Cornea-contact lens interaction in the aquatic environment

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optics
• Diving Physiology

Background:

• A significant number of ametropic individuals use contact lenses for scuba diving.
• Understanding the optical and physiological challenges of underwater environments is crucial for contact lens wearers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidelines for fitting contact lenses for sport divers.
• To discuss appropriate contact lens types and modifications for underwater activities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review to establish guidelines for contact lens fitting in divers.
• Analysis of optical and physiological factors affecting underwater vision.

Main Results:

• Underwater optics necessitate modifications to contact lenses, affecting perceived image size and distance.
• Presbyopic myopes may require adjusted near additions, and monovision correction is suggested.
• Rigid gas permeable and soft contact lenses present different risks and benefits for divers; disposable soft lenses mitigate contamination risks.

Conclusions:

• Contact lens selection and modification for divers must account for altered light properties, corneal physiology, and visual perception underwater.
• Recommendations are made for lens materials, underwater ametropia correction, and wearing modalities for sport divers.