How Cold Weather Affects Your Contact Lenses and What to Do About It

How Cold Weather Affects Contact Lenses

As the cold weather settles in, many people find that their eyes feel dry, uncomfortable, or irritated, especially those who wear contact lenses. The drop in temperature, combined with indoor heating, can create a less-than-ideal environment for your lenses and your overall eye health. Understanding how cold weather affects your contact lenses and knowing what you can do about it can make all the difference in maintaining comfort and clear vision during the winter months.

Cold weather itself doesn’t directly harm your contact lenses, as most modern lenses are made from materials that are designed to handle a range of temperatures. However, the environmental conditions that accompany winter—such as dry air, wind, and indoor heating—can create challenges for contact lens wearers. Let’s take a closer look at how cold weather can affect your lenses and your eyes.

Dryness and Discomfort

One of the most common issues contact lens wearers face during the winter is dryness. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and when you combine that with indoor heating, which further reduces humidity, your eyes can become dry and irritated. Contact lenses require a certain level of moisture to stay comfortable, and when the air is dry, your lenses may start to feel gritty or uncomfortable.

This dryness can also make your lenses less effective at providing clear vision. When contact lenses dry out, they can become sticky, causing them to move around on your eye or stick to your eyelid. This can blur your vision and make wearing lenses less pleasant.

Increased Tear Evaporation

Windy winter weather can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly, which is another factor that contributes to dry eyes. Since contact lenses sit on the surface of your eye, they can block some of the natural tear film, making it harder for your eyes to stay lubricated in windy conditions. This is why contact lens wearers often experience a gritty feeling or discomfort when outside in cold, windy weather.

Indoor Heating and Its Effects

While being outside in the cold can be challenging, indoor environments present their own issues for contact lens wearers. Heating systems, especially central heating, dry out the air indoors, which can exacerbate the dryness you may already be experiencing. The lack of moisture in the air can make your lenses feel less comfortable and cause your eyes to become red or irritated after long periods indoors.

Blurry Vision

In some cases, the dry air and increased tear evaporation can lead to blurry vision. As your contact lenses lose moisture, they may become more difficult to focus through. You might notice that your vision isn’t as sharp, especially towards the end of the day. This is often a result of dehydration of the lenses, which makes them less transparent.

Winter Allergies

While we typically associate allergies with spring and summer, winter allergies can also affect contact lens wearers. Dust mites, mould, and other indoor allergens can be stirred up by heating systems, causing itchy, watery eyes. Contact lenses can trap allergens on the surface of your eye, making your symptoms worse. If you experience allergies during the winter, this can add to the discomfort of wearing lenses.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Contact Lenses in Cold Weather

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your eyes and contact lenses during the winter. By following these tips, you can maintain comfort and clear vision even in challenging weather conditions.

Stay Hydrated

One of the simplest ways to combat dry eyes is by staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the moisture levels in your body, including your eyes. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time in heated indoor environments.

Use Lubricating Eye Drops

Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can be a lifesaver for contact lens wearers in the winter. These drops help replenish the moisture in your eyes and keep your lenses feeling comfortable. Make sure to choose drops that are specifically designed for contact lens wearers, as some formulations can contain preservatives that may not be suitable for lenses.

Wear Sunglasses Outdoors

Windy, cold weather can dry out your eyes quickly, but wearing sunglasses can help shield your eyes from the wind and reduce tear evaporation. Choose sunglasses that offer full coverage to protect your eyes from both the wind and harmful UV rays, which are still a concern during the winter months.

Take Breaks from Contact Lenses

If you find that your eyes are particularly dry or uncomfortable during the winter, consider giving your eyes a break from contact lenses. Wearing glasses for part of the day or on particularly dry days can give your eyes a chance to recover and help you avoid irritation. This is especially important if you spend long hours in front of a screen, as this can further strain your eyes.

Invest in a Humidifier

Adding moisture to the air in your home or workplace can make a big difference in how comfortable your eyes feel. Using a humidifier helps counteract the dryness caused by indoor heating, making it easier for your eyes to retain moisture and for your contact lenses to stay hydrated. Consider placing a humidifier in rooms where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or office.

Keep Your Lenses Clean

Proper hygiene is always important for contact lens wearers, but it’s especially crucial during the winter when the air is dry and more prone to irritants. Make sure to clean your lenses as recommended by your optometrist and replace them according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Clean lenses help reduce irritation and prevent infections that can be more common during the winter months.

Keep Your Eyes Comfortable with Help from OCL Vision

Cold weather can create challenges for contact lens wearers, but with the right precautions, you can keep your eyes comfortable, and your vision clear throughout the winter. By staying hydrated, using lubricating drops, and taking steps to protect your eyes from dryness and irritation, you can enjoy wearing your contact lenses even in the chilliest weather.

At OCL Vision, we understand the unique needs of contact lens wearers and are here to help you maintain healthy, comfortable eyes year-round. If you’re experiencing discomfort with your lenses or need advice on how to care for your eyes during the winter, our expert team is ready to assist you.

Book an appointment with OCL Vision today and let us help you keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear, no matter the season.