seethesearx - Tumblr blog

seethesearx · 3 months ago

Text

Rebreather Diving (With my Prescription Dive Mask) on the Fu Sheng Wreck in Sint Maarten

Rebreather diving in Sint Maarten

One of the ways we are differentiated is the fact that we are divers, not just opticians and optical techs. While the last two years have been challenging for us and others in the dive industry, I was finally able to start getting back in the water this year. The video above highlights a recent awesome dive we we are able to do on a wreck in Sint Maarten. For those wondering, I dive a prescription scubapro d mask with single vision lenses.

I like to write about some of my dive travels with my own prescription dive mask and share them with you all.

In this article, I will also cover specific prescription dive mask concerns for rebreather divers. (Be sure to check out my video above highlight the whole dive).

What is a rebreather?

In Scuba, we have a compressed air tank attached to a diving regulator (a first and second stage). Every time we inhale the regulator provides us (normally) air (or nitrox, or even other gases, depending on the dive) at the surrounding pressure, so our lungs can inflate. Every-time you exhale, all the air in your lungs exits the regulator as bubbles. The human body, however, is not so efficient as to extract all the available oxygen in a single breath of the same gas, so the bubbles contain a significant amount of wasted oxygen. If there was a way to recycle this air, you could extend your time diving.

On a simple level, this is what a rebreather accomplishes. Instead of all your exhaled air exiting as bubbles, you exhale into a counter-lung. The exhaled air then moves across a scrubber removing the carbon dioxide. As the oxygen in the breathing loop decreases, you either manually add, or the rebreather adds pure oxygen to the loop to keep your breathing gas at an ideal mixture.

Prescription dive mask concerns for rebreather divers

If you are a rebreather diver, and like me need corrective lenses, there are a few unique concerns that open circuit divers don't face.

While heads up displays and computers for recreational divers have recently seen a surge in popularity (like the Scubapro Galileo HUD), they are a mainstay in rebreather diving. Rebreathers either utilize a heads up display (HUD) with a series of different color lights to indicate different rebreather conditions or a computer with a full digital display that can provide more information than the more basic HUDs. The most popular HUD computer is the Shearwater NERD, which I personally use on my Prism 2 now.

The shearwater NERD uses a special lens to focus the display when the diver is looking at a distance, despite the computer sitting inches away from the diver's face. This allows the diver to be watching his or her surroundings while also having the dive computer screen in focus. If the diver utilizes bifocals or readers in their dive mask, however, the near vision portion of the lens is not suitable for viewing the NERD (While beneficial to a standard light HUD). For rebreather divers who utilize bifocals or reading glass for near vision, we generally suggest using only distance lenses on the side of the mask they view the NERD (normally the right eye). For more information on our bifocal lens scuba mask options, please read my article here.

We are also able to produce fully customized lenses that include a reading section at the top of the lens instead of the bottom of the lens, where the NERD is placed, so the diver can use the top of the lens for photography or other macro work.

Whether you dive a rebreather or open circuit scuba, our diving experience allows us to help you pick the right prescription lens for your needs. Feel free to give us a all or shoot us a message. Our prescription lenses are installed in house in our lab in Houston and are able to provide corrections for astigmatism, double vision, and other unique needs.

Diving the fu sheng wreck in Sint maarten/st. martin

During my time on St. Martin, I dive the Fu Sheng wreck, a dive I have been trying to do since arriving on the island. The wreck, nestled in about 110 feet off the coast of St. Matin, remains largely in tact. The wreck sank unintentionally, and is one of the older wrecks on the island.

The wreck hosts a variety of marine life including garden eels, moray eels, rays, and a mix of coral.

Diving the wreck on my rebreather allowed me a dive time of just over an hour with only a short deco time of 20 minutes on the way to the surface.

Additional resources

For diving in St. Martin, I have used both of these operations, which have supported rebreather diving (and recreational open circuit). I do not receive anything in exchange for recommending them, and I found them to both be great dive centers.

Ocean Explorers Dive Center in Simpson bay

Dive Sint Maarten in Philipsburg

The original content will be published on SeeTheSeaRX

#prescription dive mask

0 notes

seethesearx · 3 months ago

Text

Dive Mask with Reading Lenses: Enhancing Underwater Vision for Every Diver

For divers who need help with close-up vision, a dive mask with reading lenses is an essential piece of gear. Whether you struggle to see your dive computer, pressure gauge, or underwater camera screen, reading lenses (also called bifocal or gauge reader lenses) provide the clarity needed for a safe and enjoyable dive.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of a dive mask with reading lenses, how they work, and how to choose the best one for your diving adventures.

1. What Is a Dive Mask with Reading Lenses?

A dive mask with reading lenses is a specially designed mask that features built-in magnification in the lower portion of the lenses. This allows divers to clearly read instruments and small details while maintaining a normal field of view for distance vision.

These masks are ideal for:

Scuba divers who have difficulty reading dive gauges or computers.

Underwater photographers who need to check camera settings.

Older divers experiencing presbyopia (age-related difficulty seeing up close).

Snorkelers who want clearer vision for close-up marine life observation.

2. Benefits of a Dive Mask with Reading Lenses

✅ Clear Vision for Instruments: With built-in reading lenses, you can easily check your air pressure gauge, compass, or dive computer without squinting or straining.

✅ No Need for Contacts or Bifocal Glasses: Unlike regular prescription dive masks, reading lenses eliminate the need for separate corrective eyewear, making diving more convenient and comfortable.

✅ Improved Safety: Accurate reading of your dive instruments is crucial for safe diving. With reading lenses, you reduce the risk of misreading depth, air supply, or navigation details.

✅ Enhanced Underwater Experience: Enjoy the small details of marine life, such as tiny fish, coral textures, and underwater artifacts, without struggling to focus.

3. How Do Dive Masks with Reading Lenses Work?

These masks function similarly to bifocal glasses. They have:

A clear primary lens for normal distance vision.

Magnified segments (diopters) at the bottom of the lens for near vision.

Common magnification options range from +1.0 to +3.0 diopters, allowing divers to choose the strength that best suits their needs.

4. Types of Dive Masks with Reading Lenses

🔹 Pre-Made Gauge Reader Masks: These masks come with pre-installed magnifying lenses, usually available in different diopter strengths. They are a convenient and affordable option for divers who only need mild reading correction.

🔹 Custom Prescription Dive Masks: For those with more specific vision needs, custom masks are available. These are tailored to your exact prescription, offering the best clarity both near and far.

🔹 Stick-On Magnifying Lenses: If you already own a dive mask, you can add removable stick-on lenses. These are an inexpensive way to convert a regular mask into a reading lens mask.

5. How to Choose the Right Dive Mask with Reading Lenses

When selecting the perfect mask, consider the following factors:

🔹 Diopter Strength: Choose the right magnification based on your vision needs. If unsure, consult an optometrist or test different strengths before purchasing.

🔹 Fit and Comfort: A good mask should create a watertight seal on your face. Look for soft silicone skirts that provide comfort and prevent leaks.

🔹 Lens Type and Visibility: Opt for anti-fog, scratch-resistant coatings to maintain clear vision throughout your dive. Some masks also offer wide-angle lenses for better peripheral vision.

🔹 Frame and Strap Design: A lightweight yet durable frame with an adjustable strap ensures a secure fit, preventing discomfort during long dives.

6. How to Care for Your Dive Mask with Reading Lenses

To extend the life of your mask and maintain optimal clarity, follow these care tips:

✅ Rinse after every dive – Wash with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and debris. ✅ Use anti-fog treatment – Prevent fogging by applying anti-fog solutions or using a mild baby shampoo rinse. ✅ Store in a protective case – Keep your mask in a case to prevent scratches and damage. ✅ Avoid touching the lenses – Oils from your fingers can reduce clarity and attract dust.

7. Conclusion

A dive mask with reading lenses is a game-changer for divers who struggle with near vision. By providing clear, magnified reading zones, these masks enhance underwater safety, comfort, and overall experience. Whether you’re exploring coral reefs, checking your dive computer, or capturing underwater photos, investing in a high-quality reading lens dive mask will make every dive more enjoyable and stress-free.

So, before your next underwater adventure, upgrade your gear and enjoy the clear vision you deserve!

#Dive mask with reading lenses #Custom prescription dive mask

0 notes