## Can You Wear Contact Lenses When Scuba Diving?
If you’re planning on scuba diving and you wear contact lenses, you may be wondering if you can wear them while diving. The answer is yes, you can wear contact lenses when scuba diving, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
### What Type of Contact Lenses are Best for Scuba Diving?
Not all types of contact lenses are suitable for scuba diving. Soft contact lenses are not ideal because they can absorb water and become dislodged. Hard contact lenses, also known as gas permeable contact lenses, are a better choice for scuba diving. They are more durable and less likely to absorb water.
### Contact Lens Risks When Scuba Diving
There are a few risks associated with wearing contact lenses while scuba diving, including:
* ** Corneal abrasions:** Scuba diving can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated, which can increase your risk of developing corneal abrasions.
* ** Eye infections:** Wearing contact lenses while scuba diving can increase your risk of developing eye infections, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis.
* ** Loss of contact lenses:** It is possible to lose a contact lens while scuba diving. If this happens, it is important to surface and retrieve the lens as soon as possible.
### Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses When Scuba Diving
If you are planning on wearing contact lenses while scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks:
* **Use hard contact lenses:** Hard contact lenses are less likely to absorb water and become dislodged than soft contact lenses.
* **Wear a dive mask with a corrective lens:** This will help to correct your vision and reduce the risk of corneal abrasions.
* **Use artificial tears:** Artificial tears can help to keep your eyes moist and reduce the risk of irritation.
* **Be aware of the risks:** Understand the risks of wearing contact lenses while scuba diving and take steps to minimize them.
### Conclusion
Yes, you can wear contact lenses when scuba diving, but it is important to take precautions to minimize the risks. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that your scuba diving experience is safe and enjoyable.
### Frequently Asked Questions
* **Can I wear prescription dive masks?**
Yes, you can wear prescription dive masks. These masks are available with a variety of corrective lenses, so you can find one that is right for your vision.
* **How do I choose the right contact lenses for scuba diving?**
The best type of contact lenses for scuba diving are hard contact lenses. These lenses are more durable and less likely to absorb water than soft contact lenses.
* **What are the risks of wearing contact lenses while scuba diving?**
The risks of wearing contact lenses while scuba diving include corneal abrasions, eye infections, and loss of contact lenses.
* **How can I minimize the risks of wearing contact lenses while scuba diving?**
You can minimize the risks of wearing contact lenses while scuba diving by using hard contact lenses, wearing a dive mask with a corrective lens, using artificial tears, and being aware of the risks.
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