HydroOptix MEGA 4.5 DD User manual

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™
Scuba / Snorkeling Mask User Guide
We want you to enjoy the best possible underwater vision, but because this mask works differently than any other
mask you have used please take the time to become familiar with a few new guidelines. Please read ALL of the
following guidelines before using your new mask.
WARNING! PREVENT FUZZY VISION UNDERWATER:
If you are not a “Naked Eye” match for this mask you may experience eyestrain, headache, and short-term inability to
focus. Before diving with your MEGA 4.5DD mask, you should become familiar with the mask’s characteristics in a
swimming pool or confined water. If your above-water vision Rx is not in the naked-eye range (see Rx Chart on last
page), you will probably have to wear contact lenses to use the mask. If you need to wear contact lenses to use the
mask and do not have a current contact lens prescription, visit a participating HydroOptix DEC-Pro (Diving Eye Care
Professional), or your Eye Care Professional. A fitting guide for your Eye Care Professional is available on our website.
General Use, Care & Cleaning
The MEGA mask lens is made of optical polycarbonate. It is hard-coated to resist scratches, but it is not scratch-proof.
DO NOT CLEAN THE LENS WITH ANY SOLVENTS.
LENS COATING PREVENTS FOGGING DO NOT SCRUB
DO NOT SCRUB THIS LENS PRIOR TO USE. At the factory this lens is Hard Coated on the outside to resist
scratches, and NanoFOG coated on the inside. When tiny beads of moisture (fog) land on the inner lens surface,
they are absorbed into the NanoFOG coating. The NanoFOG coating becomes soft in water – handle carefully.
• Before diving: Briefly dunk the mask in FRESH water to saturate the NanoFOG coating.
• After diving: Do not leave the mask submerged in a rinse-bucket where other objects floating in the water could
drift inside the mask and scratch the NanoFOG coating. Remove salt crystals and sand by dunking in FRESH
water – do not rub the soft NanoFOG coating to remove this debris, just flush with a gentle stream of water.
• To dry: Prevent water puddles at the bottom of each dome by placing the mask
silicone skirt down (domes-up). (See picture at right.)
• To clean: Suntan lotions and body oils reduce the anti-fog properties. Clean the NanoFOG coating with McNett®
SeaGold™ Anti-Fog Gel. Use gentle finger pressure to massage the gel into the NanoFOG surface while adding a
little water to reduce friction; rinse.
WARNING! PREVENT MASK SQUEEZING:
Pressure increases when descending in water. Just after you equalize or “clear” your ears, you should also equalize
your mask to avoid “mask squeeze”. If you use the Valsalva maneuver to clear your ears (pinching your nose and
blowing gently) then follow this process by gently pulling the nose-pocket away from but not off of your face, as you
slowly add air to the mask through your nose.

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Optical Quality
Your new HydroOptix MEGA 4.5DD series dive mask has been manufactured with the highest regard for quality and
workmanship. We apply an anti-abrasive hard-coating, similar to that used on automotive headlamps, to the water-side
of the Double-Dome lens. You may notice this coating while looking through the mask in air, which can cause slight
aberrations around the lens’ perimeter. This aberration will not affect your underwater vision and is invisible under
water, since the refractive index of the hard-coating closely matches the refractive index of sea water.
Safe Usage
WARNING!
Never use this mask as a substitute for appropriate above-water safety eyewear. The MEGA 4.5DD lens
exceeds the impact test requirements set by the American National Standard Institute, Z86.11-1985. Impact resistant
lenses can break or shatter and cause injury to the user if subjected to undue force or impact.
WARNING! DO NOT DIVE HEAD FIRST WITH ANY DIVING MASK INTO WATER.
Safe Hygiene and Use of Contact Lenses
If you are a diver who requires contact lenses in order to use the MEGA mask, please carefully read this entire section.
You should never put your precious sight at risk.
WARNING! DO NOT WEAR CONTACTS WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION!
A contact lens is a prescription device and must be fit and prescribed by a licensed Eye Care Professional. All eyes
are slightly different in size and shape. Obtaining contact lenses without a prescription could lead to serious vision
problems due to incorrect fit. An eye exam every two years is recommended to detect vision changes, as well as any
other unseen problems. If you regularly wear contact lenses you should see your Eye Care Professional every year.
You will find that HydroOptix DEC-Pros are exceptional Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Opticians, and
they understand your special needs as a scuba diver.
WARNING! NEVER USE CONTACT LENSES WHILE DIVING IF:
1. If you have an impaired immune system (e.g. fever, etc.).
OR
2. If you have very red eyes, this could be a symptom of an existing eye infection or corneal damage. You
should stop diving and immediately consult an Eye Care Professional to prevent harmful effects of
infection from water-borne bacteria.
WARNING! NEVER SHARE CONTACT LENSES!
If a contact lens has already been worn by another, DO NOT re-use that lens. This can spread disease, even if
the lenses have been disinfected with heat or chemical disinfectant!

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Safe Diving and Snorkeling with Contact Lenses
•When wearing contact lenses with HydroOptix Double-Dome masks, be aware that your vision will
be impaired while above water – your balance and depth-perception may be affected.
•We recommend that you give yourself time to get used to wearing the contact lenses before you go diving.
We suggest two hours per day for two days.
WARNING!
•Do not drive an automobile or operate heavy machinery while wearing your Dive Rx contact
lenses.
•When finished diving for the day, remove the contact lenses immediately and discard them (if one-
day disposables) or store them (if multi-day lenses) in disinfectant solution, according to the
procedures shown you by your DEC-Pro or Eye Care Professional. Never leave contact lenses in your
eyes overnight.
•Carefully follow the hygiene protocols shown to you by your DEC-Pro or Eye Care Professional.
Clean your hands before handling contact lenses. On a scuba boat environment, we recommend
alcohol-based hand disinfecting cleaners (e.g. Purell®). After using hand disinfectant, RINSE off
the disinfectant with a sterilized saline solution to avoid stinging as you place the lenses on your
eyes.
Above-Water Vision
Be aware that the MEGA DD mask behaves like a prescription mask only when submerged. Immediately upon
surfacing you should use either the CoverLens or Monocle accessory for in-focus vision. Standard lens is –4.75 for
monocle and CoverLens, which most divers find satisfactory. A custom Rx is available for the CoverLens or monocle
accessory, which can exactly match your sphere (SPH) and cylinder (CYL) Rx. Also you may need to wear Surface-
Interval Eyewear while waiting between dives if you wear Diving Rx contacts. For more information, click to
www.HydroOptix.com.
Twin-Turbo™ Purge Valves:
It is no longer required for a diver to tediously break the lower mask seal and forcefully exhale to clear water. Now a
slight exhalation of air through the nose forces all the water to escape the mask through the patented Twin-Turbo™
Purge Valves resulting in a clear, uninterrupted view of the underwater world. The Twin-Turbo™ system consists of
two snorkel sized flapper valves that easily directs all water out of the mask and away from the divers field of view.
This system allows the diver to clear all the water from the mask so it does not collect in the center of the domed lens
obstructing the field of view.
1) Become vertical in the water so the Twin-Turbo valves are the lowest point of the mask.
2) To maintain a watertight mask seal, some divers prefer to use one finger to place slight pressure on
the nose pocket or nose screw.
3) Gently exhale through your nose to force the water to exit thought he Twin-Turbo valves.
4) Tilt mask so each valve alternates as the lowest point to get the last drop of water out of the mask.
Before diving, rinse mask to clear grit and salt crystals from valve flappers. If the valve flappers appear dry, apply a
thin coat of silicone grease to lubricate.

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Warranty
WARRANTY PERIODS:
HydroOptix provides a One-Year Warranty from the date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship on
the MEGA mask. HydroOptix further provides a 90-Day Warranty from the date of purchase against defects in
materials or workmanship on the accessory CoverLens components, the accessory Surface-Interval Eyewear and
monocle. All products are subject to the “WARRANTY TERMS” as defined below.
WARRANTY TERMS:
Care is taken to ensure that each HydroOptix product is of the best quality possible. Under normal use, any defect will
be repaired at no cost to you for parts and labor, during the time periods as specified in “WARRANTY PERIODS”
above.
Damages to the product(s) caused by actions contradictory to the provided instructions (e.g. cleaning with unapproved
cleaning solvents) voids the warranty, as does diving in and/or exposure to severely polluted waters. HydroOptix is not
responsible for damages or injuries due to the incorrect use of the product.
The warranty does not include minor imperfections, surface markings as a result of shipping, or slight color variations.
Product failure, damage or loss due to extended exposure to sun or high temperatures, neglect, accident, fire, theft,
unauthorized alterations or tampering, misuse, lack of reasonable care or normal wear-and-tear are not included in the
warranty terms.
Although the mask lens and the CoverLens have a hard coat for protection against abrasions, scratches to the mask,
the CoverLens, the Surface-Interval Eyewear and the monocle optical surface(s) are not covered by this warranty.
Damages to the NanoFOG anti-fog coating are not covered under warranty. Possible corrosion to metal parts of the
Surface-Interval Eyewear and clip-on sunglasses are not covered by this warranty; these items must be rinsed in
clean, fresh water and air-dried immediately after exposure to spray from water, or immersion in water.
CLAIM INFORMATION:
Warranty claims must be made through the manufacturer, HydroOptix LLC in the U.S.A. or through one of our
exclusive international distributors, not the place of purchase. Do not send your MEGA mask or MEGA accessories to
HydroOptix without first obtaining an RMA number (Return Merchandise Authorization). Any HydroOptix item
confirmed as defective by us will be replaced free of charge with an identical item, or if the item is no longer available,
with a similar product or one of equivalent value.
All returned items must be shipped freight prepaid. Please use a package delivery service that is able to track and
insure your items -- we recommend UPS Ground or DHL service. The following must be included in your package
when submitting a claim:
•The damaged product.
•A written description of the problem or service you are requesting.
•A copy of the purchase receipt or other proof of purchase.
•Your full name, return address, telephone number with area code and eMail (if available).
•RMA number obtained from HydroOptix, written on the outside of the box.
NOTE: Your RMA number must be clearly labeled on the outside of the shipping box. To obtain an RMA number, just
eMail, fax or phone:
HydroOptix LLC
Attn: Consumer Returns
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT MAIL ORDER SALES:
Retailers in the USA that offer to sell HydroOptix masks by mail, in response to mail, telephone or Internet orders, are
NOT AUTHORIZED HydroOptix dealers. If you purchase HydroOptix masks by mail, telephone order or electronically,
you are purchasing from a non-authorized dealer, and your products will not be covered by HydroOptix warranties.
HydroOptix has not authorized any exceptions to its “in-store only” sales policy. When you buy HydroOptix masks from
an authorized dealer, you are buying from a professional who can ensure the proper fit and function of your new mask
to maximize your enjoyment. When buying from an authorized dealer, you will also receive the HydroOptix factory
warranty. If you have any questions as to whether a retailer is authorized, please call HydroOptix at [phone], or
visit our Dealer Listing on the web at www.HydroOptix.com.

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WATCH our web video about the CoverLens • • • • • Practice attaching / removing the CoverLens in air, before your first dive.
Attaching the CoverLens to the MEGA Mask
Grasp the CoverLens with your RIGHT hand as shown. (Hint: when wearing the mask, it is easier
to center-align the CoverLens by aiming the back of your thumbnail toward your nose). Engage its
top hooks into the receiving pockets. Arc down until the center hook touches the front of the lens.
Tug downward on the CoverLens to flex the TOP hook-arms (pulling with your thumb / middle-
finger grip) and at the same time press lightly with your 1st finger to guide the nose hook into place.
To Remove: Combine the same downward-tug + 1st finger pressure. Arc forward and lift clear.
Securing the Stowing-Plate
The Stowing-Plate can be semi-permanently attached to your
buoyancy control device (BCD) with the provided tie-wraps.
CAUTION: DO NOT Over-tighten the tie-wraps, which
could restrict airflow within the corrugated hose.
Always store the CoverLens on the Mask or Stowing-Plate,
OTHERWISE, THE NOSE HOOK MAY BREAK.
Monocle, CoverLens™ and Stowing-Plate™
For MEGA 4.5DD Dive Mask
The HydroOptix® Double-Dome™ shape, when submerged,
achieves near-perfect correction for a broad range of
nearsighted vision (see attached Rx Conversion Chart).
Above water, the mask has no optical power, and you need
optical correction to see far-away objects in focus.
Monocle and CoverLens come standard with -4.5 diopter
Rx. Custom Rx is available, including astigmatism Rx
(Cylinder power), for an additional charge. The standard Rx
may not match your exact Rx, but this is OK for most divers
during the brief moments you wear the mask above water
(i.e. getting off or on the beach or boat).
Choose the device most appropriate for your diving conditions:
• Monocle (Snorkeling): Use wrist-lanyard. Hold the SILVER bumper side facing you.
• CoverLens (Scuba Diving): Clips to the mask for HANDS-FREE in-focus vision.
Stowing-Plate: attaches to your Buoyancy Control Device (BCD), so your CoverLens stays handy.
Retractor: prevents loss of the CoverLens while diving.
WARNING! Make sure the Stowing-Plate does not interfere with the safe operation of your BCD or
Alternate Air Source! The Stowing-Plate, mounted HIGH on your LEFT shoulder, should not allow
the Retractor cable to cross the air hose of your primary second-stage regulator while wearing the
mask. DO NOT over-tighten the tie-wraps (could restrict airflow in the corrugated hose).
Diving with the CoverLens:
1. Secure the CoverLens to your mask – Clip the retractor cable to the CoverLens – Make your water entry as usual.
2. Leave the CoverLens on the mask during your descent. 90% of the optical power of the CoverLens vanishes when it is submerged
– if you abort your decent, it is important to have clear above-water vision (i.e. to see boating hazards). When you have finished your
decent, unclip the CoverLens from the mask, secure it onto the Stowing-Plate and enjoy your dive.
3. While still underwater – during your safety stop – reattach the CoverLens to the mask so you will have in-focus vision as soon as
you surface.
Attaching the CoverLens to the Stowing-Plate
Use THE SAME 3-finger grip, engage the two top hooks and gently pull the
frame down and arc the CoverLens into place. The nose hook should engage
smoothly. Connect the retractor cable.
To Remove: depress the nose hook, then arc (no more than 25°), lift and clear.
CAUTION!
The CoverLens will break if you arc too far while the
top hooks are trapped in the Stowing-Plate slots.
PULL clear after no more than 25° of upward arc.
NO!
OK
Always store the CoverLens secured to the Mask or Stowing-Plate – OTHERWISE, THE NOSE HOOK MAY BREAK.
Use fresh water to thoroughly rinse – flush retractor while pulling and releasing cable.
If cleaning is required: use non-abrasive light cleaner (e.g. Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo).