The best Prescription Dive Masks we've tested:
We've tested over 21 different prescription scuba masks in the past 4 years. Below are our top recommendations for great prescription masks:
Our writers and editors look for the best Prescription Dive Masks available. We test, research, and review the best products in different categories with a focus on quality, performance, and the overall value for the price.
A prescription scuba mask levels the visual playing field underwater. Even divers who need bifocals can get the right lens–lenses that match their prescription glasses.
Yet your dive shouldn’t be spoiled because you’re constantly squinting to focus on the reef or struggling to read your gauge or dive computer. Or both.
Many reputable companies now offer the option of having corrective lenses or inserts bonded into a scuba mask, but there are also certain masks that can easily have the entire lens switched out with a prescription glass. That all depends on the prescription of course.
Check out some of the really workable options below:
All the Prescription Dive Masks We've tested
Where to buy Promate Spectrum Prescription Dive Mask:
GetWetStore
The Spectrum is an expensive prescription dive mask that’s best for near-sighted divers.
It’s a medium-sized, generic prescription pair with a low profile and easy-to-use straps.
A bonded lens fits almost flush on the tempered glass, with no distortion experienced. A bit of toothpaste or anti-fog juice does enough to ensure no build-up of condensation on the inside.
This is a great secondary mask, but it’s also good enough to be a primary mask. Especially given its travel-friendly profile and, honestly, how surprisingly comfortable they are.
As an entry-level prescription dive mask, the affordability of this one ordered through the Get Wet Store makes it a very ideal option to try for myopic divers in particular. It’s also great for snorkeling.
- Near-Sighted: -1.00 - -10.00
- Far-Sighted: +1.00 - +4.50
- Skirt Seal Size: Medium face (Width 4 ½ inches x Height 3 ¼ inches)
- Buckles : Swivel
- Bifocals: No
Things we like:
-
Bonding is seamless -
Soft, reliable silicone seal
-
Low profile mask good for traveling or as a secondary
-
Lens quality works without distortion
Things we don't like:
-
No half prescription lenses or bifocals
Where to buy Promate Spectrum Prescription Dive Mask:
GetWetStore
Where to buy ScubaPro Zoom with Prescription lenses:
GetWetStore
A fantastic prescription mask from ScubaPro, the Zoom mask with prescription lenses provides snorkelers with a reliable and suitable tear-drop mask for underwater exploring.
The Zoom is an is a low volume dual-lens mask with a lense changing system that makes it easy for you to change lenses later on. This mask will fit comfortably on medium to large faces and is a great option for snorkelers who want a reliable and durable mask that is easy to use.
The mask itself is high quality and well built, giving you a mask that’ll last for years.
- Nearsighted: -1.0 to -10.0
- Farsighted: +1.0 to +4.5 (in 0.5 diopter increments
Things we like:
-
Perfect fit on medium to large faces
-
Large field of vision
-
Easy to use
-
Highly Durable
-
The integrated buckles makes adjustments easy underwater
-
Easy to change lenses yourself later on
Things we don't like:
-
High price
Where to buy ScubaPro Zoom with Prescription lenses:
GetWetStore
Where to buy Promate Scope Prescription:
GetWetStore
The Promate Scope corrective mask is great for divers and snorkelers alike. It’s best for you if you have a small to medium-sized face. There are plenty of options for people who are nearsighted or need a bifocal lens, but it has the most lens options for people having trouble focusing on nearby objects.
The Promate Scope is a low-volume mask, making it easier to clear out the water and setting the lens closer to your eyes, which increases the view. It has a liquid silicone strap and skirt for extra comfort and fit.
There are lots of different colors to choose from and a wide range of lens strengths available, making them versatile and suitable for most snorkelers and divers.
- Farsighted: +1.0 to +5.0
- Nearsighted: -1.0 to -10.0
- Bifocal: +1.0 to +4.0
Things we like:
-
High quality at a fair price
-
Comfortable & soft siicone mask skirt
-
Low volume
-
Very Affordable
-
Many different prescriptions options available
-
Lots of color options avalible
Things we don't like:
-
The bifocal separation line is very thick
-
Not for larger faces sizes
Where to buy Promate Scope Prescription:
GetWetStore
Where to buy Apeks VX1 From Prescription Dive Mask:
prescription-dive-mask.com
Getting the right fitting mask with the right prescription lenses seems daunting. It isn’t.
A mask with custom-cut lenses from the aptly named Prescription Dive Mask company simplifies the process and makes it possible to get the prescription that most closely matches one’s needs.
Get your exact prescription, including for astigmatism and bifocals, as the lenses are made from scratch.
It will be a little more expensive, but you’ll see that it’s worth it as soon as you look into the water. Our tester had distance lenses in an Apeks VX1, low profile dive mask. The clarity was amazing, and the distortion or disruption to the field of view was minimal.
It was like upgrading to a premium pair of glasses after using an old pair with an outdated prescription for years. Good service and support from Prescription Dive Mask and an even better experience seeing clearly underwater.
- Near-sighted: -0.25 to -15.0
- Far-Sighted: 0.25 to 8.0
- Bifocals: Yes
- Astigmatism: Yes
Things we like:
-
Quality is clear from first use
-
Customize the size of lens insert to your prescription
-
Service and support are top notch with WhatsApp communication
-
Hand-made for prescription quality
Where to buy Apeks VX1 From Prescription Dive Mask:
prescription-dive-mask.com
Where to buy Wave Myopia Prescription Mask:
Amazon
The fit is great and the frame is sturdy. The Wave Prescription Myopia is a reliable mask that’s both robust and travel-friendly.
Wave Sports has been a popular choice for corrective scuba masks for a number of years but their latest mask here is an industry game-changer with its Anti-fog Tempered Glass. The mask itself comes in a wide variety of colors and either black or clear silicone.
- Full range of near and farsighted lenses available as well as bifocal options.
Things we like:
-
Simple yet functional design
-
Lenses come pre-installed. No DIY
-
Fits most face sizes including narrow
-
Great value for money
Things we don't like:
-
The nose pocket runs on the smaller side.
Where to buy Wave Myopia Prescription Mask:
Amazon
Related Reviews
What to Consider When Buying a Prescription Scuba Mask
As scuba divers, we want to see all the beauty that’s below the surface. Prescription masks offer you crystal-clear vision without any hassle.
Do I Need a Prescription Scuba Mask?
As divers, we’re aware that when we wear a mask, everything looks 25 percent closer and larger because of refraction. If you wear glasses on land that only correct your sight by a small amount, you may not need a prescription mask.
As a general rule of thumb, if you require glasses to drive then you should correct your vision for diving. The exception to this rule is if you use reading glasses. You may not need them for driving, but you will need some correction so that you can read your gauges and dive computer.
Premade or Custom-Made?
When buying a prescription mask, you need to order the correct corrective lens based on your current glasses or contact lens prescription. Masks usually come with premade lenses available in optical factor increments of 0.5. If your prescription is +3.75, you have to decide whether to order +3.5 or +4.0.
Ordering custom-made lenses means that you do not have to make the decision to go higher or lower. They are tailored to your exact prescription requirements. However, this comes at a price as custom-made prescription masks are always more expensive.
For recreational divers, the premade lens option will be more than sufficient to have you seeing clearly underwater. If you are a diving professional and in the water more regularly, then you may want to consider investing in custom-made lenses.
Bifocal Lenses
Known as gauge readers, these lenses are for those who need help when reading. They are plain glass with a small corrective area in the lower section of the window. This is where you look when glancing down at your gauges or computer. Bifocal lenses may take some getting used to when you first start using them, but they are worth it in the end.
Tempered Glass
Finally, be sure to buy a mask with tempered glass. You don’t want to make the mistake of buying a prescription snorkel mask that won’t stand up to the increased pressure at depth.
Prescription Mask or Contact Lenses?
In the past, divers with poor eyesight could only enjoy the underwater realm while wearing contact lenses under their masks. This is a simple, cheap option but is it really practical?
Contact lenses seem like a good option. But what happens if your mask floods? To avoid losing your lenses, you have to dive with your eyes closed, even if momentarily. And if you do lose your lenses, the rest of your dive will be a blur.
Soft contacts are also known to absorb some of the chemicals used in defogging agents which can cause irritation. They also increase your chances of contracting an infection if bacteria in the water gets trapped under your lens.
Some divers do prefer lenses and a regular mask, for others, a prescription dive mask is far preferable.
Prescription Swim Mask Vs. Prescription Scuba Mask
There is a very good reason why myopic and presbyopic divers should buy a prescription scuba mask instead of a prescription swimming mask. A swimming mask completely seals around the eyes only. A diving mask seals around the eyes but also encloses the nose.
As you go deeper, pressure affects the air pockets in the mask, squeezing it against your face. With the nose enclosed in the mask, divers can exhale, adding extra air to the pocket and equalizing the pressure. If you were at depth with a swimming mask, the squeeze would cause extreme pain.
Prescription swim masks may seem like a cheaper option but they are definitely not a good choice for divers. For more information on what to look for when buying a mask for scuba diving, check out our full guide.
Looking for a Frameless Prescription Mask for Scuba Diving?
If you need a prescription mask, you’re better off with a framed design as there are more options out there. But if you’ve got your heart set on a frameless prescription mask, there are two specialist US-based manufacturers that we know of: Scuba Optics, and Prescription Dive Masks.
Before we wrap things up, we’d also like to give a shout out to the Tusa Liberator+. It’s a good, reliable mask and a dive center favorite. Lenses for it can be purchased separately here.
If your prescription scuba mask has given you the clear view you always dreamed of we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with us in the comments below.
Frequently asked questions
The average costs of prescription masks vary, but you should expect to pay around $200 for a basic prescription, with the price going up for high-powered corrections and bifocals.
In the past, divers with poor eyesight could only enjoy the underwater realm while wearing contact lenses under their masks. This is a simple, cheap option but is it really practical?
- Contact lenses seem like a good option. But what happens if your mask floods? To avoid losing your lenses, you have to dive with your eyes closed, even if momentarily. And if you do lose your lenses, the rest of your dive will be a blur.
- Soft contacts are also known to absorb some of the chemicals used in defogging agents which can cause irritation. They also increase your chances of contracting an infection if bacteria in the water gets trapped under your lens.
- Some divers do prefer lenses and a regular mask, for others, a prescription dive mask is far preferable.
Or read our guide on Diving With Contact Lenses
As divers, we’re aware that when we wear a mask, everything looks 25 percent closer and larger because of refraction. If you wear glasses on land that only correct your sight by a small amount, you may not need a prescription mask.
As a general rule of thumb, if you require glasses to drive then you should correct your vision for diving. The exception to this rule is if you use reading glasses. You may not need them for driving, but you will need some correction so that you can read your gauges and computer.
The best Prescription Dive Masks is the one that fits your needs best.There are a few that we highly recommend though, check out these:
- Promate Optical Corrective Dive Mask
- Promate Pro Slender Purge Mask and Snorkel Combo Set (Snorkeling Mask)
- Tilos Universal
- IST Search
To read our full reviews of each Prescription Dive Masks and find out why we like them, just follow the links above.
Back
Comments
Thank you for posting this and sharing your insights. This helps me to decide well.
Hi ilm after a good Quality mask with prescription lenses fitted.
Right eye Plano sphere with a cylinder of – 4 & an axis of 1.
Left eye ” ” ” ” ” ” – 4.75 & an axis of 5
Depending on where you are in the world, the prescription-dive-mask.com option will match your prescription best, especially if you want to correct for the astigmatism. I’m not an optometrist, but you can reach out to those guys, as they have one on staff. For me, I’ve a slight astigmatism and have also been satisfied (to a lesser degree maybe) with simple -1.5 & -1.0, even though I have a -1.5 & -1.25. That’s where the less expensive mask at the top makes a great extra prescription scuba mask.
Hi Diane,
Oh no, it’s the worst way to end a dive buy dropping the most important piece of gear.
For a replacement, and if you’re looking for a more personal approach, you can visit prescriptiondivemasks.com they also have a physical shop.
Thanks good article. In May 2018 I purchased Palantic Bifocal Black gauge reader mask for farsighted power +2.00 I purchased through Amazon and going back in history I have found the purchase but unable to “buy again “ :(. I really liked the cause I know the fit,,,so while finally getting in the water at a quarry not far from home I lost my mask and because I am not computer literate ,so it seems, can’t find the replacement or a site to make contact with a human to put in an order. I am going diving ,I hope, in Dec.
since I read this article I thought I would reach out to see if you had a reliable connection ,or at least would answer me back.
I need a bifocal type ,I thought I’d go to +2.50 this time ,no prescription yet because eyes are still changing.
I do hope to get words back from you, thanks.
Thank you
Do they make masks up to -18?
Do they make a progressive scuba mask like they make progressive lens? I am farsighted and I have a mask with bifocals 1.5 correction but having some difficulty with reading my compass when I am holding it in front of me. Suggestions?
I have an atomic dive mask i didnt like the prescription was made it was a piece of lense that was attached to the mask lense
it was badly done can this mask be turned into better prescription dive mask?
Is there anywhere in the UK that offers custom prescription masks?
Yes, or at least it was possible at some point, not sure if it still is.
Can scubapro crystal vu masks be made with prescription lenses?
Looking for astigmatisms correction as well. What would you recommend?
Tqvm ! The article helped me a lot .