Heatwave hazards: Protect your eyes while wearing contact lenses with these expert-approved tips

Contact lenses, which act as sponges, absorb moisture from the eyes, exacerbating dryness and leading to redness, stinging, and blurred vision (Image: Canva)

There has been no respite from the rising temperatures and heatwaves in the last few months. While everyone is braving the heat, the contact lens wearers find themselves facing a unique set of challenges. The scorching heat and dry air not only make outdoor activities uncomfortable but also pose risks to eye health, especially for those who rely on contact lenses. Many step out into the sweltering heat, only to feel their lenses sticking to their dry eyes, causing discomfort and irritation.

Contact lens wearers need to take extra precautions to safeguard their eyes during heatwaves, informs Dr Ajay Sharma, founder & CMD of Eye-Q Super-Speciality Eye Hospitals. “During extreme heat, contact lens users face an increased risk of eye irritation, discomfort, and potential complications” he adds.

Dr Sharma suggests that the combination of high temperatures and low humidity levels can lead to several discomforts and potential complications, including:

Dry eyes: Heat and low humidity cause the tear film to evaporate more quickly, leaving eyes parched and uncomfortable. Contact lenses, which act as sponges, absorb moisture from the eyes, exacerbating dryness and leading to redness, stinging, and blurred vision.

Protein pile-up: High temperatures can trigger the denaturation and accumulation of proteins on contact lenses, leading to discomfort and increasing the risk of eye infections or damage to the cornea. The gritty sensation and impaired vision caused by protein buildup can further add to the woes of contact lens wearers during heatwaves.

UV rays: Intense sunlight during heatwaves exposes eyes to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing the risk of long-term eye damage such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea). Since contact lenses do not provide complete UV protection, wearers are left vulnerable to UV-induced eye conditions.

He shares some strategies to combat the heatwave:

Keep yourself hydrated: Keep your eyes well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially when spending time outdoors in hot weather. Adequate hydration helps prevent dryness and discomfort in the eyes.

Take regular breaks: Reduce the duration of contact lens wear during heatwaves to minimise eye strain and discomfort. Take regular breaks to give your eyes a rest and alleviate any irritation or dryness.

Use lubricating drops: Keep contact lenses hydrated with lubricating drops, particularly in hot and dry conditions. Moisturizing drops help prevent dryness and irritation, keeping your eyes comfortable throughout the day.

Shield your eyes: UV rays can be harmful. Shield your eyes by wearing UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors. Opt for wraparound styles to provide maximum coverage and protection against sunburn, wind, and dust.

Clean lenses regularly: Maintain proper hand hygiene before handling contact lenses, and adhere to recommended cleaning and disinfecting routines to prevent bacterial buildup. Regular cleaning helps reduce the risk of infections and keeps your lenses fresh and comfortable.

Use disposable lenses: Consider using daily disposable lenses during heatwaves to ensure a fresh pair each day. Daily disposables minimize the risk of protein buildup and bacterial contamination, providing superior comfort and hygiene.

Listen to your eyes: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort, redness, or vision disturbances while wearing contact lenses in hot weather. If symptoms persist, promptly remove your lenses and seek professional advice from an eye care specialist.