Health Tips for On the Go Contact Lens Wearers

Given our busy lifestyles in the modern world, going away on holiday, taking part in activities after work and maintaining an active lifestyle have all become familiar aspects of life which we often don’t think twice about. But when you wear contact lenses, even going away for just a short weekend break can be tricky to plan, as you need to remember to pack the right lenses that work for you (visit here to browse a wide range of quality contact lenses and find the right ones for you) and allocate time for your eyes to breathe when you’re not wearing them. That’s why packing and using the right kind of contact lenses for your lifestyle is important, whether you regularly like to go to spin class or for a swim. Even simple actions like napping can be harder to do when you wear contact lenses.

Based on insights from Brendan O’Brien, leading optometrist at Vision Direct and member of the General Optical Council, we share the top tips to bear in mind when you’re on the go as a contact lens wearer. 

Protection from the sun

First, it’s a good idea to get your lenses from a reputable brand at a trusted retailer. Always do your research online and thoroughly read the reviews. Also, consider the cost of your lenses and the type that is the best fit for your lifestyle. 

Next, go into the store of your choice, talk to the optometrist there and see what they recommend based on your findings. For example, if you like to go outdoors often, the optometrist should tell you that your eye care needs are different in comparison to someone who prefers indoor activities. 

For those of us who like to stay outdoors more often than not, there are many different types of contact lenses that offer UV protection. For an extra level of protection, wear UV protective sunglasses  too, as this ensures that your eyes are less likely to dry out quickly, helping you to maintain good eye health.

Ease dry eye discomfort

To stop dry eyes, keep some eye drops and a contact lens solution handy. Use these in conjunction with sunglasses to help keep your eyes hydrated and your contact lenses comfortable. For all your contact lens needs, check out https://www.lens.co.il/. They have a wide selection of solutions and eye drops to keep your eyes feeling refreshed and healthy.

Some of us like to get a tan before we go away, and for those of us that do, we might decide to use a sun bed beforehand. While wearing contact lenses under a sun bed may appear harmless at first, it can do more damage than you might think. 

Wearing your contact lenses on a sun bed can really dry out your eyes. It can also affect the integrity of your contact lenses over a prolonged period of time. Lenses should really be removed before you go on a sun bed to help ease any discomfort caused by dry eyes and to keep your lenses from irritating the surface of your eyes.

If you do like to nap or sleep while wearing your contact lenses, you can do this as long as you have got the right type of lenses. With extended-wear lenses, you can sleep while you are wearing contact lenses for a short amount of time. You must however get permission from your optometrist first to ensure it’s safe for you to do so with your prescription.  

Contacts are ideal for playing sports

For those of us who like to play sports, contact lenses are the best option. Wearing glasses when playing sports can not only be inconvenient but can also prove a hazard and cause injuries, especially in high-intensity sports like football. 

By wearing contact lenses, there is no risk of glasses falling off your face or worry about the glass within the frame cracking due to impact while you play. 

Unlike glasses, wearing contact lenses when you play sports gives you a clear field of vision from all angles. No matter how well your glasses fit, there is always the chance that they’ll fall down your nose and impede your vision as you sweat during exercise. 

Consider wearing different types of contact lenses

When you are showering you can also wear contact lenses, but it’s advisable not to. When you wear contact lenses in the shower, impurities from the water can get trapped under your lenses, which can irritate and damage the surface of your eyes. If you have to wear lenses while you shower, wear disposable lenses and take them out immediately after showering. 

Not only is taking out your contact lenses important to help ease discomfort, but it’s also vital to ensure cleanliness. Bacteria that you may be completely unaware of can build up on a contact lens, which is another reason why disposables are the best option for those of us on the go.

Wassana Lampech

Wassana Lampech is a medical technology graduate and a freelance writer. She has been writing since her college days, and has been a freelance writer for the past 4 years. You can follow her on Twitter here: @wassmam