HydroOptix vs. Flat Masks
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| 1. |
Q |
I thought the magnification from a flat mask helps me see better? |
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A |
Yes and no! |
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Only the very narrow central 7-degree cone-of-vision of a flat mask produces truly sharp image! The further outside that cone you look (i.e. at an angle to the lens), the fuzzier things get. This phenomenon is best observed the first time in a clear swimming pool. But even in 6-foot visibility, everything looks sharper with a HydroOptix mask. So unless you keep pointing your nose precisely at what you want to look at, flat masks really don't help you see things better -- your overall sense of sharpness is MUCH GREATER with a HydroOptix mask. (top)
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| 2. |
Q |
Why does a flat mask make things look fuzzy around the edges? |
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A |
Chromatic aberration, also called color fringing, is when light breaks-up into its constituent colors (just like a prism!). To observe this using a FLAT mask, hop into a clean pool and look straight on at two stationary markings that are high contrast (i.e. a black tile on a white background). You'll notice that the tiles appear very sharp and in focus. Now, rotate your nose away so that you are looking at the same markings at an angle through the lens. You'll notice that one edge of the darker object is not only out of focus but fringed in orange / red! The opposite side of the darker object is fringed in blue / violet. That is chromatic aberration. In murky ocean water, you may not see the colors... but things do look fuzzy. |
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By contrast, HydroOptix masks deliver razor-sharp vision, no matter which direction you look. So while a flat mask gives you a slightly enlarged (therefore sharper) view in that narrow cone where you point your nose, your overall vision is 10 times worse than MilSpecs. (top)
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| 3. |
Q |
You claim the view through a flat mask is so bad... are there independent metrics you can use for comparison with the HydroOptix view? |
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A |
1. Thank you for asking! First, if your in-air vision were so narrowed as it is while underwater using a flat mask, you'd be qualified for disability, and laws would prevent you from obtaining a driver's license in the U.S.A. or Europe. |
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Also: |
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2. The U.S. Military demands clear viewing through gas masks, dust goggles, pilot's helmet visors, etc. The military sets specifications (MilSpec) that manufacturers must obey. Underwater, we perform 10 times better than MilSpec for in-air pilot visors, while flat masks underwater are 10 time worse! (top)
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| 4. |
Q |
Are there military specifications to limit optical distortions? |
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A |
There are very rigid Military Specifications for in-air vision systems, but flat masks distort 10 times worse than these requirements!
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• Magnification -- objects look 25% closer and 34% bigger than reality. |
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• Bifringence -- when you look where your nose points, things are sharp. But the further off-axis you look, the fuzzier the view becomes. |
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• Pincushion Distortion -- off axis lines bow inward; all shapes are distorted, worst at the edges. |
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The next time you're in a swimming pool, observe the tiles through a flat mask both on & off axis.
The MEGA vastly exceeds MilSpecs for optical resolution. (top)
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| 5. |
Q |
How does the military measure optical resolution? |
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A |
The goal is to resolve tiny objects that occupy a small area of your total field-of-view. There are 360° in a circle, and 60 arc-minutes per each degree of arc. MilSpec requires aviation visors / dust goggles / gas masks to resolve 2 arc minutes or less. If you can resolve less than one arc-minute -- which means exceptional vision -- you are able to notice very tiny / distant objects that occupy a miniscule fraction of your total view (i.e. spotting a distant airplane). Off-axis, flat masks can only resolve objects that span 22.0 arc minutes of your view, while HydroOptix resolves an outstanding .016 arc minutes. HydroOptix resolves tiny details in the entire field-of-view 100 times better than flat masks... whether you're in 2' or 200' visibility, you'll see better than ever before. (top)
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| 6. |
Q |
Aren't there other true size or panoramic masks? |
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A |
No, we're the world's first and only! For decades, mask companies ignored the refractive index of water. Wrap-around shapes -- like ski goggles -- have been tried, but the immutable laws of optics result in distortions like fun-house mirrors which also cause large areas to be out-of-focus. HydroOptix believes some companies today are guilty of advertising that's simply not true; we have filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission to stop these “Optical Delusions.” |
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Judging image quality through the mask in air is no indication of how it will perform underwater. The results you see underwater are caused by the shape of the water (not the mask) merged against the trapped-air, inside the mask. |
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Check out the thumbs-down tech review of Aqualung's Seal™ Mask for scuba by the U.K.'s "Diver" Magazine. |
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HydroOptix is the only company to prove our claims: we have the ray-traced results, performed by our world-renowned optical engineers. (top)
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| 7. |
Q |
The MEGA is a moderate-volume mask, but aren't low volume masks better? |
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A |
Traditionally, there's been three reasons why flat-mask designers pursued low volume masks: |
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Wider View: |
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Moving flat windows closer to your eyes, you'll get a very slight increase in view angle... but the very widest flat mask yields a small 71° wide view underwater; most flat masks deliver less than 65°. Look at underwater photos of divers wearing flat masks; as they angle their head away from the camera, the surface of their mask turns into a mirror -- if you can’t see in, they can’t see out. |
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A related phenomenon -- when you’re underwater looking up, you can only see sky through a 95.5° cone. At greater angles, the undersurface of the water acts like a mirror, reflecting back the bottom. Optical engineers call this T.I.R. (Total Internal Reflection). |
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Easier Clearing: |
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For some new divers, learning to clear a flooded mask can be a challenge. All things being equal, a low-volume flat mask is easier to clear than large-volume masks, because you're displacing less water. But HydroOptix has an even better solution: our patented Venturi TwinPurge™ system! The venturi assist with oversized purge-valves means you'll get water out of your mask easier than any other mask in the world. |
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Deep breath-hold diving: |
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Gonzo freedivers prefer ultra low-volume masks; more air for their lungs rather than spent equalizing pressure on the inside of the mask to ambient water pressure. Is it worth gaining a few extra seconds of bottom time vs. enjoying a 4-times wider view? That's an individual choice, but we suggest freedivers not to knock-it 'till they try it. (top)
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| 8. |
Q |
Are you going to make a color correcting mask with pink / orange lenses? |
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A |
Not yet. First used 60 years ago on underwater cameras with color film, amber and pink filters help restore color balance in shallow water -- but when you're deeper than 40 feet, that pink / orange filter behaves like a dark gray filter, making the image darker and blurry. That's because the warm wavelengths of light (similar to the color-filter) have been fully absorbed by the water above you, and that filter blocks the ambient blue light. "Blue-blockers" are great for sunglasses, not for diving! |
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In low illumination, two physiological events occur inside your eyes: |
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1. Your pupils dilate; just like widening the iris blades of a camera lens, your focus will not be as sharp. |
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2. Images are formed inside your eye -- on your retina -- where you have two kinds of imaging sensors. CONES provide color vision and high resolution, but your cones stop working in dim light. RODS are for dim light, but rods have poor resolution and cannot show color. |
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If you compare clear vs. tinted lenses at 40 feet, you'll discover the image through the clear mask is more colorful, has higher contrast, and is sharper; the deeper you go the more obvious the difference gets. |
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For safety's sake, you would never drive a car at night while wearing sunglasses. Likewise, we think that wearing tinted lenses deeper than 50 feet is ill advised. (top)
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| 9. |
Q |
How well does the MEGA work with camera housings? |
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Pro-MEGA |
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1. Physically more relaxing: it's easier and faster to position your body… and less neck strain. With a flat mask, you pull the housing firmly against your mask, thereby "locking" your skull's relationship with the viewfinder. That means to frame a shot that's above, down, left, right, either your neck or your entire body must rotate, pointing your nose at your subject. With our dome-port MEGA masks, your shooting eye can rotate naturally in its socket, in a VERY wide cone (about 60°), and still see into the viewfinder. Try looking through a land-camera… you'll see what we mean! |
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2. Enhanced situational awareness: for wide-angle photography, this might mean spotting a subject you would have missed while wearing a "tunnel-vision" flat mask. |
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3. Improved eye-hand coordination: useful when manipulating double strobe arms, or juggling more than one housing. |
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Con-MEGA |
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Eye -relief of the MEGA is greater than a low-volume flat mask; your eye will be about 1/4" to 1/2" further from the viewfinder. And image size will be what you get in air, without the magnification effect of water. Many cameras and housings work great with the MEGA mask; some are not ideal. To test your viewfinder, put your mask on while on dry land and look through your viewfinder. If you use a low volume mask, pull the viewfinder away from your face 1/4" to 1/2". Can you live with that? |
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The Future |
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There's been more progress in the last 5 years of digital photography than the last 80 years of photochemical photography. There's a huge advantage to confirming your shot seconds after you've released the "shutter," while you're still 80 feet down. Even pro-photographers have botched exposures, unaware until reviewing their beloved Kodachrome® weeks later. In less than 4 years, as resolution and contrast latitude continue to improve dramatically, mini-LCD screens will make eye-relief a non-issue, and digital will be the rule, not the exception. (top)
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Divers with 20/20 vision
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| 10. |
Q |
I've got 20/20 vision. Can I use the MEGA? |
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A |
Absolutely! Our DEC-Pro Network of Diving Eye Care Professionals) can make you "temporarily" nearsighted with the latest generation of super-comfortable disposable contact lenses. Our optional SI-Kit (Surface Interval Kit) provides you with prescription eyewear between dives and a place to store everything you'll need:
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1. A pair of "Buddy Holly" style prescription eyeglasses in colors that match your mask. |
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2. Custom-matched polarized clip-ons, |
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3. Neoprene pouch and retainer. |
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4. An airtight hard-shell case to keep it all organized, complete with a mirror, and hand-wipes. |
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Our negative diopter CoverLens™ snaps onto the MEGA, giving sharp above water vision for entering and exiting the water. (top)
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| 11. |
Q |
I'm a 20/20 diver; do I have to see an eye doctor first in order to get a mask? |
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A |
Probably, unless you're young. |
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Most teenagers / early 20's people can comfortably focus their eyes very close for extended periods of time, as indicated on this chart. If you have young, close-focusing eyes, you can use the MEGA with no contact lenses -- you don't have to see one of our DEC-Pro Network (National Network of Diving Eye Care Professionals). |
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If you're in your mid-20's, we recommend you consult with a member of DEC-Pro Network (National Network of Diving Eye Care Professionals), to adjust your vision with the latest generation of super-comfortable (Johnson & Johnson®) disposable contact lenses. It is important to be sure your vision accommodation ability is within the range of the MEGA, even for long night dives where you'll be looking at macro organisms -- we don't want you to get eye strain by focusing your eyes close for too long. That's why our DEC-Pro Network is important. (top)
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| 12. |
Q |
It sounds like contact lenses are a big hassle... is it really worth the effort & cost? |
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A |
We wouldn't have spent 10 years and almost $1 Million had we not received countless rave reviews and positive feedback from divers who've experienced our prototypes all over the world. |
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Some, who only dive occasionally, will be content seeing the vast underwater world through a dark fuzzy tunnel. But the U.S. Navy and many professional divers - those who are concerned with maximum efficiency, safety, and situational awareness - literally see the difference. Let's face it, scuba diving is a gear-intensive sport. Compared to the general effort of diving, contact lenses ad a mild burden. And the reason you dive is to see stuff! |
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Learning to wear contact lenses is a cakewalk compared to learning to scuba dive. By your third dive, you'll be wearing contacts like an old pro. |
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Still not sure it's worth the hassle? Remember that you would not be allowed to drive a car anywhere in the USA. if your normal above-water vision (without wearing a mask) were narrowed like it is while diving with a flat mask. The horse-blinders effect of flat masks is not as bad in air - but still bad enough to prevent you from driving. Many think that wider vision = safer diving + 4-times more fun! (top)
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| 13. |
Q |
I've great vision! Why must I wear contact lenses? |
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A |
Only underwater optics that are based on the dome-port concept can achieve panoramic True-Size vision underwater. Our How it Works section explains why the simple dome (hemisphere) shape that has "0" power in air becomes a negative-power lens when submerged. A negative-power lens shifts the focusing distance to be closer than normal. Since the twin hemispheres of the MEGA form negative diopter lenses underwater, you need positive-power lenses to achieve more normal focusing distances. A nearsighted person's eyes have excess positive-power, which require negative-power prescription lenses; many nearsighted people don't require contact lenses to use the MEGA mask. |
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Most 20/20 divers can't focus their eyes to the closer distances required by the MEGA's dome-port optics; they need to wear positive-power contact lenses to allow for comfortable focusing. When the contacts are in, many divers quite honestly can't feel them in their eyes (they're up to 68% water!), which behave in a completely natural way. (top)
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| 14. |
Q |
I'm in my 50's; I don't wear contact lenses, only reading glasses. Can I use the MEGA?
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A |
The new generation of disposable soft contacts work for a wide variety of vision needs, for folks well into their 80's. There are now affordable disposable contact lenses that will work great for your eyes and the MEGA. As we get older, it's a wise idea to have regular eye-health examinations any way...the additional cost of getting fit for contact lenses is a small price to pay for a view that's priceless. (top)
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| 15. |
Q |
I've heard that contact lenses are uncomfortable. Do you have any other solutions? |
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A |
Yes, We know it is radical, bizarre and downright strange to expect everyone to wear contact lenses -- but the facts are: |
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1. Almost 30 million Americans from 8 to 80 wear contact lenses; contacts have proven their safety, and outstanding image quality. |
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2. The US Navy, DAN (Divers Alert Network), PADI and NAUI all certify contact lenses as safe for diving...as long as you discard them or disinfect them at the end of the day. Soft lenses have a great track record for not falling out during dives, unlike older hard lenses. |
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3. The latest - generation of disposable contact lenses are so comfortable that many 20/20 divers don't feel anything in their eye -- most lenses are at least 50% water! |
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4. Breakthroughs in manufacturing technology have allowed tremendous price-drops for contact lenses, which means the MEGA / Contact Lens combination is affordable for everybody. |
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5. 20/20 divers who are concerned with maximum image resolution can be confident that vision through contact lenses is superior to vision through all eyeglasses -- even non-prescription sunglasses. Indeed, most myopes (people who are nearsighted) with contacts see 20/15 or better; far better on average than myopes who've had laser surgery. |
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HydroOptix has gone to tremendous expense to develop the MAX mask, which does not require contact lenses for 20/20 divers. We are entering a joint R&D program with the U.S. Navy to fit the MAX optics into a full-face mask. Some commercial and military missions -- with full-face masks or helmets -- just cannot allow contact lenses to be used. The recreational scuba version will be developed (for some, medical conditions prevent wearing contacts), but the recreation MAX won't be available until 2002. However, the mask with the widest field-of-view and highest-resolution will always be the MEGA! Bigger isn't always better; more expensive isn't always better. (top)
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| 16. |
Q |
If I wear contacts for underwater vision, how will I see above water? Won't I be "blind" above water? What will I do between dives? |
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A |
While wearing the MEGA above water, our CoverLens provides clear above water vision. And our optional SI-Kit (Surface-Interval Kit) provides: |
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1. For your surface interval, a pair of "Buddy Holly" style prescription eyeglasses in tropical colors, tortoise or tech black. |
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2. Custom-matched polarized clip-ons, |
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3. Neoprene pouch and retainer. |
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4. An airtight hard-shell case to keep it all organized, complete with a mirror, and hand-wipes. (top)
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| 17. |
Q |
If I'm 20/20 and don't want to use contact lenses, can't I just put eyeglasses inside the MEGA? |
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A |
We'd love the solution to be that simple. A simple dome, submerged, creates a negative-power effect... which then requires complimentary positive-power optics to net "0" power (as explained in "How it Works." We used the world's most powerful optical design software and a team of world-renowned optical gurus to analyze hundreds of different optical solutions (i.e. different shapes of lenses and all kinds of glass and optical polymers). The computer always "preferred" putting the positive-power "on" your eye. The optically superior solution is to wear positive-power contact lenses and become "temporarily" nearsighted. |
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In the optical design computer, trying to move the positive-power away from one's face, even by a few millimeters, created all sorts of optical distortions. Our goal was a simple shape that used simple optical materials... ah, if only life were so accommodating! We are rightly very proud of the design breakthrough we've made with the MAX, however, the mask with the widest field-of-view and highest-resolution will always be the MEGA! Bigger isn't always better; more expensive isn't always better. |
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The result you would get with plus-powered eyeglasses inside a MEGA: |
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1. Images magnified almost as much as a flat mask. |
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2. Crummy resolution in the central field-of-view. |
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3. Awful resolution past 30 degrees from center. |
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4. Impossibly bad resolution in peripheral view area. |
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5. Terrible fogging; multiple air / optical surfaces multiply the problem. |
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The MAX has sealed lens barrels to avoid fogging. But a sealed chamber must resist implosion; we've computer-designed the MAX barrels to withstand the industry-standard drop-ball impact test while under pressure at 450 Meters. We won't certify diving the MAX deeper than 75 Meters. (top)
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Contact lenses
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| 18. |
Q |
How safe are contact lenses? |
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A |
1. Almost 30 million Americans from 8 to 80 wear contact lenses; contacts have proven their safety, and outstanding image quality. |
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2. The US Navy, DAN (Divers Alert Network), PADI and NAUI all certify contact lenses as safe for diving...as long as you discard them or disinfect them at the end of the day. Soft lenses have a great track record for not falling out during dives, unlike older hard lenses. |
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3. The latest - generation of disposable contact lenses are so comfortable that many 20/20 divers don't feel anything in their eye -- most lenses are at least 50% water! |
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4. Breakthroughs in manufacturing technology have allowed tremendous price-drops for contact lenses, which means the MEGA / Contact Lens combination is affordable for everybody. |
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5. 20/20 divers who are concerned with maximum image resolution can be confident that vision through contact lenses is superior to vision through all eyeglasses -- even non-prescription sunglasses. Indeed, most myopes (people who are nearsighted) with contacts see 20/15 or better; far better on average than myopes who've had laser surgery. |
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6. Our DEC-Pro Network (Global Network of Diving Eye Care Professionals) includes many scuba divers with decades of experience who themselves wear contacts while diving. (top)
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| 19. |
Q |
Can I use one-day disposable contact lenses? |
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A |
Not only can you use them but they are recommended. See previous question, #2. (top)
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| 20. |
Q |
Can I use extended-wear contact lenses? |
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A |
Yes, but we don't recommend sleeping in them overnight; they should be removed and properly disinfected at the end of the diving day. For 20/20 divers, one-day disposable lenses are the most economical and convenient method. (top)
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| 21. |
Q |
Which contact lenses are right for me? |
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A |
This is a question that only you and your eye care professional can answer together. To give your eyes maximum comfort, not just the diopter power is considered; lens diameter and base curve are also important. We've established our DEC-Pro Network (Global Network of Diving Eye Care Professionals) to ensure that each and every diver using the HydroOptix system is completely satisfied, and continues to enjoy razor-sharp underwater vision and 4 times the view! (top)
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Divers with prescription needs
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| 22. |
Q |
I'm confused about the difference between Nearsighted and Farsighted (called Shortsighted and Longsighted in the U.K.). |
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A |
Our Glossary has more info, but briefly... |
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NEARsighted = cannot see objects far away with one's naked eyes, but CAN see close with naked eyes. |
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FARsighted = cannot see objects close up with one's naked eyes, but CAN see infinity with naked eyes. |
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ALSO |
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As we age, we all lose our ability to focus closely, regardless of what vision we had in our youth; this is called Presbyopia. All eyeglass wearers eventually need bifocals and those with 20/20 or better vision eventually need reading glasses. This chart shows age vs. close-focus ability. (top)
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| 23. |
Q |
The MEGA mask is $150. Does that price include corrective lenses for nearsighted divers? |
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A |
No extra "glue-on" or replacement lenses are needed for the MEGA underwater. The prescription (negative diopter power) is created by the curve of water that forms on the front of the mask, when submerged. If your naked eyes don't happen to be within the range to use the MEGA prescription, then low-cost / high-resolution disposable contact lenses easily adjust your vision to match the MEGA. You'll need contact lenses if: |
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A. You're nearsighted, but outside the required accommodation range. |
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B. Farsighted. |
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C. 20/20 and more than about 22 years old (we all lose our ability to focus close as we age (see this chart). |
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The MEGA has zero optical power when there's air on both sides of the lens; it is the seawater's concave shape that creates the prescription-power when you're submerged. The CoverLens provides in focus vision while wearing the mask above water. (top)
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| 24. |
Q |
I am nearsighted. Do I have to see my Eye Care Professional in order to get a mask? |
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A |
Not necessarily. The MEGA works, without contact lenses, if your prescription is generally in the range of -2.5 to -5.0 diopter, and astigmatism less than ± 1.0. Please email us a copy of your prescription, along with your age - we'll get back to you quickly. If you don't know your prescription, your Eye Care Professional should provide you that info free of charge. If you don't currently have an Eye Care Professional, may we recommend one of the members of our National DEC-Pro Network (Diving Eye Care Professionals)? (top)
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| 25. |
Q |
I don't wear contact lenses; I wear glasses (nearsighted with astigmatism and reading). Can I use the MEGA? |
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A |
The new generation of disposable soft contacts work for a wide variety of vision needs, for folks well into their 80's. There are now affordable disposable contact lenses for those of us who need bifocals. And disposable contacts to correct astigmatism (toric lenses). The odds are very good that you can be fit with latest-generation comfortable soft lenses, and you will be able to use our MEGA mask. |
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If you have less-than-favorable memories of the "old-style" hard contact lenses we're sure you'll have a much better experience with modern disposable/soft contact lenses. |
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For maximum comfort and your own enjoyment, we'd suggest you first try above-water vision contacts; we think you'll be delighted at your improved vision. Then it is easy for your Eye Care Professional to modify your prescription to match the optics of our MEGA mask. |
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If your current Eye Care Professional dispenses contact lenses and you want to remain with that provider, you can e-mail us his or her name / phone or e-mail and we'll contact them on your behalf and explain your needs to them; that saves you time. |
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If your current Eye Care Professional does not dispense contact lenses, We'll refer you to one of our DEC-Pro members. |
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Our DEC-Pro Network is growing daily... we'll refer you to the contact lens provider who's geographically closest and also an expert with: |
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1. The tremendous range of new-generation disposable soft contacts. |
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2. Your special needs as a scuba diver. |
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To help you decide on what you'll need just click here and follow the instructions. (top)
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| 26. |
Q |
I'm in my 50's; I don't wear contact lenses, only reading glasses. Can I use the MEGA? |
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A |
The new generation of disposable soft contacts work for a wide variety of vision needs, for folks well into their 80's. There are now affordable disposable contact lenses that will work great for your eyes and the MEGA. As we get older, it's a wise idea to have regular eye-health examinations any way...the additional cost of getting fit for contact lenses is a small price to pay for a view that's priceless. (top)
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| 27. |
Q |
I already have an eye doctor. Do I have to see one of the members of your DEC-Pro Network (Diving Eye Care Professionals)? |
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A |
No. Please see the previous question. Also, if your Eye Care Professional is not a member of our DEC-Pro Network but you think he or she might be interested in joining, please send us his or her name and phone number, so we may explain your needs. Your Eye Care Professional will get the simple optical principal behind the MEGA immediately. (top)
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| 28. |
Q |
If the MEGA mask corrects my nearsighted vision underwater, but has no optical power above water, won't I have fuzzy vision above water? |
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A |
Yes, you will have fuzzy vision above water, but we have two solutions: |
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1. SNORKELERS: our Monocle, available in .5 diopter increments, slip-locks around your wrist on a lanyard, so it's quickly available. |
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2. SCUBA DIVERS: our patented CoverLens™ temporarily clips to the front of the MEGA mask, giving you sharp vision above water. After you enter the water, unclip the CoverLens from the front of the MEGA and stow it in the provided holster. During your safety-stop at the end of your dive, snap the CoverLens back onto the MEGA before surfacing. |
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The CoverLens comes standard with -3.0 and -4.5 diopter -- custom diopter power CoverLens inserts are available through DEC-Pros. |
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Our optional SI-Kit (Surface Interval Kit) provides you with prescription eyewear and a place to store everything you'll need: |
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1. A pair of "Buddy Holly" style prescription eyeglasses in colors that match your mask. |
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2. Custom-matched polarized clip-ons, |
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3. Neoprene pouch and retainer. |
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4. An airtight hard-shell case to keep it all organized, complete with a mirror, and hand-wipes. (top)
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| 29. |
Q |
How can the MEGA act as a universal lens for a range of nearsighted divers? |
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A |
The MEGA behaves like a - 4.5 diopter lens when submerged. However since you're imaging in water and not air, the actual power works a little different... but calling it - 4.5 is close enough. |
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When we were kids, we all had tremendous ability to focus close -- technically called "accommodating excess negative diopter." Your age is the biggest "driver" influencing your close-focus ability, as shown in this chart; we all lose close-focusing ability as we age. Eventually we all need reading glasses. This means that a diver in their early 30's can still see OK, even if the prescription eyewear is too strong (i.e. -4.5 lenses for + 3.0 eyes) but IN AIR, several "cues" tell you this is the wrong prescription: |
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1. Object distance appears greater than reality |
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2. Object size appears smaller than reality |
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3. Barrel distortion (image curvature) at edges of your view |
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4. Closest focus-point is now further from your eye |
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Because each of your eye's rotation points is concentric with each MEGA dome lens, artifacts 1, 2 & 3 vanish. The only thing "wrong" with "over-prescribing" the MEGA is that your close focus-ability is slightly diminished. |
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For divers in their early to mid-30's with 20/20 vision can focus to 6.5" with their naked eye. If we "over-prescribe" the MEGA by 1.5 diopter (you're wearing +3.0 lenses & the MEGA is -4.5), your new minimum focusing distance is now about 10-inches. Your Eye Care Professional will make sure that you'll still have good close-focus ability for reading your air gauges and observing tiny creatures. |
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For divers in their 40's, who don't yet need reading glasses, you'll wear contact lenses that closely match the optical power of the MEGA. |
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For divers who need reading glasses, please see question # 34. |
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So, why do we "overprescribe" the MEGA mask, rather than matching your current vision exactly to the MEGA mask? We want to make you as comfortable as possible between dives, while you're wearing our surface-interval prescription eyewear. Most 20 / 20 folks take a few hours to get used to wearing prescription eyeglasses the very first time; it's a bit quicker to adjust to -3.0 eyeglasses than -4.5 eyewear... but no big deal either way. |
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One of the members of our global DEC-Pro Network (Diving Eye Care Professionals) - or your existing Eye Care Professional - will select a contact lens power that will make you minimally nearsighted; that is, just nearsighted enough to use the MEGA. This way, your above-water vision without surface-interval eyeglasses won't be any blurrier than necessary. (top)
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| 30. |
Q |
How can I know for sure if I won't need contact lenses for the MEGA? |
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A |
This depends on your own accommodation ability (closest-distance focusing), but generally in the range of -2.5 to -5.0 diopter -- this largely depends on your age. This chart explains how everyone loses their ability to focus close as they age. |
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A good "dry test" to confirm that you can use the MEGA with your naked eyes: |
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Can you focus comfortably and clearly on the whorls of your fingerprint at 5 inches (125 mm) without wearing corrective eyewear? Be sure to check your vision in dim light. |
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If you can sharply focus to 5-inches in air, you'll be able to read your air gauge underwater when it's only 12" from your face (important in turbid water). For most of your dive, your eyes will be focused at 8 inches ± 1 inch; prolonged focus to 8 inches would cause eye-strain for a 30-year-old 20/20 diver without contact lenses, but is completely comfortable for an appropriately myopic diver. (top)
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| 31. |
Q |
The maximum correction possible with your MEGA masks is -5.0, but I need -7.0 or more diopter correction. Am I out of luck? |
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A |
We can make you happy... just wear contact lenses to make you less nearsighted. Your eyes have 7 diopters of excess plus power -- that's why you wear minus-power lenses. By wearing -2.5 diopter contact lenses, you'll be less nearsighted, netting a need for - 4.5 diopter lenses. The MEGA will provide the remaining -4.5 diopter power you need to see perfectly underwater. (top)
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| 32 |
Q |
My left eye is -4.5 and my right is -4. If I wear this mask how will the difference in "prescription" affect my vision? I'm thinking that my brain will adapt. What do you think? |
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A |
You are correct! The human brain has incredible ability to compensate for differences in diopter strengths between your eyes. For years, Eye Care Professionals have prescribed Monovision for presbyopes (those who need reading glasses), that is the wearing of different strength contact lenses for each eye. One's dominant eye gets crisp distance vision, and the other eye sees near objects in-focus -- the brain learns to ignore the fuzzy image and "concentrate" on the in-focus image. As long as your "better" eye is within the accommodation range of the MEGA and the difference between your eyes is less than 1.0 diopter, you'll see great with no adaptation period. |
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A 1.5 diopter or greater difference between your eyes takes some getting used to, and if you're not old enough to require reading glasses, you may prefer "balancing" with a single contact lens on your "better" eye. For wide differences, your Eye Care Professional will give you the answer best for you. (top)
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| 33. |
Q |
What do I do if my eye doctor doesn't understand the idea? |
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A |
Please contact us by phone, fax or email. Have available your doctor's contact information (i.e. name, phone and fax) so that we may contact him/her on your behalf. |
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HydroOptix
Phone: 1 (800) WIDE EYE... that's 1 (800) 943-3393
Fax: 1 (310) 459-5067
Email: CustomerService@HydroOptix.com (top)
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| 34. |
Q |
I wear reading glasses. What do I do? |
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A |
An Eye Care Professional would call you a presbyope... and you're presbyopic. But don't feel bad, everybody, regardless of the vision they've had for decades, eventually loses their close-focus ability. Exciting breakthroughs in contact lens technology can provide great vision, both near and far, in a variety of ways. |
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For eyeglass wearers who need a "basic" prescription all of the time, as well as a bifocal "add" prescription for close-focus, your Eye Care Professional may prescribe a monovision solution, or progressive contact lenses, or modified monovision. |
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For 20/20 divers, who only use reading glasses, there are several ways to be made "temporarily" nearsighted with contact lenses -- all retain your ability to see both near and far objects. What's right for you? Let your Eye Care Professional customize a solution to your individual needs and comfort; choosing between monovision, progressive contact lenses, or modified monovision. (top)
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| 35. |
Q |
Can you correct for astigmatism? |
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A |
Yes. |
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1. Strong Astigmatism: The "MEGA" itself doesn't correct for astigmatism, but your Eye Care Professional will prescribe toric contact lenses that correct both your astigmatism and adjust your eyesight perfectly to MEGA optics. |
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2. Mild Astigmatism: For astigmatism less than 1 diopter in strength, Eye Care Pros routinely prescribe contact lenses that have slightly stronger spherical correction than "normal," which provides good vision without the slightly more expensive toric lenses. This practice causes no eye strain; there's no long-term risks... just enjoy the view! (top)
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| 36. |
Q |
Does it matter how far apart my eyes are? |
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A |
No. Eyeglass prescriptions have a PD number; that's the space between your pupils in millimeters (pupillary-distance). The MEGA design allows for "PD" variations, since the center of each dome lens is positioned further from your cornea than an eyeglass lens. Divers with narrow or wide-set eyes will experience no discomfort, since the angle of error is within established guidelines for eyeglasses. (top)
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Basic Optics
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| 37. |
Q |
How does the MEGA work? |
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A |
For decades dome-ports have been the de-facto standard used on world's best wide-angle underwater camera housings. We've adapted the same optical concept to human vision. Over the years, there has been lots of WRONG information published about the "virtual image" created by dome-ports. Please take 2 minutes at "How it Works;" our diagrams make this easy to understand. (top)
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| 38. |
Q |
I'm confused about the difference between Nearsighted and Farsighted (called Shortsighted and Longsighted in the U.K.). |
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A |
NEARsighted = difficulty seeing objects far away with one's naked eyes. |
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FARsighted = difficulty seeing objects close up with one's naked eyes, but CAN see infinity with naked eyes. Our Glossary has more info. |
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ALSO |
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As we age, everyone eventually needs reading glasses or bifocals, regardless of having perfect 20/20 vision, or being nearsighted or farsighted. This chart shows age vs. loss of close-focus ability (called Presbyopia). (top)
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| 39. |
Q |
Which has a wider field-of-view, the MEGA or the MAX? |
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A |
The MEGA has a wider field-of-view. |
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MEGA: 170° by 90° |
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MAX: 140° by 90° (top)
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| 40. |
Q |
Does it matter how far apart my eyes are? |
|
A |
No. Eyeglass prescriptions have a PD number; that's the space between your pupils in millimeters (pupillary-distance). The MEGA design allows for "PD" variations, since the center of each dome lens is positioned further from your cornea than an eyeglass lens. Divers with narrow or wide-set eyes will experience no discomfort, since the angle of error is within established guidelines for eyeglasses. (top)
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| 41. |
Q |
What is the MEGA CoverLens™ for? |
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A |
The negative diopter CoverLens™ provides razor-sharp above-water vision for naturally nearsighted divers and "temporarily" nearsighted divers (20/20 divers wearing positive-power contact lenses). (top)
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| 42. |
Q |
How does the MAX work? |
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A |
Remember that the optically simpler MEGA matches a nearsighted diver's excess positive-diopter eyeball to the negative-diopter created when the mask is submerged. MAX, designed for 20/20 divers, is also based on dome-port optics, but the MAX is a nest of titanium-filled, high-index optical glass lens elements for each eye, sealed in a pressure-proof barrel. Instead of relying on a nearsighted cornea (+ power), the MAX puts a positive-power lens very close to the diver's face. An intermediate lens, which controls distortions, is trapped in the middle of the barrel. Capping the front of the pressure-barrel is the acrylic dome, which is protected from scratches by the CoverLens (replaceable if scratched). Looking through the MAX is like looking through binoculars in reverse (in air) - images look further and smaller than normal; underwater, proper size / distance is achieved. |
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The MAX is very big, and too expensive for the average scuba diver. Hundreds of optical alternatives were considered, but none could come close to matching the resolution and wide-view performance of the MAX design... except the MEGA -- which requires one to be nearsighted (or "temporarily" nearsighted with contact lenses). The small and lightweight MEGA provides an even more expansive field-of-view than the MAX (170º vs. 140º). |
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The U.S. Navy is interested in integrating our MAX optics into their full-face masks; We are entering into an R&D program with the Navy, that we hope the benefits will spin-off for tech and commercial divers. At this time we have postponed the development of MAX masks as a sport-diving product. (top)
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| 43. |
Q |
Monocle or the CoverLens™? Which is most appropriate for me? |
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A |
Both provide crisp above-water vision. |
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The monocle: snorkelers frequently alternate looking above and below the surface. Users said they want an always-available in-air lens that's fast to find. Our solution, that makes everyone happy, is the wrist lanyard. Your monocle will always be close at hand, protected by a super-tough anti-abrasion coating. |
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The CoverLens™: scuba divers require use of both hands, so we developed the CoverLens™. For a more detailed description please go to our cover lens page. (top)
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| 44. |
Q |
Aren't plastic optics inferior to glass? |
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A |
No. In the last 10 years, tremendous advancements in molding technology and optical polymers have achieved breakthrough products like DVD and low cost / high quality aspheric camera and projection lenses. |
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HydroOptix uses the highest quality optical-grade polycarbonate; only half the weight of glass, it's 5 times stronger -- bulletproof windows and CDs are made of polycarbonate! |
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If you're concerned about scratches to the lens, we've got answers here. (#19) (top)
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Non-optical features
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| 45. |
Q |
What colors are available? |
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A |
Frame colors for the MEGA are shown here: |
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They are: |
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Tech-Black
Black skirt, black flange and clear frame;
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Silver skirt & silver flange with choice of:
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clear frame
neon blue frame
neon yellow frame
neon green frame
neon pink frame (top)
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| 46. |
Q |
Will it be available with a clear silicone face seal (skirt)? |
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A |
No. Clear silicone would cause very annoying reflections on the interior surface of the lenses. The HydroOptix field-of-view is so expansive, you won't feel boxed-in... it's just you and the fish! |
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The MEGA mask's opaque face-seal / skirt comes in either metallic-silver skirts or black, depending on frame color. We use superior grade, hypoallergenic silicone. (top)
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| 47. |
Q |
If the silicone face seal (skirt) skirt tears or wears out over time, is it replaceable? |
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A |
Sort of. We use a superior grade of silicone, which will provide years of service if treated properly. In the event of damage, while the skirt is not replaceable, we offer a very generous replacement policy. Just turn-in your used MEGA and get a brand new MEGA at a terrific discount. (top)
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| 48. |
Q |
Is the Contact Lens Program ONLY for those with 20/20 vision? |
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A |
No. Just about anyone -- regardless of vision -- can use the MEGA in conjunction with appropriate contact lenses. If your accommodation ability (minimum close-distance focusing) is outside the range of the MEGA mask, or you have strong astigmatism, your Eye Care Professional can select from the huge range of disposable contact lenses to find the type that's best for you. Practically everybody can enjoy this revolution in underwater vision. One of the members of our DEC-Pro Network (National Network of Diving Eye Care Professionals) can answer questions that are unique to your needs. (top)
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| 49. |
Q |
Why double purge valves? Many "old school" divers regard them as unnecessary and a potential failure point. |
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A |
Purge valves are actually very reliable... all regulators have purge valves in the second-stage, used when you exhale. In regulators, reliable purge valves have a big diameter, but all prior masks use small diameter purge valves. |
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Meanwhile, snorkel purge valves have proven themselves to be very reliable (yeah, we know... experienced freedivers don't use snorkels with purge valves). Our purge valves are the same ones used on snorkels that have been top-rated by Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine. |
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Why does our mask have 2 purge valves? Both are necessary on our twin-domed design; when a small amount of water gets into a FLAT mask, the water flows down, out of your central field-of-view, into the lower corner. But with our twin concave-shaped lens, any water tends to puddle in your central field-of-view. (top)
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| 50. |
Q |
One face seal (skirt) can't fit everyone? |
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A |
You're right, one size can't fit all; our first face seal is designed to fit the highest percentile of divers possible - we hope it's right for you! |
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Our future plans are for masks with different face seals and room for larger noses. |
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If this shape isn't right for you, you're protected by our 30-day money-back return policy. (top)
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| 51. |
Q |
What is your return policy? And what kind of warranty do you offer? |
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A |
Click here to view our return policy & warranty. (top)
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Care and feeding of your new HydroOptix mask
|
| 52. |
Q |
When I first get a new HydroOptix mask, do I clean the lenses the same way I clean a new flat mask; I mean using a mild abrasive such as toothpaste? |
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A |
NO! With most FLAT masks there is a silicone film on the lenses (mold-release) left over from manufacturing. This greasy layer encourages fogging, unless removed (scrubbed with mildly abrasive toothpaste). HydroOptix take the time to pre-clean our face seals before assembly, to avoid this problem. (top)
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| 53. |
Q |
What's the right way to clean the lenses? |
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A |
Never buff or rub a dry lens. Always rinse clean with fresh water, to flush out sand and re-dissolve caked-on salt crystals. When salt crystals form between dives, do not rub. Just dunk the mask in the ocean and agitate to re-dissolve the salt before your next dive. |
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Do not apply no-fog fluid on top of salt-crystals; first re-dissolve the salt. (top)
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| 54. |
Q |
Don't plastic lenses easily scratch? |
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A |
No. Our anti-abrasion coated polycarbonate (PC) lenses will ensure clear vision for many years with proper care. Commercial and military divers use have used polycarbonate for years on their full-face masks -- safety is their top priority... and they don't have the benefit of our proprietary anti-scratch coating. Our contract molder makes thousands of cutting-edge headlight assemblies for the "Big Three" in Detroit. Think about it... headlight enclosures are designed to withstand high-speed impacts with pebbles and road salts. |
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Should a scratch occur- SURPRISE -- all but the deepest gouges on the outside of the mask are completely invisible underwater. That's because the water that fills the scratch closely matches the refractive index of the polymer, making the scratch disappear. You've all seen this phenomenon with scratched dive computer or gauge lenses. (top)
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If you have a question not addressed in the website or in this FAQ section,
please email us. We will reply as soon as possible.
Thank you,
The HydroOptix Staff
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