Since we tend to spend more time outdoors in warmer months, it’s vital to make sure you’re not exposing your eyes to harmful UV rays. Therefore, you might consider wearing contact lenses with UV protection, particularly during the summer.
In addition, you should always wear polarized sunglasses when you’re outside, regardless of whether the thermometer shows 90 degrees or 9 degrees.
DO YOU NEED SUNGLASSES? Find an optical store near you to start shopping.
In hot weather, especially when the heat is coupled with humidity, it takes no time at all to work up a sweat — even when you’re not exercising.
To avoid the sting of sweat in your eyes, consider wearing an absorbent headband or frequently wiping your brow with a towel. Your eyes and your contact lenses will thank you for it.
It’s a myth that contact lenses will melt in your eyes if the summertime heat is bearing down on you or if you’re standing over a barbecue grill.
Plenty of contact lens wearers spend hours in hot conditions, and none of them experiences melted lenses. But make sure to wear sunglasses to prevent hurting your eyes.
If you dive into the pool at a gym, hotel or in your backyard, remove your contacts before making contact with the water.
Wearing your contacts while swimming can cause eye irritation and infection. (This advice also applies to splashing around in the ocean, taking a shower or soaking in a hot tub.)
If you insist on keeping your contacts in while you’re swimming, slip on a pair of goggles before hitting the water.
Cold weatherIn the fall and winter, when humidity normally decreases, your eyes can become drier because your tears are more likely to evaporate.
Therefore, it’s important to stock up on contact lens-compatible eye drops or artificial tears. Plus, you should wear sunglasses or goggles when you’re outdoors to block eye-drying winds.
We’re not suggesting a beer or a Bloody Mary. Rather, we’re recommending you drink plenty of water to keep your body — including your eyes — adequately hydrated.
Consuming more water creates more dryness-fighting tears.
Particularly in the winter, we crank up the heat in our homes, offices and vehicles to combat the chilly temperatures.
Whether the heat originates from furnace vents, car vents, a radiator, a fireplace or a stove, it can dry out your eyes and lead to irritation.
To help ensure your eyes stay moist, steer clear of close contact with these heat sources and turn on a humidifier.
Just as contact lenses can’t melt in your eyes, they also can’t freeze in your eyes.
Why? Because they’re kept warm by the temperature of your corneas and your tears.
Keep in mind, though, that you should wear eyeglasses or goggles in cold weather to stop harsh winds from drying out your eyes and to shield your eyes from UV rays.
In the worst-case scenario, if frigid weather is contributing to ongoing eye problems, substitute your contact lenses for glasses until you can see your eye care professional.
SEE RELATED: Traveling with your contact lenses? These 9 tips will help
Hot and cold weatherTo promote eye health whether it’s sunny, cloudy, rainy or snowy, properly clean and store your contact lenses.
How do you do this? Follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for changing your contacts (daily, monthly and so forth).
One of the best ways to guard against eye issues regardless of the weather is to inquire about a prescription for daily disposable contact lenses (if you’re not already using them).
A fresh, clean pair of daily contacts can reduce the likelihood of eye irritation or infection.
To minimize weather-related problems, take a break from contacts — a few hours before bedtime, for example — and wear your glasses instead.
Also, be sure to get enough sleep; this can ease eye dryness and fatigue.
Perhaps most importantly, don’t wear your contacts while you’re sleeping, since this can increase the risk of developing an eye infection.
You’ve ordered contact lenses online. Two days later, they’re delivered to your house.
The box of contacts has been sitting at your front door for much of the day while you’ve been away at work, so it’s been exposed to the elements.
Should you be concerned about the condition of the contacts?
No. Research suggests contact lenses can withstand both hellish heat and antarctic-type cold.
