mask for this past trip anyway. I used my last prescription from eye exam and ordered on-line via snorkelmart.

I'm glad I got it. I really enjoy snorkeling. I don't really stay out that long on each swim, but it's a big part of my fun while on island. I figured I'm spending $5,000 - $6,000 on a vacation - what's another $70 to make my fun snorkel just a little bit better!

Good Luck! Have Fun!