Snorkeling offers a stunning view into the underwater world, but those who rely on vision correction often wonder how to see clearly underwater. Wearing contact lenses seems like an easy solution to enjoy marine life without obstruction. However, combining contacts with water activities introduces several risks, leading eye care professionals to caution against the practice. Understanding these potential issues and available alternatives is important for making an informed choice about your eye health.
The Risks of Wearing Contacts While Snorkeling
The primary concern with wearing contact lenses while snorkeling is the potential for severe eye infection from waterborne microbes. Water, whether from the ocean, a lake, or a swimming pool, contains bacteria and parasites that can easily adhere to the soft, porous material of a contact lens. The lens essentially acts as a trap, holding these organisms close to the cornea.
One particularly serious, though rare, risk is infection by the parasite Acanthamoeba, which can cause a condition called Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection targets the cornea and can lead to intense pain, significant vision loss, or even blindness if not treated promptly. Studies show that Acanthamoeba can adhere to the lens surface within seconds of water exposure. Even a well-fitting snorkel mask may leak, allowing water to introduce this risk.
Water exposure also affects the physical fit and comfort of the lens itself. Both freshwater and saltwater can cause soft lenses to change shape by absorbing the water, which may lead to the lens sticking tightly to the cornea or, conversely, loosening and falling out. Trapped contaminants or debris that get under a shifting lens can increase the chance of corneal abrasion or irritation. Hard or rigid gas-permeable lenses carry an even higher risk of dislodgement and are generally not recommended for water sports.
Essential Precautions for Contact Lens Users
For those who decide to wear contacts despite the elevated risks, specific precautions can help mitigate the danger of infection and discomfort. The safest choice is to use daily disposable soft contact lenses for snorkeling. These lenses must be immediately removed and discarded after the activity, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing the chance of microbial buildup.
It is necessary to ensure the snorkel mask forms a tight, reliable seal against your face to minimize water entering the eye area. To check the fit, hold the mask against your face without the strap and inhale gently through your nose; a properly sealed mask should stay suctioned. If the mask floods or is removed underwater for any reason, keep your eyes closed to prevent direct exposure of the lens to the water.
Keeping a spare pair of disposable lenses and a bottle of sterile saline or moisturizing eye drops on hand is prudent. A fresh pair allows for immediate replacement if a lens is lost or exposed to water. Eye drops can help flush out minor irritants and restore comfort.
Prescription Options for Clear Underwater Vision
The safest method for individuals who need vision correction to enjoy snorkeling is to use equipment that eliminates the need for contact lenses entirely. Prescription snorkel masks are a highly recommended alternative that bypasses the risk of waterborne infection. These masks provide crystal-clear underwater vision that is customized to the wearer’s specific refractive error.
There are generally three options for prescription masks, starting with pre-made, corrective lens sets that drop into a standard mask frame. These pre-made lenses are the most affordable option and are available in common diopter increments, typically ranging from -1.5 to -8.0. Custom-made options include bonded lenses, where a corrective lens is glued to the inside of the mask glass, or completely custom-ground lenses.
These alternatives eliminate the dangers of water exposure to the lens and cornea, making them a superior choice for eye health. While a custom mask represents a higher initial investment compared to daily contacts, it is a one-time purchase that offers reliable, worry-free vision for every future underwater adventure.