In a world of "look, but don't touch," your vision is your greatest asset and the key to a successful dive. Not only do prescription scuba masks give you the 20/20 vision you need to safely enjoy your time underwater; they're also an essential part of your diving gear. Join SportRx as we discuss how prescription scuba masks work and why our Sports Opticians are on a mission to spread the word to divers with Rx needs.

Table of Contents

A. Watch the Video
B. Prescription Scuba Masks 101
1. Stick-On Magnifying Lens
2. Prescription Dive Mask Inserts
3. Dive Mask with Prescription Lenses
C. SeaVision Masks
1. Overview
2. Rx Lens Colors
D. Prescription Diving Mask FAQs
E. Prescription Scuba Masks Online at SportRx


Watch the Video

Join Sports Optician TJ as he reveals all your options for prescription scuba masks! Read on to learn more.


Prescription Scuba Masks 101

In this blog, we're going to focus on the prescription portion of scuba masks. If it's your first time buying a scuba mask, check out our Diving Mask Buyer's Guide. You can also see our Sports Opticians' picks for the Best Scuba Masks.

For prescription scuba masks, not all options are created equal. It's important to shop for brands that offer Rx-friendly masks, while considering your vision needs and personal preferences. Let's review three of the most common options for prescription scuba masks.

Stick-On Magnifying Lens

Some manufacturers produce a magnifying stick-on that adheres to the lower part of the inner lens and acts as a bifocal. While this may work for those who have nearly perfect vision on land and just need the magnifying power to see gauges underwater, it isn't a viable solution for those who have stronger prescription needs. This product is considered off-the-shelf, meaning you are restricted to the available powers and do not require a doctor's prescription to purchase.

Prescription Dive Mask Inserts

Which leads us to our second option: prescription dive mask inserts. This option allows you to customize the prescription lenses to your Rx needs, unlike the off-the-shelf magnifying powers of the stick-ons. Prescription dive mask inserts fit snugly within the scuba mask to sit flesh with the inner lens. They do require a prescription and are often available with similar lens options to the ones you're used to choosing in your everyday eyeglasses. For example, single vision, progressive, or bifocals, and anti-fog coatings.

While relatively economical for a custom Rx product, prescription dive mask inserts do have a caveat. They are only compatible with shield dive masks, and not masks with two separate eye pieces. This is due to the way the Rx insert is made. It typically uses a suction cup or bracket system to adhere to the inner lens of the mask. Most often, it attaches to the upper nose bridge area, which is why it is crucial to have the space "free" for adherence.

Dive Mask with Prescription Lenses

The third most popular option is a dive mask with prescription lenses. This option is the most customizable product of all three Rx solutions. You will need to supply the manufacturer with your prescription, so they can cut and fit your prescription lenses to the scuba mask. Most often, they use their own Rx lab for the process, because they know their designs best and can guarantee a perfect fit. Which, for scuba masks, is crucial to creating a complete seal and keeping water out of the mask.

While this final option typically comes at a higher price point, your visual experience will be incomparable underwater. If you're a serious scuba diver, or simply have prescription needs that would benefit from a custom Rx lens, dive masks with prescription lenses are the ultimate solution to achieving 20/20 vision as you explore the depths below. We'll look at one of our Sports Opticians' favorite brands for prescription diving masks next.


SeaVision Masks

At SportRx, SeaVision is our most recommended brand for prescription scuba masks. It is one of the select few manufacturers that offers Rx-able masks and boasts the lens technology to enhance your underwater vision. SeaVision uses their Florida-based Rx Lab to cut, grind, and fit your prescription lenses in their designs to perfection. Your prescription lenses will be tailor-made to your optometrist's orders and give you the same clear vision that you enjoy on land.

Depending on your prescription, you can select from single vision and bifocal lenses. Both prescription types are made of high-quality CR39 lens material, which is stronger and more efficient for your underwater exploration. They also each come in three colors: clear, yellow, and magenta. Let's look at each of these colors in more detail below:

Clear

SeaVision's clear lenses are best-suited for situations with minimal lighting. If you're a night diver and relying on your light's beam, clear lenses will give you the most visible light transmission. They also are ideal for cave diving.

MaxVision Lenses (Yellow)

SeaVision also offers MaxVision lenses, which are yellow. Similar to clear, MaxVision lenses excel in low-light environments and when diving in murky or cloudy waters. You can use these yellow lenses in lakes, quarries, rivers, caves, and on night dives.

Color Correcting Lenses (Magenta)

The Color Correcting Lenses are one of SeaVision's most popular lens colors and feature a magenta tint. This color is designed for situations where there are more vibrant colors to see. Unlike the naked eye that experiences a loss of color as you descend, Color Correcting Lenses use a patented lens technology to manipulate the visible light spectrum and reveal brighter, richer colors at greater depths.

SeaVision Direct 2000 Prescription Scuba Mask in black with green trim and clear lenses

SeaVision Direct 2000 Prescription Scuba Mask in black with green trim and clear lenses

Shop SeaVision Direct 2000

SeaVision Prescription Scuba Mask Key Features:

  • Available with single vision and bifocal lenses
  • Three lens colors to enhance your diving lighting conditions
  • Custom-made to meet your prescription needs
  • Perfect fit in SeaVision scuba masks

Prescription Diving Mask FAQs

Still have questions? We've got more answers!

Are all diving masks available with prescription lenses?

No. Rx-ability will largely depend on the scuba mask design and the manufacturer. One brand that does offer prescription lenses in all their masks is SeaVision. At SportRx, you can get any SeaVision scuba mask tailor-made to your Rx needs.

How much do prescription scuba masks cost?

Considering the different Rx options available for scuba masks, cost varies. For a dive mask with prescription lenses, you can expect to pay from about $250-$300. Prescription inserts will have a lower price tag, but are more limited in mask-compatibility.

What color should I get for my dive mask prescription lenses?

This depends on your typical diving environment and lighting conditions. For night diving, a clear lens allows the maximum amount of light in. In caves, you can use either clear or yellow. The latter also works well in murky waters. For environments rich with colors, a magenta tint will help your eyes decipher brighter colors at greater depths.

Can I wear contact lenses while diving?

Yes, you can wear contact lenses while diving. It is, however, important to opt for soft contact lenses. Unlike hard lenses that risk a gas build-up between the contact and your cornea, soft lenses are gas-permeable. This feature is particularly important as you experience a change in pressure while diving. With hard lenses, you can experience a small air bubble with the change in pressure, which can blur your vision.

Should I wear contact lenses or get a prescription scuba mask?

Contact lenses are a convenient choice but come with some limitations. You should only wear soft lenses, and if water enters your mask, you can risk losing your lenses. A prescription scuba mask is a sure-fire way to have clear vision at all times. They feature the same level of Rx customization as contact lenses and come without the risk of losing your vision correction. Ultimately, deciding between contact lenses and a prescription diving mask is a personal preference.


Shop Prescription Scuba Masks Online at SportRx

We hope today’s blog has equipped you with the knowledge to enjoy the dive with clear vision. At SportRx, all SeaVision scuba masks are available with prescription lenses, and we have video guides and tool tips as you customize your perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build the best prescription scuba mask for your vision needs and preferred style of diving.

Ditch risky online shopping with our See Better Guarantee™. Try any of our prescription dive masks and if you’re not 100% satisfied, just let us know. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? We’ve got you covered there, too. Get the best experience shopping for prescription scuba masks online at SportRx today!

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