Yes, you can generally work out while wearing contact lenses. Contacts offer significant benefits over glasses, such as a wider field of view and stability during rapid movement, without fogging up or sliding down the nose. However, physical activity introduces unique factors like sweat, increased air movement, and friction. These factors necessitate caution and specific hygiene practices to prevent discomfort and potential eye health issues.
Health Risks When Exercising With Contacts
Wearing contact lenses during strenuous activity can elevate the risk of eye infection, primarily due to sweat contamination and poor hand hygiene. Sweat contains salts, oils, and bacteria; when it runs into the eye, the contact lens can trap these substances against the cornea, creating a breeding ground for microorganisms. Furthermore, a natural reaction to irritation is to rub or wipe the eyes, which can directly transfer bacteria from the hands or face to the lens surface. This contamination can lead to conditions such as bacterial keratitis or conjunctivitis.
Physical irritation and potential injury are also concerns when exercising with contacts. Increased air exposure, especially during outdoor running or cycling, can cause the lens to dry out rapidly, leading to increased friction between the lens and the eye’s surface. This dryness can cause micro-damage or corneal abrasions, which are tiny scratches on the eye’s protective layer. In high-impact or contact sports, a direct blow to the face can occasionally dislodge the lens, leading to temporary vision issues and discomfort.
Strategies for Comfort and Clear Vision
Maintaining strict hygiene is the most effective preventative measure when wearing contacts during physical activity. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before inserting or removing lenses, drying them with a clean towel to avoid introducing pathogens. This action lowers the chances of transferring bacteria from gym equipment or sweat to your eyes.
Switching to daily disposable lenses for workouts is a practical strategy to minimize bacterial buildup and the need for rigorous post-exercise cleaning. Since these lenses are discarded immediately after use, there is less opportunity for protein deposits and bacteria to accumulate on the lens surface. To combat dryness caused by increased breathing or air movement from fans, use rewetting or lubricating drops approved for contact lens wear both before and after your activity.
Wearing a sweatband or a baseball cap can help manage sweat flow and keep it from running directly into your eyes, preventing stinging and contamination. This physical barrier reduces irritation and the impulse to rub the eye. For outdoor activities, choosing lenses with built-in UV protection provides an additional layer of defense against harmful sun rays.
Activity-Specific Considerations
Contacts should always be removed before engaging in any water-based activities, including swimming, hot tubs, or showering. Water can harbor a microscopic parasite called Acanthamoeba, which the contact lens can absorb, trapping the organism against the cornea. This severe risk can lead to Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful infection that is difficult to treat and can result in blindness.
For high-impact or contact sports, such as basketball or martial arts, the potential for eye injury or lens dislodgment is amplified. In these scenarios, wearing protective sports goggles over your contact lenses is highly recommended. The goggles shield your eyes from impact and ensure the lenses remain securely in place.
When exercising in dusty or windy environments, such as trail running or cycling, protective eyewear is also important. Wraparound sunglasses or sports glasses shield the eyes from wind, dust, and debris that can lodge under the lens, causing irritation or corneal abrasion. These measures help maintain the stability and moisture of the lens, ensuring clear vision and comfort.