## Can You Wear Contacts When Scuba Diving?
**Introduction**
Scuba diving is a popular and exciting activity that allows you to explore the underwater world. However, if you wear contacts, you may be wondering if you can wear them while diving.
The answer is yes, you can wear contacts when scuba diving. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a safe and comfortable dive.
## Advantages of Wearing Contacts While Scuba Diving
* **Improved vision:** Contacts can improve your vision underwater, making it easier to see the marine life and your surroundings.
* **Wider field of vision:** Contacts provide a wider field of vision than dive masks, which can be helpful when navigating underwater.
* **Convenience:** Contacts are more convenient than wearing prescription dive masks, which can be expensive and difficult to find.
## Disadvantages of Wearing Contacts While Scuba Diving
* **Risk of infection:** The most significant risk of wearing contacts while scuba diving is the risk of infection. The water in lakes, oceans, and pools can contain bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause eye infections.
* **Fogging:** Contacts can fog up underwater, which can impair your vision.
* **Dryness:** The air inside a dive mask can be dry, which can cause your contacts to become dry and uncomfortable.
## How to Wear Contacts Safely While Scuba Diving
To reduce the risks associated with wearing contacts while scuba diving, follow these tips:
* **Use daily disposable contacts:** Daily disposable contacts are the best option for scuba diving because they are less likely to harbor bacteria than reusable contacts.
* **Insert your contacts before your dive:** Insert your contacts before you put on your dive mask to reduce the risk of water getting into your eyes.
* **Use a contact lens solution:** Carry a contact lens solution with you on your dive to rinse your contacts if they become dry or fogged up.
* **Take breaks from your dive:** Take breaks from your dive every 30-60 minutes to give your eyes a rest and avoid dryness.
* **See your eye doctor regularly:** See your eye doctor regularly for checkups and to make sure your contacts are fitting properly.
## Alternatives to Wearing Contacts While Scuba Diving
If you are not comfortable wearing contacts while scuba diving, there are a few alternatives you can consider:
* **Prescription dive masks:** Prescription dive masks are available from most dive shops. They are custom-made to fit your face and prescription, so they provide clear vision underwater.
* **Mask inserts:** Mask inserts are a type of prescription lens that can be inserted into your dive mask. They are less expensive than prescription dive masks, but they may not be as comfortable.
* **Dive without vision correction:** If you have good enough vision, you may be able to dive without vision correction. However, you will likely need to be closer to the marine life to see it clearly.
## Conclusion
Whether or not you wear contacts while scuba diving is a personal decision. There are both advantages and disadvantages to consider, and you should weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a decision.
If you do decide to wear contacts while scuba diving, follow the tips above to reduce the risks of infection and other problems.
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