RxSafety

Rx Dive

Rx Dive
Rx Dive was launched in January 2009.  Our team specialises in surfacing and laminating customised prescription glass lenses onto scuba diving masks.

At Rx Dive we understand that scuba diving is an exciting visual experience and poor vision limits the enjoyment of the whole experience and, we understand optics.

Prescription Lenses
Our team at Rx Dive can make whatever lens your client requires from gauge readers to near and distance lenses, bifocals and Franklin bifocals using a variety of lenses.

Each lens is Australian made at our Adelaide laboratory by our highly experienced optical team. Each lens made is customized to the diver’s individual needs and are laminated onto the faceplate of the dive mask in house.

The turn around time is approximately 2-3 weeks from the date we receive the full script and mask.

If you have any questions, please call our staff on Toll Free 1800 111 381.


If you have an extreme script you can be assured that we can make most scripts and will probably be able to make yours.  However, in the event of difficulty we will contact you to advise your best options.

Dive Mask Lens Selection
As a manufacturer of specialised optics we have been able to develop a unique range of high refractive index lenses for dive masks. This technology has enabled us to expand the prescription availability and make the lenses thinner and lighter for the wearer.   These options are exclusive to Rx Dive.

Scripts for Scuba Divers

Minus scripts
Single vision lenses in crown glass scripts to -10D (combined powers) are possible and higher minus scripts up to -14D (Combined powers) can be made using 1.8 index glass.

Where an add power is required, a bifocal D35 using 71mm D35 blanks made out of crown glass is applied.

Occasionally a minus script is supplied with an add power of similar magnitude to distance.  It may be possible to make a revers gauge reader.

Plus Scripts under 1D
The diver may not need any corrective power as the magnification of water will assist here.  However, if there is a cyl present then it is worth making scripted lenses.  The decision on how to proceed is a matter of judgement between you and the patient.

Low plus bifocal scripts
These scripts may suit a gauge reader which has a seg line that will give a more defined image jump.  Gauge readers are best when the gauge power is less than +2.50D. Powers over this will start having significant seg line width, the result of which causes image jump and discomfort for the diver.

Plus scripts with add power
A D35 lens will deliver the best results for plus scrips with add power. Addition powers are +1.00 to +2.75D.

Very high plus script
For manufacturing reasons, the highest sphere plus power Rx Dive can make in crown glass refractive index is +7.00D (combined power). This power limitation is typical for crown glass and bifocals. However, higher plus scripts of up to 11D can be made using higher refractive index glass.
As a rule: the higher the plus script, the smaller the lens.  Therefore, the diving patient needs to understand the coverage of the faceplate will almost certainly not be complete.

Franklin Bifocals
Franklin Bifocals serve divers with very high plus bifocals and also assist in improving near peripheral vision. Near peripheral vision is improved because the near field of view is much wider. Franklin bifocals require two sets of lenses and are a more costly option.

Scripts for Snorkelling or Spear Fishing
Patients that want vision correction for snorkeling or spear fishing will require distance scripts, even if they ordinarily wear a bifocal. The reason for this is that bifocals restrict the field of view for stance viewing

 

Gauge Reader Lenses

Rx Dive makes gauge reader lenses for divers needing near vision correction only and typically for reading diving computer gauges. Divers involved in underwater photography with total near plus scripts in the range of 2.5 D or less often select gauge readers.

The gauge readers are made from optical crown glass for optimum optics. Glass lenses have the added the advantage of superior abrasion resistance. Astigmatism correction is included at no extra charge.

Gauge Reader Script Range: +2.50 D sphere (sph) max -2.00 cylinder (cyl) on + script

Single Vision Lenses

Rx Dive makes single vision lenses to suit an astonishingly wide script range including high prism and high cylinder powers. Rx Dive is happy to work with difficult scripts and there is no additional charge for high powers.

Single Vision lenses are made from optical crown glass for optimum optics and also available in premium lens material to make lenses thinner and more suitable for difficult scripts or for the diver wanting lenses as thin as possible. Very high scripts will need to be made in premium lens material to minimise the potential of edge lens contact with the temple area of the face. Despite pressure equalisation, lens contact with the temple area of the face is highly uncomfortable.

Single Vision Script Range
Crown Glass Script Range:
+7.00 D sphere (sph) max -4.00 cylinder (cyl) on + script
-10.00 D (max sphere (sph) and cylinder (cyl) combined)
Hi Index Glass (1.8) Script Range:
+11.00 D sphere (sph) max -5.00 cylinder (cyl) on + script
-15.00 D (max sphere (sph) and cylinder (cyl) combined)

Bifocal Lenses

Rx Dive makes these very popular lenses using a 35mm wide bifocal segment.

The bifocal features minimal image jump at the bifocal distance script interface.

The lenses are laminated into the mask with the bifocal segment positioned to minimise image jump.

Bifocal lenses give the diver optimum near and distance correction for all diving activities and are highly recommended by Rx Dive.

The bifocals lenses are made of crown glass and exhibit maximum abrasion resistance. Premium lens material is unavailable for this lens type at the current time.

We also offer Franklin Bifocal lenses, which are a variant of bifocal lenses, for very high add powers and for improved near peripheral vision.

D35 Bifocal Script Range:
+7.00 D sphere (sph) max -4.00 cylinder (cyl) on + script
-10.00 D (max sphere (sph) and cylinder (cyl) combined)
(No Hi-Index (1.8) option available)

Mixed Lens Types

Some divers for varying reasons prefer to have mixed vision lenses. Rx Dive is able to supply the following options:

  • Gauge reader for one eye , no lens in other faceplate
  • Single Vision for one eye, no lens in other faceplate
  • Bifocal for one eye, no lens in other faceplate
  • Gauge reader for one eye and Single Vision for one eye
  • Single Vision for one eye and Bifocal for one eye

Do you or your customers have questions? Visit our Frequently asked questions here