Why Buy Your Prescription Dive Mask from SportEyes?

Prescription sports eyewear has been our specialty for more than 30 years, and prescription dive masks are one of the areas where our expertise really makes a difference.

Many dive shops and online retailers only offer stock prescription lenses in limited powers. At SportEyes, we specialize in helping customers find the right solution for their unique prescription and diving needs.

Customers choose SportEyes because we offer:

• Custom prescription dive masks
• Stock prescription scuba mask options for common prescriptions
• Higher prescription capabilities 
• Astigmatism correction
• Different prescriptions in each eye
• Bifocal and progressive lens options for reading dive computers and gauges or underwater photography
• Color-enhancing lens options on select brands to enhance colors you loose at depth
• Multiple leading dive mask brands
• Friendly expert advice before you order

Whether you're purchasing your first prescription mask or replacing an older one, our experienced team can help you determine the best solution for your prescription, face shape, and underwater activities.

Stock vs. Custom Prescription Scuba Masks

One of the most common questions we receive is whether a stock prescription mask will work or if a custom prescription is the better choice.

Stock Prescription Masks

Stock prescription masks use pre-manufactured corrective lenses that are available in set power increments.

They're often a good solution for:

• Simple prescriptions
• Divers without significant astigmatism
• Customers looking for a more economical option

These would be something “close to” the prescription, not exact.  If your cylinder column of the prescription is under +/- 1.00, this is a good option.  Vision won’t be perfect but it will allow you to much better than nothing.  Masks typically come in power ranges from +4.00 to -8.00 (sphere power)

Custom Prescription Dive Masks

Custom prescription masks are manufactured specifically for your prescription.

They can often accommodate:

• Different prescriptions in each eye
• Astigmatism correction
• Stronger prescriptions
• Bifocals
• Prism
• More precise vision correction

For customers with more complex prescriptions, custom lenses typically provide the clearest underwater vision. They will correct to the exact prescription just like your everyday eyeglasses do. This includes sphere, cylinder and axis and add numbers of your prescription. 

Bonded (Glue-In) Prescription Lenses

Bonded prescription masks use custom prescription lenses that are permanently bonded to the inside surface of the original dive mask lens.

This is one of the most versatile prescription solutions because it can be used with many popular scuba and snorkeling masks.

Bonded lenses are often recommended for customers who:

• Want to use their existing mask
• Need custom prescription correction
• Have astigmatism
• Need bifocals

Advantages

• Available virtually any glass lens mask
• Custom prescription
• Astigmatism correction available
• Bifocal options available
• Excellent optical performance

Things to Consider

Because a second lens is bonded inside the mask, you may notice a slight edge where the prescription lens meets the original mask lens. Most divers adapt quickly and don't notice it while underwater.

Prescription Insert Systems

Prescription insert systems use a removable prescription carrier that snaps into or mounts inside the dive or snorkel mask.

These systems are especially popular with customers who enjoy multiple water sports because the same prescription insert may be compatible with different masks or goggles within the same product family. Or for those who pack light and want just to bring the prescription insert with them and rent a mask at the resort. 

Advantages

• Prescription insert can often be moved to a new mask if the original wears out
• Easy lens replacement if your prescription changes
• Lower cost option
• Customers wanting progressive lenses for mid range viewing or underwater photography

Specialty Underwater Lens Options

Several of our premium dive mask brands offer specialty lens technologies designed specifically for underwater use.

Color-Enhancing Lenses

Water naturally filters out certain colors as you descend, making underwater scenes appear increasingly blue or green.

Some masks are available with specialty lens options designed to improve underwater viewing, including:

• Magenta lenses to help restore reds, pinks, and purple tones that are naturally filtered out underwater.
• Yellow (MaxVision) lenses designed to improve contrast and visibility in lower-light diving conditions.

These lenses are especially popular with underwater photographers, divers exploring deeper water, and anyone who wants a more vibrant underwater experience.

Underwater Bifocals

Reading a dive computer or pressure gauge underwater requires different optics than reading a book on land.

Some manufacturers, including Seavision, adjust the bifocal power specifically for underwater viewing. Because water changes the apparent viewing distance, these bifocals may seem slightly different when you first try the mask on dry land, but they are designed to provide more natural reading vision while diving.

Need Help Choosing?

Choosing a prescription dive mask can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never purchased one before.

Our team has over 30 years of experience helping customers select prescription sports eyewear, including dive and snorkel masks for everything from vacation snorkeling to technical scuba diving.

If you're unsure whether you need a stock or custom prescription, have astigmatism, wear bifocals, or simply aren't sure which mask is right for you, we're happy to help before you place your order.

Our goal is to make sure you receive a prescription mask that provides clear vision, a comfortable fit, and years of enjoyment underwater.

Additional FAQ

I have astigmatism. Can I still get a prescription dive mask?

Yes. Many of our custom prescription dive masks can correct astigmatism, while most stock prescription masks cannot. If you have astigmatism, a custom prescription mask will usually provide significantly clearer underwater vision.

What's the difference between bonded, direct-glazed, and stock prescription masks?

Different manufacturers use different methods to incorporate prescription lenses into a dive mask. Depending on the brand and your prescription, options may include stock corrective lenses, bonded prescription lenses, or direct-glazed prescription lenses. Our team can explain the advantages of each system and recommend the best choice for your needs.

Can you make prescription dive masks for higher prescriptions?

Yes. One of our specialties is helping customers with higher prescriptions find solutions that may not be available through many local dive shops or general eyewear retailers. Contact us with your prescription, and we'll be happy to discuss the available options.

Suggested Blogs

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Sporteyes Prescription Symbols Guide