Prescription Freediving Mask

[clavinr]

I'm trying to buy a prescription freediving mask like Omer Abyss or Sporosub Samurai. I know that some will take prescription lenses, but cannot find a dealer who sells them. Anybody know of one on the internet?

[needgills]

Clav:

I been thinking about getting lenses for my Omer Abyss. I'm near-sighted and the vis is rarely better than my vision is bad, so I really want the lenes for warm, clear water places. Don't know of an online source, but my friends at Ocean State Scuba can order the masks or any lenses you may need at a fair price. Perscription lenses are kind of a custom item - I guess that's why you can't find them online... Ask for Dan or Dave and tell them you are a friend of mine. (On second thought they may charge you double for being a friend of mine!) :cool:

Ocean State Scuba
(800)933-DIVE
http://www.oceanstatescuba.com/

[Chad Carney]

Contact Drew or Charley at Seavision, they're vision specialists and major spearfishing & Spearboard sponsors.

http://seavisionusa.com/

Chad

[thecrab87]

I'm trying to buy a prescription freediving mask like Omer Abyss or Sporosub Samurai. I know that some will take prescription lenses, but cannot find a dealer who sells them. Anybody know of one on the internet?

I sent Mark Labocetta an e-mail about this back when I was looking for prescription lenses for my Abyss. At the time, you could only get prescription lenses for Omer masks direct from Omer. No problem, they arrived quickly and I was able to install them myself in about five minutes.

[needgills]

Chad has a really good point - Seavision seems like the way to go if you need or want a special or specific prescription and/or if you want amber or other color-correcting lenses. I looked into them when I was thinking about it a while ago, but I decided it was not worth the cost. I did notice that they have come out with a abyss/samurai/ochio-style mask for free divers...

Again my slightly near-sighted vision isn't so bad -- in 20 foot vis I'm all set even without rx lenses. I do wonder what difference it would make in clear water.

As I recall, the pop-in Omer lenses are much cheaper, but only available in even diopters. ...and as thecrab87 can attest - easy to install. If your prescription is straightforward (no stigmatism - did I spell that right?), I'm sure any Omer dealer (like the RI one I mentioned) can provide pre-made lenses at even diopters - if that's all you need.

Let us know how it works out.

[clavinr]

Thanks for the info...

I tried contacts...my eyes were always itchy and sensative to light, seawater either rubbed in or splashed on seemed to make it worse.

I bought a genisis mask with lenses installed from Diver's Discount...cheap money and a nice setup for scuba...but for the freedive course I am going to want a freedive mask. (The genisis is clear silicone, which you end up with alot of shadows and ghosts, so I'm looking for black or green or brown or anything else!)

Joe, I find that I don't need the perscription so much underwater, but when I am looking for the beach I swam from, or the kayak I anchored, I need the lenses!

Thank you for all the help! I'll let you know how I made out.

[needgills]

I hear ya...

I usually have a pair of glasses on my kayak - I have a geeky little neoprene case that I clip off to my backrest. If its a shore dive, well I just make do...

[clavinr]

:cool:
I do exactly the same thing...I even keep a geekier pair (tape holding them together) in my glovebox in case I lose those also.

I should probably just break down and get my eyes fixed, pretty blind. I must have spent to much time on the bikini section...after I get my eyes done, I'll do something abouth these hairy palms.

PS nice pic of the tog...it makes me drool!

[needgills]

Lucky for me my eyes aren't so bad (despite the bikini section). At this point surgery isn't worth it to me. I've know a few people including divers that have had surgery and are very happy with it. I'm sure there's a thread somewhere dealing with peoples experiences.

Took that picture off of Narragansett last year - I had shipped my guns to Key West, so I was limited to photos... It's nice when togs give you a broadside with the targeting spot! I've been thinking about getting a little suction cup gun and shooting at the screen while waiting for the warmer weather. :rolleyes:

[florfreediver]

Hi,
We can supply Omer (Abyss & Asia) and Cressi (Focus & Bigeye) masks with prescription lenses. Typically takes less than a week to procure.
Regards,
Mike Damms.
Florida Freedivers

[Magnum166]

It may not be ideal for spearfishing, but Body Glove sells an off-the-shelf prescription mask in three different strengths for us near-sighted spearos for about $60 from LeisurePro. It's not the lowest volume mask, and they are clear silicone, but I tried one on in the store and was surprised at how much I was sacrificing without inserts in my current mask. I too have a correction that is weak enough that I haven't bought inserts but still struggle a little to get back to unfamiliar beaches. I thought I would give one a try - it's on the way. We'll see...

[clavinr]

Flor freediver, how much for an aybss with +2.75 lenses in both eyes?

Magnum, thanks for the heads up. If you can stay away from clear, I would. My current mask is clear, and in limited vis I get alot of ghosts in my peripheral vision...it may not be an issue in water with better vis. We usually get from 10-15 feet vis on a good day. The price is unbelievable! You'll enjoy having the corrected vision.

[florfreediver]

Hi Clavinr,
Florida Freedivers retails the Abyss (black/black) for $45
The corrective lenses go for $36 each.
Unfortunately the standard lenses go up in 0.5 increment so we can only get +2.5 or 3.0.
The 2.75 is not available :>(
Regards,
Mike

[clavinr]

Thank you Mike. I think I'll go the eye doctor and try to narrow down which is best. I'll get back to you ASAP. I can't wait to try it out. Like I said, my mask is nice for scuba...but for the Freedive Course, and next season I want something better. :cool:

How much is S&H? I found one for 35, but if you have the whole package I'l go with you.

[florfreediver]

HI Clavinr,
Something I need to clear up. All the lenses available are minus values not plus values.
I originally quoted you "plus 2.5" This should have been minus 2.5.
I slipped up here and need to confirm with you that your requirment is actually plus 2.5?
I do not believe that the plus values are available. However, I must confess to being ignorant in optics! Both Omer and Cressi sell minus value lenses.
BTW If you push the deal our way, we will throw in free shipping.
Regards,
Mike.

[clavinr]

Hmmm, maybe they are??? I'll have to check. I'll get back to you later in the day.

[promethean_spar]

Glad my vision's good. My poor wife will need a corrected mask from the getgo. I brought her ab diving one time and said "just follow the floatline down to the abalone, and pop him off!" She asked "what floatline!"

Guess I didn't realize how blind she is, I tried though...

[clavinr]

He he.

I found the perfect woman, certified diver...very little short term memory...every time we get in an argument I say "like you have the memory" the defense rests! However her eysight is too good..."it looks like your hairline is receding"

What the hell is that on your lap?

[clavinr]

Mike, you are right my correction is -2.75...all of sudden I can see better. I'll just oder from the website. Thank you. Can't wait to try it out!

[clavinr]

Mike, I'm going to order the mask today. with -2.50

[Chad Carney]

(The genisis is clear silicone, which you end up with alot of shadows and ghosts, so I'm looking for black or green or brown or anything else!)
Joe, I find that I don't need the perscription so much underwater, but when I am looking for the beach I swam from, or the kayak I anchored, I need the lenses!

Right, masks for hunting should have clear skirts... ever see a clear eye-cup on a camera, binoculars, etc.?

Diopter only correction rarely solves a vision problem 100%.
Maybe it's ok if you only want to see fair underwater, but for me I want to be able to pick out fish in camo-mode, or pick up the subtlest movement by pelagics in a school of bait. I also need close up vision to read my computer at a glance. Anything less than perfect vision doesn't cut it!!

Proper Rx lenses should be provided by a professional.
Seavision can handle + & - lenses at more than twice the power of any other provider I've seen. They fit your exact Rx, not just the closest even diopter. Astigmatism and bifocal correction also. Lenses are made from clear, amber or color corrective polycarbonate, much lighter and stronger than glass. They have an excellent freedive mask of their own called the SeaShadow, or can put lenses in the best masks by anyone else.
Did I mention "major spearfishing sponsor" of multiple tournaments? (They shoot too!)

If you can't see 'em, you can't shoot 'em!

http://www.seavisionusa.com/

Chad

[clavinr]

Thank you Chad, good advise, just a little pricy for me.

[Freedro]

Personally, I was not happy with the distorted peripheral vision of a prescription faceplate. I prefer Johnson & Johnson 1-Day Acuvue disposable contact lenses. They are mostly water, so comfort is greatly increased. They are something like $1 apiece, so at the end of the day you just chuck them in the trash. I am actually allergic to the protein in my own tears, so for years I could not wear contact lenses. I tried every kind imaginable, but the protein build-up on the lenses made them unwearable after about 2 days. With the disposables I have been in complete comfort for 8 years now, and it beats the hell out of wearing glasses. I have extra pairs stashed everywhere - on my boat, in my dive bag, in my truck. If a lens ever becomes uncomfortable (an extremely rare circumstance) I just chuck it and pop a new one in. BTW, I am about 3 times as blind as you, so loss of a lens would be pretty bad. The high water content lenses fit really well and are pretty difficult to accidentally wash out of the eye.

[Chad Carney]

Feedro,

I wish I could wear them, but it felt like sharp sticks in my eyes for over an hour and a half trying them. I was determined to get the hang of them, but I finally gave up.

Then I went to a big time 7 world patents Lasik guy. Guess what....far sighted people have to have the most complicated surgery, even for a lousy +1.25 & + 1.75 Rx. Not just a little off the top...dig a damn mote all the way around your lense to make it more convexed.

I never wore glasses for 45 years. Now I hate the damn things!
My Seavision mask is a breeze by comparison to the fr!ck!ng four eyes above water bullsh!t!!! Salt spray, fog, sweat...aaarrrggghh!!!!

Chad

[Freedro]

I never wore glasses for 45 years. Now I hate the damn things!
My Seavision mask is a breeze by comparison to the fr!ck!ng four eyes above water bullsh!t!!! Salt spray, fog, sweat...aaarrrggghh!!!!
Chad

Roger that, Chad.

[clavinr]

Same here. Conacts make me to sensitive to light, dust and salt water feels like sand in your eyes. Glasses are a major pain in the butt.

[clavinr]

I ordered a Omer Abyss in green mimetic camo with prescription leses from Florida Freedivers...I wish I had ordered it years ago! Excellent service, unbelievable mask THANK YOU MIKE!!!

[Tedbudion]

Since you're in a run, Mike, can you confirm that pluses aren't available? I've tired eye-sight (presbyopia), +1.25 right +1.50 left (far sight). I was looking for a Omer Alien or the Big-Eyes. The latter I've W/O prescription lenses and love it. Unfortunatelly the new Lince can't use presciption lenses :(

Ted
(you know from where ;) )

[florfreediver]

Hi Ted,
Sorry about delay in replying.
I have been busy exhibiting at the Palm Beach Boat Show and its tied up all my time.
Please see a previous message of mine in this topic.
There is only negative lenses available commercially, not positive.
You will probably need to get your positive lenses tailor made.
Regards,
Mike.

[Chad Carney]

I've tired eye-sight (presbyopia), +1.25 right +1.50 left (far sight). I was looking for a Omer Alien or the Big-Eyes. The latter I've W/O prescription lenses and love it. Unfortunatelly the new Lince can't use presciption lenses :(
Ted
(you know from where ;) )

Ted,

Like most people I thought presbyopia was just about reading correction, so I had what Seavision calls Gauge Readers lenses installed in my mask at 40 yrs.

Then I noticed 5 years later that I couldn't read traffic signs perfectly anymore... presbyopia again, but this time I needed a mild Rx for distance vision.

So now I have both... yes it's bifocal lenses, custom ground for my choice of mask.

Drew at Seavision could tell you how small or uniquely shaped lenses they can make. I know they have done many Cressi freedivers masks.

http://www.seavisionusa.com/ Major Spearboard sponsor.

"How much is perfect vision underwater worth?"

Chad

[thecrab87]

Lenses are made from clear, amber or color corrective polycarbonate, much lighter and stronger than glass.

Do they make lenses out of glass as well? I'm a little leery of plastic lenses, having ruined several pairs of glasses with abrasions.

[Tedbudion]

Thanks Chad.

My closer (reading) vision prescription is +2.75 on the left eye! I'll check them out. I found their site kind of confused (take it from someone who's in the content business...). We only have one local supplier and only make lenses 4mm wide (Omer's are 3). Plus it must be something close to Technisub's Look (very easy to take apart). I had to convince him for a couple of weeks to have them made into my Picasso Void, but I wanted in the Big-Eyes, but no cigar. At least I'm back hitting the fish...

Ted

[Chad Carney]

Do they make lenses out of glass as well? I'm a little leery of plastic lenses, having ruined several pairs of glasses with abrasions.

Crab,

Because of the lenses being recessed into the mask frame they don't get scratched easily. A side benefit is that they won't shatter if the frame is contorted or whacked by heavy gear.

Chad

[Silent Hunter]

Underwater regular masks lenses makes everything 20 percent larger than usual.