Wearing contact lenses during physical activity offers distinct advantages over traditional eyewear, providing a wider field of view and preventing the distraction of slipping or fogging frames. Contacts are a popular choice for athletes and gym-goers due to the freedom and consistent vision they provide. However, exercising with contacts introduces unique challenges concerning eye health and lens stability. By taking targeted precautions and practicing proper hygiene, contacts can be a safe and comfortable option for vision correction during any workout.
Primary Concerns When Exercising
The physical demands of a workout create an environment that can compromise the comfort and safety of contact lenses. One of the most common issues is increased eye dryness, which often occurs due to two factors: the higher rate of tear film evaporation caused by increased airflow during activities like running, and overall body dehydration during intense exercise. When the eye’s surface dries, the contact lens can adhere more tightly to the cornea, leading to irritation and blurry vision.
A concern is the risk of contamination from sweat and environmental debris. Sweat trickling into the eyes carries salts and bacteria from the skin, which can become trapped between the lens and the eye’s surface. This warm, moist environment under the contact lens is an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms, increasing the risk of painful eye infections like bacterial keratitis. Wearing an absorbent headband can help prevent this contaminated fluid from reaching the eyes.
Rapid or high-impact movements, particularly in contact sports, can also lead to mechanical issues with the lens itself. While modern soft lenses are designed to stay centered on the eye, intense jostling or a direct hit can cause a lens to fold or become displaced from the central cornea. Though it is physically impossible for a lens to slip “behind” the eye, a displaced lens can migrate beneath the upper eyelid, causing significant discomfort until it is carefully repositioned or removed.
Essential Hygiene and Care Practices
Mitigating the risks of eye infection during exercise relies on a hygiene routine before and after any activity. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and dry them completely before touching your lenses for insertion or removal. This step prevents the transfer of bacteria and dirt from gym equipment or workout surfaces directly onto the lens.
For extended workouts, carrying preservative-free lubricating or rewetting drops is a simple action that can significantly improve comfort. Applying a few drops periodically helps to rehydrate the lens and flush away minor irritants that may have entered the eye during the activity. This practice is especially helpful for individuals who experience dryness in air-conditioned gym settings or windy outdoor conditions.
Many eye care professionals recommend switching to daily disposable lenses for active lifestyles, as they offer the highest level of convenience and hygiene. Since a fresh, sterile pair is used and discarded immediately after the workout, the risk of protein buildup and bacteria accumulation is dramatically reduced. Regardless of lens type, contacts should never be worn while swimming, soaking in a hot tub, or engaging in water sports, as water harbors microorganisms that can adhere to the lens and cause severe infection.
Alternatives to Contact Lenses
For individuals whose eyes become too dry or irritated during exercise, or for those participating in high-risk sports, several alternatives to contact lens wear exist. Prescription sports goggles are an option, offering shatterproof protection and a secure fit that shields the eyes from debris, wind, and impact. Goggles are especially suited for sports where eye protection is mandatory or where there is a high chance of flying objects or water exposure.
Another alternative is the temporary vision correction known as Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K. This involves wearing specialized rigid gas permeable lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea while sleeping. The effect lasts through the following day, meaning the wearer has clear vision without needing to wear any corrective lenses—contacts or glasses—during their workout. This eliminates all risks associated with contacts during activity, such as displacement or contamination.
Traditional eyeglasses remain a viable option, though they may fog up from sweat or slip down the nose during strenuous activity. To mitigate these issues, athletes can opt for frames with rubberized nose pads and ear grips, or use an anti-fog spray on the lenses. The best choice depends on the specific activity and the individual’s tolerance for the risks and inconveniences of each correction method.