The wonderful thing about contact lenses is how easily they fit into your lifestyle. But what about those scenarios that crop up, like accidentally falling asleep in your lenses, going swimming or flying?
Whether it’s questions about your daily routine or special occasions, here we address some of the most common concerns to provide practical tips for contact lens wearers.
Can I Swim With Contact Lenses?
One of the most frequent questions among contact lens wearers is: “Can I swim with contact lenses?” Unfortunately, contact lenses and swimming don’t mix. While it might seem convenient to wear your lenses in the pool or at the beach, it’s essential to exercise caution.
Swimming with contact lenses can pose risks to your eye health. Water, whether it’s from hot tubs, showers or taps, should never come into contact with contact lenses. This is crucial to maintaining good eye health and preventing potentially serious eye infections, such as those caused by Acanthamoeba.
Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism found in water sources, and it can be harmful to the eyes. When water comes into contact with contact lenses, it can create a favourable environment for these microorganisms to thrive and adhere to the lens surface. This can lead to eye infections that, in severe cases, may result in vision impairment or blindness.
Water can also cause soft contact lenses to change shape, leading to discomfort and vision issues. Chlorine and saltwater can also irritate your eyes, making it uncomfortable to wear lenses.
Sadly, there aren’t any contact lenses you can swim in on the market. For safe swimming, it's advisable to wear waterproof prescription goggles or consider using daily disposable contact lenses for occasional use during water activities. daysoft® lenses are designed for single-use and can be disposed of after your swim, reducing the risk of contamination.
Can I fly with contact lenses?
Flying with contact lenses is generally safe and manageable. However, air travel can affect your eyes due to the dry cabin air and altitude changes. Follow our guide to How to Pack For Flying and to ensure a comfortable flight, consider these tips:
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water to prevent eye dryness.
Use artificial tears
Carry lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist during the flight.
Blink regularly
Make a conscious effort to blink frequently to prevent dryness.
Remove lenses if necessary
If your eyes become too dry or uncomfortable, it’s fine to remove your lenses and use glasses.
Can I sleep with contact lenses?
You’re not the only one to nod off with your lenses in. Just don’t make a habit of it! Sleeping with your lenses in, even for a short nap, is not recommended for most types of contacts, including daysoft® lenses. They are designed for single-use daily wear only and should be disposed of after one use.
Daily disposable contact lenses are the safest and healthiest option for wearing contact lenses. Continuous wear of lenses, especially overnight, can increase the risk of eye infections and discomfort.
Can I use eye drops with my lenses?
Yes, you can use eye drops while wearing your contacts, provided the eye drops you choose are compatible with contact lenses. However, if you have been prescribed medicated eye drops, consult with your eyecare provider before using them with your lenses.
Can I wear contact lenses in the shower?
It’s generally not advisable to wear contact lenses in the shower. While some may consider it convenient, water, soap and shampoo can introduce contaminants and irritants to your eyes. To maintain eye health, it’s best to remove your contact lenses before showering.
Can contacts protect my eyes from UV rays?
daysoft® contact lenses incorporate a UV filter, providing protection from harmful UV rays. However, it’s important to note that areas not covered by the lens, such as the conjunctiva, eyelids and other eye tissues, are still sensitive to UV radiation.
We recommend wearing UV-protection sunglasses over your contact lenses during times of high UV exposure or when you would typically wear sunglasses. Here’s some more details on UV protection for your eyes.
Can I wear lenses for astigmatism?
Just about everyone can wear contacts, even if you have mild astigmatism. It’s a huge misconception that if you have astigmatism you can’t wear contacts, but this is not always the case.
daysoft® lenses have a spherical design so, at present, a Toric version to correct severe astigmatism is not available. If you’ve been prescribed Toric design contact lenses, we won’t be able to supply replacement lenses.
Can I wear contact lenses for sports?
There are so many reasons to wear contact lenses for sports! Here’s why we would choose daily disposable contact lenses over glasses:
Unobstructed vision
Contact lenses provide a wider field of view with no frames or lenses that can obstruct your vision. Increasing your peripheral vision may up your game!
Stability
Contact lenses stay in place during physical activities, so you won’t experience the bouncing, slipping or steaming that glasses can sometimes cause.
Safety
Contact lenses eliminate the risk of glasses breaking during sports, which can be especially dangerous in contact sports.
Comfort
Modern contact lenses are designed for comfort, and many are made with moisture-retaining materials that keep your eyes feeling comfortable, even during intense physical activity.
Can I wear contact lenses with a stye?
While wearing contact lenses with a stye (a painful red lump on the eyelid) is technically possible, it’s generally not recommended. Here’s why:
- A stye can cause discomfort, redness and swelling in the affected eye. Wearing contact lenses may exacerbate these symptoms and make your eye feel even more irritated.
- The process of inserting and removing contact lenses may be more challenging and uncomfortable when dealing with a stye.
Give your eye time to heal by temporarily discontinuing contact lens use until the stye has resolved.
Can I wear contact lenses on a sunbed?
Sunbeds emit UV rays, which can be harmful to your eyes, so we would strongly advise you to go contact lens free when tanning indoors.
Wearing contact lenses during tanning can increase the risk of eye irritation, dryness and discomfort. The heat generated by sunbeds can lead to dehydration of your lenses, making them less comfortable to wear.
To protect your eyes during indoor tanning sessions, it’s best to remove your contact lenses and wear appropriate eye protection, such as goggles specifically designed for use in tanning beds. These goggles should provide full coverage to shield your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of eye damage.
It’s crucial to prioritise your eye health by following recommended guidelines and seeking advice from your eyecare provider when necessary. daysoft® daily disposable contact lenses offer a safe and convenient option for clear vision without the risks associated with extended wear.
