Optical Masks?

[Olaf]

I'm blind as a bat. We're planning on going snorkeling and I'd like to bring my own optical mask. I don't even know where to begin. Any suggestions? Websites? Masks? Etc? Thank you!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I'm blind as a bat. We're planning on going snorkeling and I'd like to bring my own optical mask. I don't even know where to begin. Any suggestions? Websites? Masks? Etc? Thank you!

Any scuba shop can help you

 

[CandyMandy]

Just be ready to open your checkbook very wide.

 

[tvguy]

If you are snorkeling through an excursion, you might try and find out if they provide masks with corrections. Every organized snorkeling trip I have been on had those available.
As others have posted, any dive shop should be able to get them made for you. I have no idea the cost. I do know that regular eyeglass prices have gone through the roof. It's all a scam. I have vision insurance now, and my glasses cost $900, the insurance paid $400, my out of pocket was $500. Five years ago, BEFORE I had insurance, the same type of lense and prescription and similar frames cost $350 total

 

[lucyddr]

My eye doc recommended wearing a standard mask with disposable contacts. He is an avid scuba diver himself and he states that the prescription masks make him feel as though he is "swimming in a fish bowl." Just an FYI...

 

[orlandothebeagle]

In the uk I got one for my dn at an opticians, they sent away for it.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Just be ready to open your checkbook very wide.

I got a good quality mask with lenses for $140 ish last year not to bad but then again I dive or snorkel numerous time a year

Rob

 

[mmmagic7754]

i am also blind as a bat but have never had a problem when i snorkel. Almost like the water acts as a lens

 

[wmjivey]

Okay, I am blind as a bat, I don't enjoy regular masks, I don't want to spend a zillion dollars on a prescription mask due to the fact I only get wet once a year and I am a CHEAP SOB. So what did I do? I bought Body Glove optic mask for $60 it comes in mild, medium and strong. I use strong, the lense is a +5 or 6 but it works great! You fellow bats can also buy optical swim goggles in various powers for $10 What a deal

The Man

 

[aprince&princess]

I ordered one online thru snorkel mart last year befoe our disney cruise. Depending on which mask you picked the extra cost was $15-$25 for each side. I think the mask was orginally $30 or $35.

 

[Olaf]

Thanks for all your replies!

 

[krisces]

Have you seen the website for Aqua Goggles?? Don't know how they are but saw them on a discussion board a while ago. They don't have all prescriptions but the goggles are only $23.95! This site is aquagoggles.com


Good Luck!!!

 

[Anal Annie]

I have an RX mask and will not snorkel w/o it. I've seen posts where people say the water magnifies but I've never found that to be. It's pretty darn scary out there in deep water when you can't see - esp. if you get separated from your spouse / family and you end up alone and not able to find someone you know. I could never be the one to take pix or see what we'd paid to see on the excursion. My DH would be like "Did you see the Barracuda" or "Did you see that" and I would be like NO! I stopped wearing contacts back in the early 90's 'cuz my eyes were too dry so that wasn't really an option to go & buy all over again either.

I bought my first RX mask in like 1995 or '96. One corner of one of the lenses got chipped somehow and it started leaking so I bought another one a few years ago. I go to a local dive shop - just take a copy of your most recent RX. You just need to ask them to only show you masks that they can replace the lens in. (Some may not be compatible for them to replace the lenses.) Try them on & make sure you get one that fits properly. You will pay the price of the mask + a fee for the lenses themselves. A large dive shop should have no trouble fitting you for a reasonable amount. I think I probably paid somewhere around $120 total for my last one. It's been worth every penny.