SAFETY See Clearly. Dive Safely. Vision Correction & Diving – by Dan Orr, President, Dan Orr Consulting
Age, I’m afraid, is a fact of life. Even though we see countless commercials and advertisements on television touting various “anti-aging” treatments, that, I’m afraid, is a physical impossibility. We cannot turn back the proverbial hands
that we rely so heavily on in maintaining safety in diving. As we age, our eyes undergo several natural changes that may affect our vision. The lens of the eye changes, becoming less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects. The lens may yellow, changing the way colors are perceived, and the number of nerve cells in the eyes decrease, impairing depth perception. These and other changes typically start in the mid-40s and may lead to the need for reading glasses or bifocals. This con-
of time. As we age, we become more prone to various eye conditions due to natural aging and associated health issues. Environmental factors may also contribute to the develop-
ment of eye issues, includ- ing long-term exposure to UV radiation (sunlight), air pollution, and certain chem- icals. Common eye prob- lems in older adults may include cataracts, glaucoma,
dition is known as presby- opia. At the same time, proteins in the lens of the eye clump together, forming cloudy areas that can cause blurred vision, glare, and
sensitivity to light. These are cataracts. The central part of the retina (called the macula), responsible for sharp central vision, may deteriorate over time and can lead to blurred or distorted vision in the center of the visual field. This condi- tion is known as macular degeneration. There may also be an increase in the pressure within the eye that can damage the optic nerve, leading to gradual loss of peripheral vision. This condition is known as glaucoma. Our pupils may become smaller as we age, making it more difficult to see in dim light. We may also notice what are known as ‘floaters’- small spots or specks that float in the field of vision. They are caused by protein clumping in the vitreous gel, a jelly-like substance in the eye. Many people will, as they age, experience dry eyes as tear production decreases with age, leading to dryness, irrita- tion, and blurred vision. As I continue to dive, take photographs, and help lead div- ing and non-diving expeditions for Blue Green Expeditions (www.bluegreenexpeditions.com), issues with my eyes have become critically important for me. During my last regular eye examination, my optometrist told me that I had cataracts in both eyes. I was referred to the Idaho Eye and Laser Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for further evaluation. I met with the ophthalmologist and corneal specialist, who thoroughly eval- uated both of my eyes and suggested cataract surgery. The surgery involved the surgical removal of the affected (clouded) lens and a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) im- planted. The medical staff at the clinic discussed with me the various IOLs. These lens options each have their various pros and cons, each designed to adjust focus like the natural eye, potentially reducing the need for prescription glasses follow- ing surgery. PAGE SEVEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy. Captain Frank K. Butler, Jr., in his seminal article Diving and Hyperbaric Ophthalmology, stated, “Some eye disorders and post- operative states may be adversely affected by the underwater environment or other hyperbaric exposures. The prevalence of recreational, military, and commercial diving, as well as the medical use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, requires that oph- thalmologists be familiar with the effects of the hyperbaric environment on the normal and diseased eye.” I think many of us can remember when we reached that magic age where our arms were no longer long enough for us to read clearly. I remember that time all too well. I was working at the Florida State University (FSU) Academic Div- ing Program as Associate Diving Safety Officer and Instruc- tional Coordinator in the late 1980’s. We were doing a dive in a northern Florida cave system collecting data for the science departments at FSU. When we paused our return to the sur- face for our safety stop, I looked at my dive computer (the EDGE at the time) and had some difficulty making out the numbers. No matter how I stretched my arms, I still could not read the number on the computer screen. So, I removed the computer from my arm and laid it on the cave wall in front of me and moved back to the point where I could read the numbers on the screen. After a few minutes, I noticed that everyone in the dive team had done the same thing, thinking it was some sort of safety technique I was using! Having good vision is critically important for us to truly enjoy a scuba dive. Good vision is also critically important to diving safety, helping us identify potential dangers and under- stand the data presented to us by the advanced technology
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