Wearing contact lenses while riding a roller coaster is possible, but it requires specific precautions to maintain comfort and safety. The high-speed environment of amusement park attractions presents several challenges to the integrity and moisture of contact lenses. Proper preparation addresses both the physical risks to the lens and necessary behavioral adjustments during the ride.
The Specific Risks to Contact Lenses on Roller Coasters
The primary threat to contact lens wearers on a high-speed attraction is the intense, high-velocity airflow. This rapid wind shear acts like a forceful fan, dramatically accelerating the evaporation of the tear film and the moisture within the lens material itself. As the lens dries out, its adherence to the cornea decreases, making it prone to shifting or dislodging completely.
This accelerated drying also leads to ocular irritation, often causing a gritty or uncomfortable feeling in the eye. Furthermore, roller coasters frequently operate at speeds that blow fine debris, such as dust or tiny insects, directly into the rider’s face. If a small particle becomes trapped beneath a contact lens, it can cause significant pain or even lead to a corneal abrasion due to the constant friction.
While G-forces are intense, the surface tension that holds a modern soft contact lens to the eye is generally sufficient to prevent it from being physically ejected by the forces alone. However, the dryness caused by the wind reduces the lens’s stability, making it more susceptible to movement during rapid directional changes or high positive and negative G-forces. For those who wear rigid gas permeable lenses, the risk of dislodgment or movement is inherently higher, as these lenses rely less on moisture content for adherence.
Essential Preparation and In-Ride Techniques
Riders should ensure their lenses are clean and fresh, ideally wearing a new pair for the day to maximize hydration and comfort. Using artificial tear drops or rewetting solution immediately before boarding replenishes the moisture layer on the lens surface. This layer acts as a buffer against the initial drying effects of the high-speed air and helps the lens remain securely centered.
During the ride, adopting specific techniques can mitigate environmental risks. Consciously increasing the rate of blinking is a highly effective strategy, as each blink naturally lubricates the eye and redistributes the tear film. Riders can also choose to keep their eyes closed during the highest speed sections, such as the initial drop or high-speed turns, to shield the eyes from direct wind impact.
A physical technique involves lightly cupping a hand around the eye area during moments of peak wind exposure, particularly on coasters reaching speeds over 60 miles per hour. This creates a localized wind break, reducing the severity of the airflow. If irritation occurs after the ride, apply rewetting drops before rubbing the eyes, as rubbing a dry lens can cause discomfort or lens damage.
Evaluating Alternatives to Standard Contact Lenses
For riders who frequently experience dry eye or are concerned about losing a costly pair of extended-wear lenses, switching to daily disposable contacts offers a practical alternative. If a daily lens is dislodged or lost during a ride, the financial inconvenience is minimal, and the rider can simply insert a fresh, sterile lens from a spare pack. This option removes the stress of potential loss and ensures maximum hygiene.
Prescription glasses are another viable option, but they require a retention device to prevent loss, as they are more susceptible to being ripped off by the wind than a properly fitted contact lens. A secure sports strap that firmly holds the glasses to the head is necessary, as theme parks often require such restraints or prohibit loose eyewear. Without a strap, the risk of glasses being ejected by G-forces or wind is substantial.
If the rider has only minimal vision correction needs, choosing to go without any corrective lenses for the duration of the park visit is the lowest-risk option. While vision may be slightly compromised, it completely eliminates the possibility of losing a lens or experiencing irritation from dryness. This decision depends heavily on the individual’s prescription strength and comfort level with slightly blurred distance vision.