Canadian_Diver
Contributor
Let me start first by explaining the current status of my vision. I am a 28 y/o male and tested 20/20 by an optometrist this week.
My little adventure started last week when my LDS ordered a Hydro Optix Mega-4.5DD mask to help solve his visual issues as an underwater videographer. Unfortunately, the mask did not work for him with the naked eye. He wanted to try the mask out on a few other subjects varying in age and eyesight. I instantly volunteered.
I had the opportunity to try the mask out last week in his pool for a few moments. I was able to focus near and far in that very very short period of time, so we decided that I should try it again for a longer time in the pool.
So, I tried it again over a 1 hour period of time earlier this week. It was very hard on my eyes to keep a crisp focus, but it was manageable. Without a doubt, there was definitely a larger field of view, things were true size, and they were true distance. I couldn't help but think to myself, "Are the benefits really that great to offset the fact that I'd have to wear contacts??" --- keep in mind, this is from someone who has never had to wear contacts or glasses their entire life. I was very skeptical.
Then, just over halfway (30 minutes) into the test, one of the Dive Cons signalled that they wanted to swap masks and try it out. I signalled OK and we swapped masks. I put his mask on (which is identical to my regular mask), then as I cleared the mask, things suddendly became very evident. Here's what was apparent to me:
I committed to trying this out with contacts. I took awhile to find an optometrist that would take me asap and that understood why a guy with 20/20 vision wanted to be nearsighted. Thankfully, I found one, and she too was a diver ... she was VERY interested in the mask.
It took about 15 minutes or so for her to review the information and find out whether it was ethical / legal to prescribe me contacts that would make me nearsighted. Next thing we did, was a complete examination to determine my current vision and any astimatisms. As stated before I test 20/20.
Next, they matched me up with some contacts. They taught me how to put them in, take them out, and how to care for them. The even had actually peform all this as well. I was pretty skeptical about putting something in my eye, but once the contacts were in, I was quite surprised to find out how comfortable they are. I also couldn't believe how soft and flexible they are.
Next thing I knew, I was rushing off to the pool with mask, contacts, and wetsuit in hand. Got my gear on, and hopped into the pool. Here are some of the things I noted:
No feelings of vertigo or nausea as reported by some. I suspect those folks did not see an optametrist and get a proper prescription contact to properly use the mask. My near-sighted vision was incredible, and my farsighted vision equally as good.
The mask did not fog up on either dive. No scrubbing is necessary as the inside of the lens is coated with NanoFog. All that is required is some antifogging solution and then rinse the mask out. The purge valves worked phenomenally well, and the mask seals up amazingly, I have a moustache!
Please, whether you are 20/20, near-sighted, far-sighted, presbyopic (sp?), or have astigmastism, give this mask a fair try.
Take the time to see an optometrist and get properly fitted for contacts. You will NEVER see or enjoy the benefits of this mask if you're not properly fitted to it. Not everyone will need to wear contacts with this mask depending on what your conditions are.
I give it 2-thumbs :thumbs_up :thumbs_up up.... I've also told my LDS owner that he's not getting this mask back.
One last tip, most benefit programs cover eye examinations and contact lenses to a certain amount, even for non-medical purposes.
My little adventure started last week when my LDS ordered a Hydro Optix Mega-4.5DD mask to help solve his visual issues as an underwater videographer. Unfortunately, the mask did not work for him with the naked eye. He wanted to try the mask out on a few other subjects varying in age and eyesight. I instantly volunteered.
I had the opportunity to try the mask out last week in his pool for a few moments. I was able to focus near and far in that very very short period of time, so we decided that I should try it again for a longer time in the pool.
So, I tried it again over a 1 hour period of time earlier this week. It was very hard on my eyes to keep a crisp focus, but it was manageable. Without a doubt, there was definitely a larger field of view, things were true size, and they were true distance. I couldn't help but think to myself, "Are the benefits really that great to offset the fact that I'd have to wear contacts??" --- keep in mind, this is from someone who has never had to wear contacts or glasses their entire life. I was very skeptical.
Then, just over halfway (30 minutes) into the test, one of the Dive Cons signalled that they wanted to swap masks and try it out. I signalled OK and we swapped masks. I put his mask on (which is identical to my regular mask), then as I cleared the mask, things suddendly became very evident. Here's what was apparent to me:
- The very first thing I noticed was distortion of objects. I could not believe what I was seeing. How could I have dove with my regular mask for so long and never notice how warped objects looked near the edges of the mask??
- Tunnel Vision. I actually felt slightly claustrophobic, something I had never before felt with this flat mask. I felt like I was looking down the inside of a pipe.
- In general, things just seemed very dull or blah through the flat mask. Don't ask me why, but it just appeared that way to me.
- Comfort. The comfort / fit of the flat mask was still ok, but the Hydro Optix mask just felt even better.
I committed to trying this out with contacts. I took awhile to find an optometrist that would take me asap and that understood why a guy with 20/20 vision wanted to be nearsighted. Thankfully, I found one, and she too was a diver ... she was VERY interested in the mask.
It took about 15 minutes or so for her to review the information and find out whether it was ethical / legal to prescribe me contacts that would make me nearsighted. Next thing we did, was a complete examination to determine my current vision and any astimatisms. As stated before I test 20/20.
Next, they matched me up with some contacts. They taught me how to put them in, take them out, and how to care for them. The even had actually peform all this as well. I was pretty skeptical about putting something in my eye, but once the contacts were in, I was quite surprised to find out how comfortable they are. I also couldn't believe how soft and flexible they are.
Next thing I knew, I was rushing off to the pool with mask, contacts, and wetsuit in hand. Got my gear on, and hopped into the pool. Here are some of the things I noted:
- The SI clip on felt a bit wierd, visually, I felt more bouncy like I was moving faster than I was. Underwater, the clipon had no effect, things were crystal clear, so I took them off.
- Without the clipon, I could not believe what I was seeing. The experience was even better than the last time. Things were even more crisp and clear with the contacts in, not to mention that I had no strain on my eyes what so ever!
- I became a believer ... 100%
No feelings of vertigo or nausea as reported by some. I suspect those folks did not see an optametrist and get a proper prescription contact to properly use the mask. My near-sighted vision was incredible, and my farsighted vision equally as good.
The mask did not fog up on either dive. No scrubbing is necessary as the inside of the lens is coated with NanoFog. All that is required is some antifogging solution and then rinse the mask out. The purge valves worked phenomenally well, and the mask seals up amazingly, I have a moustache!
Please, whether you are 20/20, near-sighted, far-sighted, presbyopic (sp?), or have astigmastism, give this mask a fair try.
Take the time to see an optometrist and get properly fitted for contacts. You will NEVER see or enjoy the benefits of this mask if you're not properly fitted to it. Not everyone will need to wear contacts with this mask depending on what your conditions are.
I give it 2-thumbs :thumbs_up :thumbs_up up.... I've also told my LDS owner that he's not getting this mask back.
One last tip, most benefit programs cover eye examinations and contact lenses to a certain amount, even for non-medical purposes.
