Discovery Cove -kids glasses and mask?

[luvallprincesses]

My DS6 wears glasses; he is both far sighted and has rather strong astigmatisms. Is he going to be able to fit his glasses under the masks that are provided at Discovery Cove? I hate for him to not be able to see the animals underwater when snorkeling! And how about the dolphin swim? Will he be allowed to wear them then?

If he will not be able to wear them while snorkeling, is it going to be inconvenient to access them again for above-water activities? I guess I'm wondering if I will be putting them in a locker that we can come and go to and from, or leave them with a "beach bag" at a lounge chair? We are leaving in 10 days and this thought just dawned on me.

 

[SmallWorld71]

My DS6 wears glasses; he is both far sighted and has rather strong astigmatisms. Is he going to be able to fit his glasses under the masks that are provided at Discovery Cove? I hate for him to not be able to see the animals underwater when snorkeling! And how about the dolphin swim? Will he be allowed to wear them then?

If he will not be able to wear them while snorkeling, is it going to be inconvenient to access them again for above-water activities? I guess I'm wondering if I will be putting them in a locker that we can come and go to and from, or leave them with a "beach bag" at a lounge chair? We are leaving in 10 days and this thought just dawned on me.

I can't speak specifically for kids, as DD wasn't yet wearing glasses when we went. But DH wore his glasses during the dolphin experience. For the snorkeling, DC has prescription masks. They were not in the regular bag they gave everyone, he had to go to guest services to get them. But, they worked great. He can't see too much without his glasses but did just fine with the prescription mask.

 

[luvallprincesses]

I can't speak specifically for kids, as DD wasn't yet wearing glasses when we went. But DH wore his glasses during the dolphin experience. For the snorkeling, DC has prescription masks. They were not in the regular bag they gave everyone, he had to go to guest services to get them. But, they worked great. He can't see too much without his glasses but did just fine with the prescription mask.

Prescription masks? That would be great. Being just 6 and shy, he's not going to be very good at trying them on until he finds the "right" strength. If I take his Rx with us, will they be able to get him the right mask from that info?

 

[CarolAnnB]

This is from DC's FAQ page. I am not sure what the 1 thru 8 means? It doesn't sound like a regular prescription. Maybe give a call to your eye dr/optometrist before you leave. I wouldn't count on the
person at the counter knowing. My DD was a few years older than him and just tried them on until she found one that was right.

Are prescription masks available at Discovery Cove?
Discovery Cove offers special prescription masks in various strengths (near-sighted: -1 through -8 and far-sighted: 1 through 8) on a first come, first serve basis.

As far as carrying glasses, we went to a dive shop and they had a hard waterproof case with a carabiner on it that was perfect for my dd's glasses. We just clipped it on the vest. Also works great for my DH's hearing aids. Here is an example of what it looks like (I did not order from here, just googled the pic) http://www.thewaterproofstore.com/glassescase.html

My DD wore her glasses on the dolphin swim and was fine. Maybe get him a cord in case they slip off.

 

[luvallprincesses]

This is from DC's FAQ page. I am not sure what the 1 thru 8 means? It doesn't sound like a regular prescription. Maybe give a call to your eye dr/optometrist before you leave. I wouldn't count on the
person at the counter knowing. My DD was a few years older than him and just tried them on until she found one that was right.

Are prescription masks available at Discovery Cove?
Discovery Cove offers special prescription masks in various strengths (near-sighted: -1 through -8 and far-sighted: 1 through 8) on a first come, first serve basis.

As far as carrying glasses, we went to a dive shop and they had a hard waterproof case with a carabiner on it that was perfect for my dd's glasses. We just clipped it on the vest. Also works great for my DH's hearing aids. Here is an example of what it looks like (I did not order from here, just googled the pic) http://www.thewaterproofstore.com/glassescase.html

My DD wore her glasses on the dolphin swim and was fine. Maybe get him a cord in case they slip off.

Thanks for all the great info! I wonder what the 1 through 8 means also?! I called the eye dr today to get his prescription. I will look at it closely to see if something makes sense for those numbers; if not, another call tomorrow. Thanks again!

 

[SmallWorld71]

Prescription masks? That would be great. Being just 6 and shy, he's not going to be very good at trying them on until he finds the "right" strength. If I take his Rx with us, will they be able to get him the right mask from that info?

I am sorry that I don't know the answer to this question as DH just tried his on until he got the right pair. Good luck!

 

[hydrotony]

I used to have a special glasses with frame that fit inside the mask. Ask your eye doctor about them. I had mine made to fit inside respirator masks that I needed to use sometimes for work. Basically, they are just lenses attached to a curved wire that is placed in the mask. Very simple and can be used in a variety of masked equipment.

 

[sanveaz]

1 through 8 is the strength of the lenses. If nearsighted it will be a minus, if farsighted it will be a plus. For example I am farsighted so I have one lens that is a plus 5.75 and the other is a plus 6, so I would probably have to get a +6 to see well in both eyes.
I'm glad I found this thread I didn't know DC had prescription goggles. I usually wear my contacts when I go snorkeling and I hate contacts. This is good news for me for October.

 

[Capt_BJ]

the 1 thru 8 prescriptions are just like the reading glasses at the drug store ... (you are not going to find astig' prescriptions there or at DC ... just too many variables there)

If you can find a pair of $10 reading glasses on the drug store rack that work 'pretty good' just remember that number ...

For example my reading glasses are a +2 . . .

 

[luvallprincesses]

the 1 thru 8 prescriptions are just like the reading glasses at the drug store ... (you are not going to find astig' prescriptions there or at DC ... just too many variables there)

If you can find a pair of $10 reading glasses on the drug store rack that work 'pretty good' just remember that number ...

For example my reading glasses are a +2 . . .

Oh, okay. That would be a much better way to try them out than when we are in a hurry to hit the water. Great suggestion!

 

[Pinkgirl]

This is really handy to know! I am planning on wearing my contact lenses but DH would find a prescription snorkel really useful as he only wears his glasses now.

 

[luvallprincesses]

This is really handy to know! I am planning on wearing my contact lenses but DH would find a prescription snorkel really useful as he only wears his glasses now.

FYI. Did DC today. Took DS6 prescription with us. The team member gave him what he thought would be best to try first, then double checked with another pair, and DS said the first pair was best. His Rx shows a Cylinder of -2.0 and that's what the goggles said on them. Real quick and easy to get them, sign for them, and sign upon returning them at Guest Services (separate from where everyone else will get their gear...go to GS first on the way in!)