Dive Health & Safety
Mask squeeze: why your eyes are red after diving
Mask squeeze happens when you don't add air to your mask on the way down. The lower pressure inside pulls on your face, causing red or purple spots around the eyes and sometimes blood in the whites of the eyes. Prevent it by breathing a little air out through your nose each time you equalise. It heals with time; see a doctor for eye pain or vision changes.
By 71 Guardians · Published 19 Oct 2026
What causes mask squeeze?
Your mask is an air space. As you descend, the air in it is compressed; if you don't add air, the pressure difference pulls on the soft tissues of your face and eyes.
What does it look like?
A suction feeling on the face, swelling, and red, brown or purple spots, especially on the eyelids. Blood can appear in the white of the eye.
How do I prevent it?
Breathe small amounts of air out through your nose each time you equalise your ears. Use a mask that seals when you inhale through your nose without the strap — and never dive in swimming goggles, which cover the eyes but not the nose.
Do I need treatment?
DAN says there's no treatment except time — healing can take two weeks or more. See a doctor or eye specialist straight away for eye pain, blurred vision, loss of part of your vision or blood in the coloured part of the eye.
Frequently asked questions
Is mask squeeze dangerous?
Usually it just looks dramatic and heals on its own, but eye pain or vision changes need a doctor promptly.
Can I dive again with red eyes?
Ask a doctor, and make sure you add air to your mask on the next descent.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSources
- Mask Squeeze (Facial Barotrauma) — Divers Alert Network (DAN)