Diving with contacts...

[erparamedic]

Hi, all...

Ok, so this is an odd question, and maybe dumb, but can you dive with your contact lenses in? Does anyone out there do it, and if so, have you ever had any issues with it?

In my personal opinion, I don't think it should be an issue unless the mask is constantly flooding. Sound right?

(I have prescription lenses in my mask, but the script is 10 years old, so I'm hoping I can dive with my contacts and I'll just put the plain lenses back in my mask.)

 

[sea nmf]

I've done it for 16 years without a problem. I've had regular eye check ups and nothing has ever come up.

 

[verona]

I dive with contacts and haven't had any real problems except 2 occasions when a lens fell out while i was underwater! These had nothing to do with flooding - they just fell out, as they occasionally do. These are rare occasions, however, and I wouldn't hestitate to recommend wearing them. Mine are daily disposables, which is ideal. Think you need to watch a bit more with some other types (possibly gas permeable but don't take my word for that).

 

[Jcsgt]

My dive buddy dives w/hard contacts. The only problem she's had is losing a contact while on the boat AFTER a dive.

 

[Fun Diver]

I wear soft lenses when I dive, never any problems.. if mask has to be flooded/removed for some reason, maybe try to keep the eyes closed (or even just one eye closed) to save a lens. The only issue I've heard with contact lenses is that they might keep bacteria from being easily swept off the cornea.. so don't wear them if any eye irritation - no different than if on land.

 

[Makin Raider]

I have been diving with contacts for the last five years and haven't had a problem. I also wear disposable lenses the monthly kind and usually have two pair on the boat incase something happens. In case you're concerned about loosing them you can always bring your perscription mask with you in a pocket and you're covered.

 

[CBulla]

I wear contacts and dive.. carry a spare set in the dry box incase of accidents. No problems so far.

 

[occrider]

Soft contact disposables. Never had a problem diving with them at all. I did lose one while getting certified doing the swimming excercise, but that's because I was an idiot and opened my eye underwater without a mask on.

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

Been diving with soft contact lens for four years. Yes, I lose one once in awhile, but have extra's in my save-a-dive kit.

Dave (aka "Squirt")

 

[erparamedic]

Well, I believe I will give it a try, and keep extras with me in the dry bag. Thanks for the great info!!