Wearing contacts in the winter
Winter may be full of holiday festivities and exciting outdoor adventures, but it’s also accompanied by dry air and freezing temperatures. As the seasons change so can your eyeball needs. Who wants to worry about crusty contacts when there are presents to open and slopes to ski?
Here are some tips to keep your contacts in tip-top shape for the cold months ahead.
Keep your contact lenses moist
Your contacts in winter can cause quite the conundrum. The cold air outside and the warm indoor air can lead to dry eyes. Any contact lens wearer will tell you dry eyes and contacts are not a great match.
To help with this winter dryness we’ve put together a few tips for you so you can keep your eyes moist and happy! Nobody wants their contacts to be a Grinch during this merry season.
Tip #1: Keep your eyes and body hydrated. Using artificial tears or eye drops during winter can really boost the moisture content in your eyes. These will come in handy throughout the day to keep your eyes refreshed and your contacts comfortable. Not sure where to get your eye drops? Obviously, we’ve got you covered.
It’s also important to keep your body hydrated. Try to consume your recommended amount of water everyday during the winter – this will fortify your eyes and make them much more resistant to drying out.
Tip #2: Invest in a nice humidifier. This way you don’t need to turn off the heat in your home to keep your eyes comfortable. With the addition of a humidifier your house can stay cozy and your eyes hydrated. Plus, humidifiers have the added benefit of being amazing for your skin. We call that a win-win.
Tip #3: Try a different kind of contact lens. A lens that is specialized for dry eyes may be a good fit for the winter season, or if you’re a monthly wearer you may want to try daily lenses. Everyone’s eyes and circumstances are unique so get in touch with your eye doctor if you think a different brand or lens type might be right for you.
Tip #4: Protect your eyes. Contrary to what you might think, sunglasses aren’t just for summer. They’ll keep your eyes safe all year round!
Even on cloudy days UV rays can hurt your eyes. As you’re choosing sunglasses for your outdoor activities choose sunglasses that provide UV protection—we recommend a pair or two from Liingo Eyewear. Who doesn’t love looking stylish while rocking 100% UV protection?
If you’re the outdoorsy type, we’d also highly recommend a pair of secure goggles for winter activities. Keeping the cold air away from your contacts in the first place is the best way to keep your lenses moist and ready for action. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say.
Tip #5: Be prepared for anything. This might sound cliché but being prepared for your contacts to dry out during winter will go a long way for your overall comfort. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the brisk winter air will get the best of you and your contacts.
When this happens, you’ll be thankful you’re prepared with a contact lens case, a backup pair of glasses, and a travel size solution bottle. You don’t have to carry these items around 24/7 but having them on standby during family gatherings, important meetings, or wintertime recreational outings can be a lifesaver.
It’s impossible to focus or have a good time when your eyeballs are mad at you – so just have a backup plan ready to go if you need it.
Can contacts lenses freeze?
Yes and no. Contacts won’t freeze when you’re wearing them, but on your doorstep they might.
If your contacts are delivered on Friday, but you don’t retrieve them from the mailbox/doorstep until Saturday morning after a cold night—your contacts may be frozen in their solution. But have no fear, set them on the countertop and they’ll thaw and be ready for you in no time.
Fortunately, your contacts lenses will never freeze while you’re wearing them. They’re kept nice and warm by the temperature of your cornea and tears.
Final pro-tip we have for you – don’t be stuck without lenses during the holidays! We’re here 24/7 and would love to make sure you have contacts long before the festivities begin.
Original published date: 1/11/2021
Update: 12/5/2022