Bi-focul mask lenses

Now I know this has been covered in the past and I only had a cursory glance because I didn't think I had a problem.

But (and I think this is a common phenominum) at 100 yards I can see a mosquito sitting on a leaf, if it would only turn round I could tell what sex it is.

Then when I look at my watch to see the time I have to squint and concentrate to see where the little hand is pointing, forget the date I've got no chance.

There must be loads of divers out there with the same problem. What do I do?

Get a bigger watch / Dive computer or try to get some Bi-foculs for my mask.

I wear glasses for reading only and if I try to walk about or god forbid drive in them I'm going to be in real trouble.

So.... whats available and whats the best solution.

Prescription bi-focul lenses, stick on lenses, a magnifying lens or a Labrador puppy

Nige

Now I know this has been covered in the past and I only had a cursory glance because I didn't think I had a problem.

But (and I think this is a common phenominum) at 100 yards I can see a mosquito sitting on a leaf, if it would only turn round I could tell what sex it is.

Then when I look at my watch to see the time I have to squint and concentrate to see where the little hand is pointing, forget the date I've got no chance.

 

There must be loads of divers out there with the same problem. What do I do?

Get a bigger watch / Dive computer or try to get some Bi-foculs for my mask.

 

I wear glasses for reading only and if I try to walk about or god forbid drive in them I'm going to be in real trouble.

 

So.... whats available and whats the best solution.

 

Prescription bi-focul lenses, stick on lenses, a magnifying lens or a Labrador puppy

Nige

Your solution depends upon your vanity. Prescription bifocal mask is a very good option. Depending upon where you live their are a number of options. I love mine.

secretsea-can you say where you got yours. I have a similar problem as was considering a prescription mask. I'm in the USA.

Invest in really good lenses in a mask you know well fits your face.

I have a group of pensioners who are mad into macro, many of them have invested in good masks and at 70 plus years old they can find and film tiny critters. A good mask will really make your diving so much more fun, you can also buy a decent magnifying lens as well!

Some TUSA masks are available with replacement lenses. I recently bought a Splendive II with off the shelf bi-focals and I'm very satisfied with it.

I bought mine in the UK but I'm sure you can find a dealer in the US.

Some TUSA masks are available with replacement lenses. I recently bought a Splendive II with off the shelf bi-focals and I'm very satisfied with it.

 

I bought mine in the UK but I'm sure you can find a dealer in the US.

Yes, Tusa lenses are available either as a single corrective or a bi-focal. I really need the bi-focal but for the moment get away with the cheaper single +1.5 lenses and compromise far distance for being able to read my watch. The vis is seldom good enough to worry about it anyway.

You do need to adjust the dioptre setting on the camera viewfinder to compensate before getting wet. Its a bit of a pain when its set up for topside photography and you forget to readjust for the effect of your mask before putting into the housing.

secretsea-can you say where you got yours. I have a similar problem as was considering a prescription mask. I'm in the USA.

Yes, I got mine from this optician in NY back when I lived in Arkansas. Call him and discuss your requirements. I had the "closeup/magnifiers" put in to about !/2 of the way up the mask from the lower part of the lens. He didn't really want to do that, but it was perfect. They were sent back to me right away, and I use that mask as my primary one, and have another company's as a backup that has the half moon shaped ones near the nose (totally worthless in my opinion) as I can't see anything with them.

Good luck

Hi

I am not sure if this will help , not knowing much about eyesite but there is a mask avaliable that you cannot wear if your eyesight is good , it has to be near sighted

on the website it says 'magic bi-focal' effect for near sighted problems

have a look at

http://www.hydrooptix.com/

and

http://www.hydrooptix.com/ps_45dd_vision_guide.html

its the Mega Double Dome mask

makes you wish your eyes are bad!!

hope this helps

vinny

sorry i looked at the site comparison chart and you are saying that your long sited , sorry the part about 'magic bi-focals' misled me

interesting idea thou

I have been using these guys Custom Prescription Masks for years.

They ship world wide with fast turn around times.

Now I know this has been covered in the past and I only had a cursory glance because I didn't think I had a problem.

But (and I think this is a common phenominum) at 100 yards I can see a mosquito sitting on a leaf, if it would only turn round I could tell what sex it is.

Then when I look at my watch to see the time I have to squint and concentrate to see where the little hand is pointing, forget the date I've got no chance.

 

There must be loads of divers out there with the same problem. What do I do?

Get a bigger watch / Dive computer or try to get some Bi-foculs for my mask.

 

Call Linda at prescriptiondivemasks.com they can put prescription lenses bifocals etc in almost any mask. I have three of their masks (as you get older the prescriptions will change) and they are fast and do great work.

Hey Vinny,

Have you actually tried one of those hydro optix masks? I probably wouldn't like it as I'm a black mask kinda guy. I don't the glare that comes in from the sides of clear silicon masks.

I'd be more tempted to go with something that mnay others use regularly!

Hi graham

no never tried one , i watched a video on the site and the mask they were showing was massive , trying to look thru a viewfinder might be a bit of a mission

they also do prescription 'normal' masks and bi-focals

like you say better listen to people who use them

vinny

Check out this Gage-Reader mask, that already has built in 1.5 lenses at the bottom. I saw one at my local dive shop, and I think it will work great for reading my gauges.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Printable/XSSMF2G.html

I think it comes in a black skirt too, and different colors

Have you actually tried one of those hydro optix masks? I probably wouldn't like it as I'm a black mask kinda guy. I don't the glare that comes in from the sides of clear silicon masks.

I think the Hydro Optic mask comes in a black skirt too, and is smaller in size, than the prototype unit that the video shows people using in the pool.

Thanks for all those good suggestions info.

I have had to use bi focal masks for some time. The best one I have ever had came directly from Atomic. My dealer sent a copy of my perscription to Atomic and they delivered a mask with my perscription already in place.

Regards;

Vettediver

If you have a mask that you like, just contact: http://www.prescriptiondivemasks.com/

Linda has done four masks of mine with “executive style readers†or you can go for the smaller “bifocals†to read just gauges and they do a great job.