The question that often bulges the minds of most new snorkelers is how to snorkel with glasses.
Like it is on the lithosphere, or maybe more so, there lies tremendous beauty underneath water bodies.
Of course, lots of debris lies beneath too. Whether you are an explorer or an enthusiast who seeks to see deep down below while swimming or just a regular swimmer who is learning to make deep dive, it is essential to know how to snorkel with glass to discover, enjoy the sight below and collect data correctly as you see the specimens while staying submerged.
This and more we shall see in this article; so, let’s begin.
Contents
Can you Snorkel with Glasses?
There are common fears among snorkelers when they go snorkeling. And the fear is the fragility of the mask underwater.
It is possible to snorkel with glasses, but until you are experienced enough, the seal to the earpiece risks breaking, which would cause water to start leaking into the glass, thereby causing blurring.
An attempt to take out the earpiece can make the glass more unstable and interrupt vision intermittently. However, there are alternatives to glasses for snorkeling.
How to Snorkel with Glasses in Different Ways to See Underwater
Perhaps, we may have been conditioned to think there are no other ways to see underwater with glasses, especially when we run into trouble like the earpiece seal breaking off and leading to instability of the glass or just when it doesn’t fit well diver’s face.
Here, we shall see different ways to optimize vision while submerged underwater.
01. Relying on Water magnifying properties
Due to the concave nature of water at the surface, rays of light coming from the bottom of the water diverge. This diverging phenomenon cause object from which the light rays emanate to appear bigger than they are.
Water magnifies objects to about 25% of their original sizes. And those with less severe vision impairment can have improved vision when snorkeling underwater.
It must know that visibility on land can reach further distances than it would on water. Therefore we must not think of seeing things from farther distances in water.
But in a few meters from the position we sight in the pool, items will sure appear more significant with the magnifying water surface.
Before thinking to rely on water’s magnifying properties, it would be ideal to try out diving with a snorkel mask and visualize things while submerged.
It will take a few practices to adapt but much easier for some.
However, as soon as you perfect the act of snorkeling without the need for glasses, then you can enjoy the sight beneath.
Pros
It is a very cost-effective method.
It helps the eyes to adapt to water vision without glasses
Cons
it can be an unpleasant experience when starting out
water can get into the eyes and cause discomfort and blurred vision
the eyes can be exposed to infection
02. Using contact lenses
Let’s say you have tried severally to adapt to natural seeing without the use of glasses while snorkeling but were unsuccessful.
Now, it is time to try out the use of contact lenses.
The issue with natural seeing while submerged is; that water enters the eyes, making it unbearable for most snorkelers. The eyes can be sealed with contact lenses, and water is prevented from entering the eyes.
Those making deep dives should avoid contact lenses altogether because the deeper one goes down in the water, the greater the pressure on the lens.
The pressure can compress the lens to touch the eyes and, in some cases, cause it to break if the lens is hard. When such happens, it blurs vision and may lead to other complications.
Those who are comfortable using contact lenses must stick to shallow diving to avoid issues.
Pros
it prevents water from coming into the eyes
it allows for a clear vision
Cons
strictly advised against by medical professionals
can lead to contamination
03. Using bonded lenses
Bonded lenses are an excellent alternative to glasses. One needs to get a snorkel mask and bond a lens over the glasses.
There is no need to replace the glasses on the mask for bonded lenses but rather glue the improved lens over the glass, and the snorkeler is good to go.
However, this alternative can be a bit technical. To achieve success, the lenses have to be cut to the correct size of the mask’s glass and bonded in a way that fits just perfectly.
Anything short of that would cause the snorkeler not to have an entire field of view as intended.
Pros
It gives snorkelers a wide field of view
It doesn’t require pulling off the original lens
Cons
The process is expensive
The glue can diffuse and cause discomfort to the eyes if not properly dried
It can take a longer time to get it done
04. Using prescribed and customized lenses
Using prescribed and customized lenses are yet another excellent alternative for glasses. A common problem with most snorkel glass and masks is that to do not fit well to the diver’s face.
We all have different face shapes and sizes. To avoid wearing a mask and glass that does not fit the face, which could deny proper view, because water will find its way between the glasses;
One can simply send the mask to a divers shop with their prescription lenses to get a customized snorkel mask for themselves.
When it is done, it wouldn’t fit them perfectly and give a wide range of views underwater.
Pros
A perfect fit for a snorkeler’s face
Give a wide range of views underwater
Cons
This option is costly
High skilled professionals are needed to get it done
05. Using Magnifiers
is a quick alternative. All that is required is to get magnifying lenses from a dive store and place them over the original screen.
It is beneficial for those who want to read their screen while diving. The magnifier doesn’t necessarily be glued to the original screen.
Some come with a handle or place over a computer screen to make images bigger.
Pros
It is a cheap alternative
This option does not require an expert to fix
Cons
the choice is not ideal for individuals with severe far sight problem
magnifiers can easily fall off when placed on the original glass while diving
06. Using old pairs of prescription glasses
here, you need to search your stuff to find abandoned prescription glasses. When you find one, place it over the snorkel mask to mark out the position of the eyes.
Cut out the exact spot you marked
Now, get some glue and apply it over the edges.
Stick the glue to the side of the prescription lenses, gently
Please leave it to dry, and you are done.
Pros
it is a quick and cheap option
lenses can be customized to fit perfectly
Cons
cutting requires a high degree of precision
it is technically demanding
07. Using drop-in lens masks
There are masks with replaceable lenses where you can pick up a prescribed lens and drop them in the mask’s eyespots.
It is a quick way to achieve improved vision underwater, but this option is ideal for individuals with either far or near sight issues.
Those with astigmatism do not benefit much from this option.
Pros
Quick and easy
Cost-effective
Cons
Ideal for a selected few
08. Installing integrated lenses
Integrated lenses onto a snorkel mask is a highly specialized option. It looks almost like the bonded lens option, but it is different.
While in bonded lens option, lenses are glued over the original glass. The authentic glasses are replaced entirely with new prescribed ones that best suit the snorkeler in the integrated lens.
The prescribed lenses and snorkel mask are sent to a manufacturer, where they will be reconfigured.
Old glasses are removed and replaced with the snorkeler’s prescribed lens and made in a way that fits the snorkeler as perfectly as it should.
There is no need to worry for those whose vision remains the same over a long period.
Otherwise, the snorkeler may need to change the lenses repeatedly to adapt to their new condition.
Pros
This option is perfect for those with a specific vision condition
It can be used over a long time if the vision remains the same
Cons
This option is costly
It is not a perfect option for those who have dynamic vision conditions
DIY Setup for glasses in snorkeling mask
It is possible to set up glass in a snorkeling mask all by yourself without necessarily needing the help of a technician or a professional. We shall show you the steps on setting up glasses on a snorkeling mask.
Before starting, get the following items/tools
- glue
- screwdriver
- pairs of old glasses
- snorkel mask
Now, let’s begin
- firstly, please put on the mask to make sure it fits perfectly
- remove the stem(earpiece) from old glasses using the screwdriver
- Fit the old pair of glasses into to snorkel mask. Use glue to stick them to the mask
- Wear it on the face and adjust until the glasses are rightly positioned, and you can have a whole field of view
- Allow the glue to stick firmly, and there you go. You have just done it, congratulations!
Alternative to snorkeling with glasses
The aim of putting on glasses when snorkeling is to get clear vision while underwater.
From the knowledge of light in our basic physic, we are meant to understand that glasses and water exhibit almost similar properties to light travel.
When objects are observed from air to water, they thing appears closer to the surface of the water, and this is due to the path of light travel which brings about magnification.
While magnifying lenses aid object magnification and allow snorkelers to see things clearly, things can yet appear magnified even without the need for glasses (lens).
And it is because the water surface would cause objects to look bigger than they appear. Individuals with vision problems can see things clearer in water snorkeling than on land.
Some Important Snorkeling Tips
- Select the suitable snorkeling mask for yourself
- Try them on and adjust using the straps until it fits tightly
- To be sure that there are no leaks, try them in the pool of water
- While trying it, make sure the snorkel tube is in the mouth but don’t dip it into the water just yet
- Place your face in the water gently and at a 45% angle
- Allow your lips to seal around the snorkel and hold it in place
- Using the mouth, breath calmly, and draw the breath deep in but cautiously through the snorkel
- If you are feeling uncomfortable, stay calm, and remember you can always lift your head above the water if you choose
- Remain calm and be cautious of your breath; this way, floating on the water’s surface becomes effortless
- Enjoy the beauty below snorkeling
FAQs Related to How to snorkel with glasses
01. Are there basics to know before embarking on snorkeling, and what are they?
There are sure basics to know before embarking on snorkeling, and some of them are
- Get a mask that fits perfectly
- Use shampoos to defog the mask
- Remove excess water from the mask when necessary
- Use fin on foot to preserve energy when going deep diving
- Always remain calm and well relaxed
02. Is there a time limit for a snorkel in water?
The time limit varies; for more experienced snorkelers, they can stay submerged for approximately 2minutes, but for beginners, it can be between 45 to 1minutes.
But the time limit is also subject to the position one is in water; for surface snorkeling, a snorkeler can stay limitless.
03. Can one go snorkeling alone?
Advisably, snorkelers should go with partners, but for as long as they keep to caution, they can go solo.
04. Can snorkeling be beneficial health-wise?
Snorkeling does have some health benefits, and most importantly, it keeps one fit and health them overcome fear.
05. What type of snorkeling is ideal for beginners?
As a beginner, it would be best to start with dry snorkeling.
06. Is snorkeling safe?
Generally, snorkeling is considered safe as long as snorkelers take all necessary precautions and keep safe limits.
07. Can those who don’t swim snorkel?
Everyone can snorkel, be it an expert or those who have no experience swimming before. All that is needed is to follow the necessary instruction.
Verdict
Snorkeling can be a great experience. It is not an activity that is limited to age. Everyone can snorkel, but before embarking on such an exhibition, one must take time to learn the basics of snorkeling.
It would be best to enroll oneself in driving schools to learn the rudiment of snorkeling underneath the water, as one would derive the absolute pleasure of exploring and diving without fears.
Even so, we have given some information and tips that would be useful for your snorkeling journey.