Wearing Contact Lenses During Heatwave? Expert Shares Tips To Keep In Mind To Maintain Eye Health

As temperatures soar during a heatwave, many contact lens wearers may face challenges in maintaining their eye health. The increased sun exposure, wind, and sand can pose unique challenges, leading to discomfort and irritation in the eye. To ensure comfortable long summer days while keeping your eye health in check, we got in touch with Dr Sakshi Lalwani, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bandra, Mumbai who shares tips and essential measures to follow while wearing contact lenses during excessive sun exposure.

Tips To Maintain Eye Health In Summers

Dr Sakshi Lalwani shares tips one must keep in mind while wearing contact lenses to avoid sun damage.

Wear Sunglasses:

The summer sun can be intense, but wearing sunglasses isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a crucial step in protecting your eyes. Sunglasses with UV protection lenses shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Plus, they can help minimize glare and make outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Opt For Contact Lenses With Built-In UV protection:

For contact lens wearers, choosing lenses with built-in UV protection is an added layer of defence against sun damage. These lenses feature a special coating or material that blocks a portion of the sun’s UV rays, providing additional peace of mind while you’re out and about in the summer sun.

Consider Daily Disposable Contact Lenses:

If you frequently experience discomfort due to allergies or dry eye disease, daily disposable contact lenses may be the solution for you. These lenses offer the convenience of a fresh pair every day, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing the risk of irritation from accumulated debris.

Keep Your Eyes Moisturised:

Hot and dry air can cause your contact lenses to dry out faster, leading to discomfort and irritation. Combat this by using lubricating eye drops or artificial tears regularly throughout the day to keep your eyes and lenses moist and comfortable.

Be Mindful Of Air Conditioning To Avoid Dry Eyes:

While air conditioning provides relief from the summer heat, it can also contribute to dryness, especially if the airflow is directed towards your face. To prevent further dehydration of your eyes and lenses, avoid positioning yourself directly in front of air vents.

Take Regular Breaks:

Give your eyes a break from contact lenses by wearing your glasses periodically, especially during prolonged outdoor activities. This allows your eyes to rest and recover, reducing the risk of discomfort and irritation associated with prolonged lens wear.

Maintain Good Hydration:

Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, but it’s especially important for maintaining adequate tear production and preventing dry eye symptoms. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors in hot weather.

Remove Lenses Before Showering Or Bathing:

To avoid potential complications such as protein buildup or eye infections, always remove your contact lenses before showering or bathing. Hot water can cause proteins and deposits to bind more tightly to the lenses, increasing the risk of discomfort and irritation.

Replace Lenses As Recommended:

Heat and sweat can cause proteins and oils to accumulate on contact lenses, compromising their clarity and comfort. Follow the recommended lens replacement schedule diligently to ensure optimal vision and eye health.

When To Seek Professional Help?

“Apart from keeping these tips in mind, you must know when to seek professional help for eye health. Certain symptoms, such as sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or persistent redness and swelling, should never be ignored and require immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate serious conditions like retinal detachment, infections, or other significant eye issues,” she said.

“Regular check-ups are essential, particularly for contact lens wearers, who are more susceptible to eye infections and complications. Routine eye exams play a crucial role in detecting early signs of problems and maintaining overall eye health,” Dr Sakshi Lalwani further noted.