Keeping Your Eyes Safe From Sun, Sweat, and Swimming: A Contact Lens Wearer’s Summer Guide

Summer brings more time outdoors, warmer temperatures, and frequent trips to the pool or beach. For contact lens wearers, these activities can also introduce dryness, irritation, and a higher risk of eye infections without proper precautions. Following a few contact lens safety habits can help you enjoy the season while protecting your comfort and eye health.

Protect Your Eyes From UV Exposure

Contact lenses provide clear vision but do not replace protective sunglasses. Some lenses include UV-blocking features, but they do not cover the entire eye or surrounding skin.

Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays whenever you spend time outdoors. A wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection, especially during extended outdoor activities.

Keep Sweat and Sunscreen Out of Your Eyes

Sweat, sunscreen, and facial products can enter the eyes during outdoor exercise or sports. When these substances become trapped beneath a contact lens, they may cause stinging, blurry vision, or irritation.

Apply sunscreen carefully around the eyes and allow it to absorb before inserting your lenses. When sweating, gently blot your forehead with a clean towel instead of rubbing your eyes. If irritation develops, remove your contacts with clean, dry hands and use only contact lens products recommended by your optometrist.

Remove Contact Lenses Before Swimming

Contact lenses should not be exposed to water from pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, showers, or faucets. Water can contain microorganisms that may attach to a lens and increase the risk of a serious corneal infection.

Remove your contacts before swimming and consider using prescription swim goggles when you need clear vision in the water. If your lenses are accidentally exposed to water, remove them promptly. Disposable lenses should generally be discarded, while reusable lens wearers should contact their eye doctor for proper care instructions.

Follow Healthy Summer Contact Lens Habits

Consistent lens care is especially important when summer activities disrupt your normal routine. Contact lens wearers should:

•          Wash and thoroughly dry their hands before touching their lenses

•          Use fresh contact lens solution rather than water or old solution

•          Follow the prescribed lens replacement schedule

•          Carry backup lenses, solution, a clean case, and eyeglasses

•          Remove lenses before sleeping, showering, or swimming

•          Replace the lens case regularly

•          Avoid wearing lenses longer than recommended

Give Dry or Irritated Eyes a Break

Heat, wind, air conditioning, and extended outdoor activities can make contact lenses feel less comfortable. Never continue wearing a lens that causes persistent dryness, redness, pain, or blurred vision.

Switch to glasses when your eyes need a break. Contact our optometrist promptly if symptoms continue after removing your lenses, especially if you experience increasing pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or changes in vision.

Schedule a contact lens evaluation with InnoVision Optometry to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy throughout the summer. Contact our office in Rowland Heights, CA, by calling (626) 593-8700 today.