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StatPearls, LLC

  • Analgesics
  • Edema
  • Masks
  • Rupture

Diving Mask Squeeze

Mask squeeze is a common diving injury caused by failure to equalize pressure inside the diving mask during descent. The resulting negative pressure can traumatize periorbital and facial blood vessels and soft tissues. Risk factors include rapid descent, tight-fitting masks, nasal congestion, and inexperience with pressure-equalization techniques. The pathophysiology involves a pressure differential between the ambient water and the mask interior, leading to capillary rupture, edema, and subconjunctival or periorbital hemorrhage. Clinically, patients present with facial or ocular pain, periorbital swelling, redness, and occasional visual disturbances. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the history of recent diving and characteristic external findings. Management is supportive, focusing on symptom relief, cold compresses, analgesics, and observation for ocular complications. Education on proper mask equalization, gradual descent, and mask fit is essential to prevent recurrence. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners’ proficiency in evaluating and managing diving mask squeeze. Participants will deepen their understanding of the condition’s underlying mechanisms, typical injury scenarios, and clinical evaluation and management strategies. Improved competence supports interprofessional collaboration in providing coordinated, effective care for affected individuals.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1 creditAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1 creditNursingUp to 1 creditPharmacyUp to 1 credit

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABPM — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1 pointABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1 pointABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1 pointABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABPM — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABOHNS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 point

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 9 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1 credit
  • MOC · Up to 1 point
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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