In the first part of this blog we looked at the problems
people with weak eyesight face while snorkeling and why wearing glasses under
water is not possible. Now let’s look at the options available to those with a weak
vision.
Prescription Masks
Manufacturers of snorkeling equipment make masks with
prescription lenses. These will usually have to be specifically ordered. In
some cases the normal lens of a standard mask can be removed and replaced by a
prescribed one. If this appears to be an attractive option, consult an eye
specialist to ensure that you will not have any vision issues before going
ahead. It is a good idea to purchase 2 such masks at the same time. The loss or
breaking of one could leave you unable to snorkel until the replacement
arrives. If this happens on a vacation, the whole trip could be ruined.
Contact Lenses
You can snorkel with contact lenses. Snorkeling with soft
contact lenses rarely causes problems. However, use of hard or gas permeable
lenses is not advisable as these can get stuck to the eye due to the increased
pressure when under water. Removing lenses in such cases can be painful.
Another problem with these lenses is that if air bubbles should get trapped
between the eye and the lens, vision could become blurry. If you decide to wear
your contact lenses while snorkeling, you must remember that if gets flooded or
if you need to remove your mask while underwater, your eyes must be closed right
away. If this is not done, the lenses may get washed away. The use of contact
lens rewetting drops after snorkeling will reduce any eyestrain that may be
felt and also makes removing the lenses easier.
Eye Surgery
Snorkeling is possible after most corrective eye surgeries.
There will be a waiting time to allow the eye to completely heal before
snorkeling can be attempted. The time will depend on the nature of the
procedure and an ophthalmologist should
be consulted before entering the water. Some types of eye surgery preclude the possibility
of snorkeling in the future and if you have had a procedure of this kind, do
not attempt to snorkel, even with special equipments.
Bi-Focal Attachments
If your vision issues are limited to needing
glasses to read, there are small sticks on magnifying glasses that can be
placed on the lens of a snorkeling mask. These act in the same way that reading
glasses or bi-focals do and will allow for a clear vision of nearby objects.
The main attraction of snorkeling is the wonders of the
underwater world that are waiting to be seen. Seen is the key word and with
weak vision, not only will you be unable to appreciate the wonders before you,
you could also place yourself in a dangerous situation. However, with the
options available, there is no reason to let poor eyesight stop you from enjoying
snorkeling the same as everyone else. Get the advice of a snorkeling
professional and consult your eye specialist before deciding on which option
you want to use.
