First-Timer Questions
Can You Wear Glasses or Contacts?
You can't wear glasses under a mask — but prescription masks and soft contact lenses both solve it beautifully.
Glasses don't fit under a dive mask — but you have two great options. You can buy a prescription dive mask with corrective lenses built in, or simply wear soft contact lenses under a normal mask. If you wear contacts, tell your instructor so they can teach you to clear your mask without losing one.
- Glasses under mask?
- No — they won't fit
- Option 1
- Prescription dive mask
- Option 2
- Soft contact lenses
- If wearing contacts
- Tell your instructor
Why glasses don't work underwater
A dive mask needs to seal flat against your face, and the arms of glasses break that seal — so you can't wear regular glasses while diving. The good news: seeing clearly underwater is an easy problem to solve, and plenty of divers wear correction with zero hassle.
Option 1 — A prescription dive mask
Many masks accept corrective lenses, either off-the-shelf in standard strengths or custom-ground to your exact prescription (including for astigmatism). It's a one-time purchase that means perfect vision on every dive, with nothing in your eyes. Ideal if you don't get on with contacts.
Option 2 — Soft contact lenses
Soft contacts work well under a normal mask and are what most divers use. A few sensible precautions:
- Stick to soft lenses — hard/rigid gas-permeable lenses can trap gas bubbles and are not recommended for diving.
- Daily disposables are ideal — cheap to replace if one is lost.
- Keep your eyes shut when clearing your mask or if it floods, to avoid washing a lens out.
- Carry a spare pair on dive trips.
Always tell your instructor you wear contacts. It's important for two reasons: they'll coach you to clear your mask safely with your eyes closed, and they'll know in the rare event of an eye issue. It's a normal thing — instructors hear it every day.
Learn the basics & connect with sea lovers
Learn mask skills the right way with Diving Standard's free scuba lessons — including clearing and defogging — and connect with divers around the world.
Get the Diving Standard appFrequently asked questions
Can you wear contact lenses scuba diving?
Yes — soft contact lenses work well under a dive mask and are what most divers use. Avoid hard/rigid lenses, prefer daily disposables, keep your eyes closed when clearing your mask, and tell your instructor.
Can you get prescription scuba masks?
Yes. Many masks take corrective lenses, either in standard strengths or custom-ground to your prescription, including for astigmatism. It's a great one-time solution for divers who need correction.
What happens if I lose a contact lens underwater?
If you're wearing daily disposables it's no big deal — just replace it after the dive. Closing your eyes whenever you clear or remove your mask prevents losing one in the first place.