Contact lenses can offer freedom and convenience when you lead an active lifestyle but there are a few factors that you will need to consider in order to ensure your eye health and comfort.
You have to choose the right type of contact lenses
You can let your contact lens specialist that you will be wearing them while you are being active whether playing a sport, running etc. and they can make recommendations on what is best for you. You can use daily disposables as you will be able to use a fresh pair every day without having to worry about cleaning and storing them. There are also silicone hydrogel lenses that can offer a high level of breathability so that they can be worn for an extended period of time during intense activities. You have to consider comfort and stability of the contact lenses during movement. Some of the features that can ensure this are thinner edges, increased moisture retention and improved stability of the tear film so that irritation and discomfort are prevented during physical exertion.
You have to make sure that the contact lenses are fitted properly
This can be done with a fitting appointment where your optometrist will make sure that your lenses fit securely and comfortably even when you are engaged in rigorous activity. And if you are prone to discomfort or dryness when wearing contact lenses, you can use lubricating eye drops as long as you get a recommendation from your optometrist as well. Dryness can be experienced sometimes when you are in windy or arid conditions and having some lubricating eye drops in hand can be very useful so that you can maintain proper moisture levels. You have to protect your eyes from environmental elements such as UV radiation, dust and wind. You can wear sunglasses with UV protection when you are going outdoors and look for wraparound styles so that you can get additional coverage. This can help minimise irritation when you are outdoors. It is important to stay hydrated when you are wearing contact lenses during physical activity as this will help improve your overall eye comfort. If you are experiencing discomfort and dryness, not drinking sufficient water can exacerbate it.
There has to be a strict cleaning routine for
The contact lenses so that sweat, debris and bacteria will not accumulate on the contact lenses during activity. There will be cleaning solutions that are recommended to you by the optometrist along with guidelines on how to use them so that the risk of infection is minimised. And if you are travelling or planning to participate in outdoor activities, it is a good idea to pack a contact lens travel kit that includes a lens case, cleaning solution, extra lenses and lubricating drops. You may wear out the contact lenses faster because you are more exposed to environmental factors and increased movement as an active individual. This means that you will need to replace the lenses regularly.
