LASIK for Divers: A Game-Changer for Freediving and Scuba

For as long as I can remember, every dive has started with the same ritual—carefully placing my contact lenses in my eyes, double-checking that I packed extras, and making sure I had my backup prescription dive mask, AND glasses for after the dive because I knew my eyes would dry out. Any diver who wears contacts knows the drill.

One rogue splash while prepping your mask, and suddenly, you're squinting through the dive, hoping to stay close enough to your buddy. I’ve always envied those lucky enough to have perfect vision, able to throw on a mask and jump into the blue without a second thought.

Last week, I finally took the leap—I got LASIK.

Why I Chose LASIK for Diving

If you’re a freediver or scuba diver who wears contacts, you probably understand the struggle. The constant need to pack extra contacts for dive trips, the paranoia of losing one mid-dive, and the discomfort of dry eyes after long sessions underwater—it all adds up. I’d been considering LASIK for years, but like many people, I hesitated.

What if something went wrong? What if my vision wasn’t perfect afterward? And most importantly, how long would I have to stay out of the water?

After doing my research (and talking to several divers who had the procedure), I decided it was time. No more juggling contacts and no more worrying about prescription masks. Plus, the idea of being able to see perfectly the moment I wake up—without fumbling for glasses—was a dream.

The LASIK Process: What to Expect

I won’t lie—I was nervous. But the procedure itself was surprisingly quick. After a thorough eye exam to confirm I was a good candidate, my surgeon walked me through the process. On the day of the surgery, I was in and out within 2 hours. The actual laser correction took less than 25 SECONDS per eye. There was no pain, just a bit of pressure when the first laser cut the flap, and by that night, my vision was already improving.

The first 12 hours were the toughest. My eyes were SUPER sensitive to light, and I had a pretty intense burning sensation—like I'd been swimming in a chlorinated pool for way too long. Not going to lie, I definitely shed a few tears, but mainly because of the foreign feeling, and not knowing how long it would last.

I took a solid nap, and went to bed early, and by the next morning, I could already see better than I ever had with contacts. It was incredible.

The Hardest Part of LASIK for Divers: Waiting to Dive

Here’s the catch: you can’t dive for a month after LASIK. That’s right—four weeks of dry land, no freediving, no scuba, nothing. It’s torture for someone used to being in the water every chance they get. The reason? Your eyes need time to heal completely, and pressure changes from diving could interfere with that process. More importantly, the risk of infection is highest in the first few weeks. Since your corneal flap is still healing, exposing your eyes to water—especially ocean or pool water—could introduce bacteria and lead to complications. Dryness and sensitivity are also common post-surgery, so giving your eyes the full month to recover ensures they’re ready for the demands of diving. As frustrating as the wait is, protecting your vision long-term is worth it.

So, for now, I’m in the waiting phase. I’ve been filling my time with other training—breath-hold exercises, light yoga, and stretching to stay dive-ready. But the real test will be my first post-LASIK dive. Will it feel different? Will I notice details I’ve never seen before? I can’t wait to find out.

Have You Considered LASIK for Diving?

If you’re a diver who wears contacts, have you ever thought about getting LASIK? What’s been holding you back? Cost, fear of complications, or the dreaded month-long break from diving? I’d love to hear from those who’ve had it done—was it worth it? And for those still on the fence, what’s stopping you?

Dive-Ready Vision and the Right Gear

While I wait to get back in the water, I’ve been focusing on something just as exciting—growing my business, Plunge Waterwear. Since diving is off-limits during my recovery, I’m using this time to design new patterns, test materials, and plan upcoming product launches. I’ve also been working on fresh photoshoots to showcase our UPF 50+ dive suits, ensuring they’re not just functional but also stylish and protective for women and kids who love the water. This downtime has been the perfect opportunity to fine-tune every detail of the brand, so when I finally dive back in, both my vision and my business will be sharper than ever. If you’re in need of a high-quality dive suit that blends performance with style, check out Plunge Waterwear!

NO MORE playing the "do I have contacts?" game before each dive!

The Countdown Begins

With just a few weeks to go before my first dive post-LASIK, I’m counting down the days. I’m excited to experience the underwater world with perfect vision, no contacts, no fogged-up prescription masks—just pure, unhindered sight.

If you’ve had LASIK, how was your first dive? If you’re considering it, what’s your biggest concern?

Let’s talk about it in the comments below. And if you’re looking for top-quality dive gear to keep you protected on your next adventure, check out our UPF 50+ dive suits. See you in the water—soon!