I am starting my PADI open water course in Australia soon and only require reading glasses (+1.5 strength). My distance vision is fine at arm’s length, but I struggle with close-up tasks like reading books or my phone. I’m uncertain if I should get a mask with built-in bifocals or if stick-on magnifiers are sufficient—or if I even need anything at all. I’d rather not waste money on gear I don’t need. I’m also concerned that being unable to see the gauges might prevent me from completing the course. Any suggestions?
You’ll likely be fine. I use +2.0 readers and can still see the pressure gauge. I occasionally struggle with the smaller increments, but the main pressure readings are easy enough to distinguish.
I’d recommend holding off until your pool session to check if you can see the dive computer; many have high-contrast, large displays that are quite legible submerged. I personally have myopia and astigmatism, so I wear contact lenses while diving. You can also find masks with integrated reading lenses similar to over-the-counter readers.
Objects appear roughly 33% larger underwater due to refraction. You should manage the course just fine and can determine afterward if prescription glass is worth the investment.
I have the same prescription and haven’t encountered any issues reading my Shearwater or Mares puck computers.
The water acts as a natural magnifier, so it’s worth testing things out without extra help first. Stick-on magnifying lenses are relatively inexpensive if you find you need them later on.
I deal with presbyopia and require +2.75 readers, yet I see quite clearly underwater without them. Light refraction provides enough magnification that I can read both the SPG and the computer without assistance. You’ll probably be okay.
My diving partner uses air integration on his computer because of this; he can’t read his analog gauge at all unless it’s held at a significant distance.