Dutch company SeeDeep Diving Optics has introduced an innovative new product to help scuba divers with imperfect vision see more clearly underwater – reading glasses for divers.
Corrective options for vision underwater include prescription lens masks, stick-on modifiers and contact lenses, each of which comes with its own set of pros and cons.
One of the biggest issues is that a single-lens prescription will bring either near or distant objects into focus, but not both.
This means you might be able to see your computer very clearly, but anything more than a few metres away will appear fuzzy – or vice versa.
The most practical solution is reading glasses – or just ‘readers’ – which can be worn for a corrective boost when needed, or kept in a pocket for the rest of the day.
Push-on lenses for dive masks are available to meet this need for bifocal vision, but as they remain fixed in place, they can sometimes get in the way.
SeeDeep has produced the equivalent of readers for scuba divers – a set of lenses that can be worn over the top of the mask when needed, or removed and pocketed when not.
The SeeDeep reading glasses will fit all types of masks, both single and double, framed and frameless, and are easily adjustable to any position over the lens of the mask.
They have soft adhesive pads on either side that are strong enough to prevent the glasses from sliding while being worn, but not enough to fix them permanently into place.
The glasses can be ordered with individual right and left lens strengths from +1.00 to +3.00 dioptres, and are available in 0.25 dioptre increments from +1.00 to +2.00, then +2.50 and +3.00.
The lenses are manufactured from high-quality polycarbonate with an anti-scratch coating. The anodised aluminium frames measure 181mm x 26mm and weigh in at just 25g.
The masks currently come in two colours, blue and anthracite, priced at €69.88 (£60/US$82), which includes the lens combination, two adjustable head straps and a neoprene BCD case.
An optional hard case is available for €7.88
