Glasses When Abalone Diving

April 18, 2013

Question: I wear reading glasses. I don’t like to take my glasses on the beach or in the water with me because I don’t want them to get scratched. However, without my glasses, I cannot clearly read the new abalone cards. Last season I accidentally used the wrong tag (one that was not in sequential order) because I could not read the numbers. What can I do to make this easier? (Zoe D., Trinidad)

Answer: I can empathize with your frustrations. You may want to consider including non-prescription reading glasses and/or a small magnifying glass in your dive bag. Either can be purchased at many convenience stores for under $15. At least with these you would not have to risk losing or breaking your prescription glasses and you will be able to comply with the regulations.

I think I've seen some stick-on lenses someplace - coin-sized, don't know whether they'd wash off if you put one inside a mask. 
     I have some prescription lens goggles, but they weren't cheap, and bifocals, if they do that, would be a lot more.   
     Another brainstorm: I also bought some prescription swim goggles for about 15 bucks a set (I bought 2 sets, because my eyes are different, then swapped one side out = 2 good sets for $30). I got them off Amazon, I think. They are TYR brand.  You'd need to find out your Rx for the reading glasses. 
  Maybe you could wear them around your neck and take off your mask and pull them up to see.  Probably no easier than a small magnifying glass - they have ones that are like a stick - 1/2"x1/2"x5".   
    When I say I have "blind luck", I'm not kidding.