Can You Skydive With Glasses or Contact Lenses?

So can you skydive with prescription glasses or contact lenses? That is the question, and we’ll get right to the point – yes, yes you can! Since we are falling toward the ground at 120 miles an hour with our face in the wind – it’s a great question! Even though the answer is yes, there are a few things to know and consider before you make your tandem skydive so you can be well prepared.

Skydiving With Glasses

Yes, it is true you can skydive with your glasses, and it is encouraged! It’s important that you are able to see for your skydive (especially if it’s your first skydive!) because you are as much a part of the skydive as your instructor. And why not enjoy the views while you’re up there?! At Wisconsin Skydiving Center, we offer oversized goggles that fit over your prescription glasses. You’ll want to make sure they fit tightly, yet comfortably, for skydive jump prior to jumping. Your instructor will help you fit them and will hold on to them until it’s time to jump.

Skydiving with Contacts

We know not everyone wears glasses and prefers to wear their contacts instead. If that’s you, you too can still skydive with contact lenses! We encourage you to let your instructor know beforehand as they will fit a regular pair of goggles tightly over your face. Sometimes, we may even tape a few of the vented holes to block some of the wind coming in, but it depends on each individual and instructor. Regardless, the goggles will protect your eyes from the wind.

Skydiving with LASIK

This popular procedure may have a little more cause for concern and timing considerations when thinking about going skydiving. Since we are freefalling at 120 mph and the vented goggles filter air in them, it could cause damage to the healing eye. If you’ve recently had the procedure, it will take time for your eyes to heal. Therefore, we recommend you wait at least six months after LASIK or consult your doctor before planning to jump.

What About Skydiving with Sunglasses?

Generally wearing sunglasses is not recommended for students for various reasons. For tandem, you’ll be wearing a small fitted pair of goggles around your eyes that will not fit for sunglasses as they are a bit bulkier than regular prescription glasses. Secondly, for instructors to “read” their students, they can get important visual cues from their faces, especially their eyes. Sunglasses may be worn once you become a licensed skydiver if you choose to do so.

Experienced Skydivers

Once you are a licensed skydiver, you have more options for jumping with prescription glasses, contact lenses or having LASIK as you’ll have the opportunity to choose from full-face helmets that block out more wind than goggles. Glasses and sunglasses can fit easily and more comfortably under the full face visor as it offers more space. 

So now that we’ve unveiled the details of skydiving with glasses and contacts, are you ready to skydive? Here are more details about WHAT TO WEAR or HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST SKYDIVE. Otherwise, if you have any more questions or are ready to book, contact us. We’re ready to welcome you to the sport of skydiving!