HydroOptix MEGA 4.5 DD User manual

Scuba / Snorkeling Mask User Guide
Regardless of how long you have been diving, this mask works differently than any other mask you have used. We want you to
fully enjoy the best possible underwater vision, and you need to learn a few new guidelines. Please read ALL of the following
guidelines before using your new mask.
WARNING! PREVENT FUZZY VISION UNDERWATER:
Failure to confirm your ability to use this mask and accessories may result in eye strain, headache, or short-duration inability to
focus. Before you go diving with your MEGA 4.5DD mask, you should first become familiar with the mask’s characteristics in a
swimming pool or other confined water. If your above-water vision Rx is not in the naked-eye range (see enclosed chart), you
will probably have to wear contact lenses to use the mask. If you do not know your vision Rx, you can perform the enclosed
“Naked-Eye User Test.” 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.
PREVENT FOGGING:
Manufacturing oils must be removed with a mild abrasive, otherwise fogging will occur. This scrubbing procedure is only
performed when your lens is brand new, and when suntan lotion / oils coat the inside of the lens. Use an abrasive
toothpaste (not gel) or mask scrub (e.g. McNett’s Sea Buff™) on the inside of the lens – not outside! Use mild bare finger
pressure (no brush!) and rub for about 20 seconds each on the left and right sides. Next wash your mask in warm water
with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Dawn®, Joy®or Palmolive®dishwashing liquids, then thoroughly rinse with fresh,
warm water. Alcohol-based lens cleaners / wipes can also be used for cleaning the lens. Dry the lens prior to anti-fog gel
application. BEFORE EACH DIVE, apply a small dab of Sea Gold™ Anit-Fog Gel to your index finger and coat the inside
of the Double-Dome™ lens. IT IS O.K. IF IT DRIES ON THE LENS. Just before diving, give the mask one quick dunk to
rinse - DO NOT RINSE OUT ALL THE GEL - and enjoy a fog-free dive. At the end of the day, soak and rinse in fresh
water to prevent the metal screws from tarnishing. Protect your MEGA®mask by keeping it in its custom case, or with the
neoprene lens cover.
CLEARING WATER:
HydroOptix masks are equipped with exclusive patented Twin-Turbo™ purge valves. Without these purge valves, small
amounts of water would puddle in your central field-of-view. The purge drain slots are in the lowest possible point of the
mask, ensuring the driest possible dive.
To clear, position your head upright, and then gently blow air from your nose to increase air pressure within the mask.
Excessive exhale pressure will break the seal across your upper lip and air will escape below your nose, rather than pushing
water out from the purge chambers. Some divers hold the nose pocket to stabilize the upper-lip seal while exhaling. Tilt your
head so each side is alternately higher in the water column to vent the last drop.
WARNING! PREVENT MASK SQUEEZING:
Pressure increases when descending into water. Just after you equalize or “clear” your ears, you should also equalize your
mask to avoid “mask squeeze”. The HydroOptix MEGA mask is a relatively large volume mask and uses purge valves so
clearing might take a bit of conscious effort during the first few uses. 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 both the water-
side and face-side of the Double-Dome lens. The water-side coating is applied thick, to maximize protection. 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 it must only be fit and prescribed by a licensed Eye Care Professional. Although all
eyes look pretty much the same, in reality everybody’s eyes have a slightly different shape and size. Obtaining contact lenses
without a prescription could lead to serious vision problems due to incorrect fit. Take good care of your eyes with an eye exam
every two years 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 Dive Rx contacts 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 after
swimming.
•Carefully follow the hygiene protocols shown 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, be sure to avoid stinging your eyes by first RINSING off the
disinfectant with sterilized saline solution before touching contact lenses or your eyes.
Above-Water Vision
Be aware that the MEGA Double-Dome 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. A custom Rx is available for the
CoverLens 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.
Return Policy & Warranty
30-DAY REFUND POLICY:
If purchased directly from HydroOptix and you are not completely satisfied with your MEGA mask, return the mask,
undamaged, with all original materials (i.e. case, documentation, no-fog fluid container) within 30 days of receipt for a
100% refund. Please note that shipping charges and all charges related to eye exams and contact lenses are not
refundable. The lens surfaces have a hard coat for protection against abrasions and scratches. However, abrasions to the
lenses are not covered under warranty. Scratched or otherwise damaged masks cannot be accepted for full refund. The
return of damaged items will be subject to a refurbishment fee, determined at the time of return.
Returning a non-defective mask purchased from a HydroOptix retailer is subject to that retailer’s return policy.
Do not send your MEGA mask or MEGA accessories to HydroOptix without first obtaining an RMA number (Return
Merchandise Authorization). 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]

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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 the 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 (i.e. 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 or the monocle optical surface(s) are not covered. This warranty does not
include protection against possible corrosion to metal parts of the Surface-Interval Eyewear and clip-on sunglasses; 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, not the place of purchase. Do not send your
MEGA mask or MEGA accessories to HydroOptix without first obtaining an RMA number (see procedure in the “30-Day
Refund Policy” section, above). 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 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.
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 hook-arms (pulling with your thumb / 2nd finger grip)
and at the same time press 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.
A
lways 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 Rx Conversion Chart) on reverse.
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 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 (BC), 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. Your underwater vision stays clear because the Rx lenses lose 90% of their power underwater.
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. Mount the
CoverLens onto the Stowing Plate and connect the retractor cable.
To Remove: depress the nose hook, then arc (no more than 25-degrees), lift and clear.
CAUTION!
The CoverLens will break if you arc too far while
The top hooks are trapped in the Stowing-Plate.
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 dishwashing liquids such as Dawn®, Joy®or Palmolive®. Never use solvents.

The Revolution in Underwater Vision™
NOTE: If you have never worn contact lenses before, do not self-prescribe. A licensed Eye Care Professional must examine your eyes to ensure the safety and health of your vision.
A little preconditioning before diving is recommended. Wear your Surface-Interval Eyeglasses over the contact lenses for two hours a day, for two days, before you go diving.
Base Curve
If you already wear
contact lenses (CLs)
for in-air vision, choose
a diving CL with the
same Base-Curve
number (BC). It is OK
to wear a slightly larger
BC, but not smaller.
EXAMPLE: In-Air
BC = 8.6. If the diving
CL available is only 8.5
or 8.8, choose 8.8.
Astigmatism
Correction
To find your
sphere-only Rx,
add 1/2 the value
of your “cyl”
to your “sph” Rx.
Strong astigmatism?
If more than ±2.0, the
latest disposable toric
contacts work great.
Magic
Bifocals
Your eyes will focus
like they did 15-years
ago! You will not need
bifocals if the prescrip-
tion strength of your
bifocals or reading
glasses is +2.0 or less.
If +2.25 or stronger,
then the latest bifocal
contacts or
monovision are
excellent options.
00
Follow your In-Air Rx down to the bar-graph which matches your Age Group to find your Diving Rx.
...therefore it
uses diopter
glasses or contacts.
Farsighted Eye
Farsighted Eye
A Farsighted Eye
has too much
power...
Farsighted Eye
Farsighted Eye
Farsighted Eye
(far away better than close-up)
––––––– –––––––
+++++++
-1-2-3-4-5-6-7 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 +7
...therefore it
uses diopter
glasses or contacts.
Nearsighted Eye
(close-up better than far away)
A Nearsighted Eye
has too much
power...
Perfect Eye
20/20 Vision
(1.0 in Japan)
Very close focus ability is required
to wear the MEGA Double-Dome
mask. Therefore, you must wear
power contact lenses.
Light
entering
eye
Cornea
Convert To Your Diving Rx
Find Your In-Air Vision Prescription (Rx)
Under Age 30
Perfect Eye wears
+3.0 contact lens for diving
Naked-Eye
Match
-1-2 +2+1 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10
00
Mid-30’s
Perfect Eye wears
+3.5 contact lens for diving
Naked-Eye
Match
00
-1-2 +1 +2 +4+3 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10
Age 40+
Perfect Eye wears
+4.5 contact lens for diving
-1-2 +6+5 +7 +8 +9 +10 +11+2 +3 +4+1
00
Naked-Eye
Match
-5.5 to -2.5
(In-Air CL Rx)
-5.5 to -3.5
(In-Air CL Rx)
-5.5 to -4.0
(In-Air CL Rx)
Contact Lens (CL) Rx from -5.5
Eyeglass Rx from -6.0
Rx Conversion Chart
10154 / M45UserGuide091004.doc / L0027 / 10173 / M45RxConvChart081104g.ai page 6of 6© 2004 HydroOptix LLC