Clear Vision, Strong Body: Exercising with Contacts

AvatarByJeff Duncan Workout

Working out with contacts is a common question for many people who wear them daily. You may be wondering, can you really exercise while wearing contacts? The answer is yes, but there are some important things to consider. In this article, we will explore the idea of working out with contacts and provide tips for those looking to maintain healthy eyes while staying active. So if you’re someone who’s always on the go and wears contacts, keep reading to find out how you can balance your fitness routine with your eye care needs.

The Importance of Proper Eye Care for Athletes

Proper eye care is essential for anyone who leads an active lifestyle, especially for athletes. Not only do athletes rely heavily on their vision to perform well in their sport, but they are also more prone to eye injuries due to the high-intensity nature of sports. Many athletes may not realize that wearing contact lenses while working out can have a significant impact on their eye health.

While contact lenses are a popular and convenient option for vision correction, they require extra care and precaution when engaging in physical activities. The constant movement and exposure to sweat and dirt during workouts can increase the risk of eye infections and damage to the contact lenses themselves.

Ignoring proper eye care while working out can result in discomfort, irritation, and even vision loss in extreme cases. That’s why it’s crucial for athletes to understand the importance of taking extra precautions when it comes to wearing contacts during workouts.

The Risks of Working Out With Contacts

Wearing contacts during workouts presents several risks that athletes should be aware of. One major risk is the potential for infection. When you sweat, your eyes produce more fluids, which can cause your contacts to become dry or dislodge from your eyes. Loose contact lenses can cause irritation and scratches on your cornea, making it easier for bacteria to enter your eyes and cause an infection.

Contact lenses also create a barrier between your eye and oxygen flow, resulting in decreased oxygen supply to the cornea. When you work out, this reduced supply may not be enough to support proper eye health. As a result, you may experience dry eyes, blurred vision, or other discomforts.

Another risk is that dirt and debris from your surroundings can get trapped under your contacts while working out. This debris can scratch the surface of your eye or cause an infection if it gets trapped under your contact lens.

Tips for Working Out With Contacts

While the risks of working out with contacts may seem daunting, there are certain steps athletes can take to minimize these risks and continue wearing their contacts while working out safely. Here are some tips for working out with contacts:

1. Wear daily disposable contact lenses: This type of contact lens is designed to be worn once and then discarded, making it a safe option for workouts. With daily disposables, you won’t have to worry about cleaning or storing your contacts after a sweaty workout. Just wear them during your workout and throw them away afterward.

2. Wash your hands before handling your contacts: Before inserting or removing your contact lenses, ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This step is crucial in preventing any bacteria or dirt from transferring onto your contact lenses.

3. Use sports-specific contact lenses: There are now contact lenses specifically designed for athletes and active individuals. These lenses are made of material that allows for better oxygen flow to the eyes and can withstand the rigors of physical activity.

4. Avoid wearing contacts for long periods: To minimize the risk of infection and discomfort, try not to wear your contacts for more than 8-10 hours a day, including during workouts.

5. Hydrate frequently: Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, including eye health. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after workouts can help keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable.

Alternatives to Wearing Contacts During Workouts

For some athletes, wearing contacts during workouts may still be uncomfortable or pose too much risk despite taking necessary precautions. In such cases, there are a few alternatives available that can provide clear vision without the worry.

1. Prescription sports goggles: These are specially designed goggles that can be worn over glasses or contact lenses during physical activities. They provide a comfortable fit and offer excellent protection against dirt and debris.

2. LASIK eye surgery: For athletes who wish to eliminate the need for contacts or glasses altogether, LASIK eye surgery may be an option. This popular procedure can correct common vision problems, allowing athletes to have clear vision without the hassle of contacts or glasses.

3. Non-prescription sports goggles: These are similar to prescription goggles but can be worn without glasses or contacts. They provide protection and clarity of vision for athletes with perfect vision.

In conclusion, working out with contacts can pose various risks to your eye health if proper precautions aren’t taken. However, with the right tips and alternative options, athletes can continue wearing contacts during workouts safely. Remember to prioritize proper eye care and consult your optometrist if you experience any discomfort while working out with contacts.

Exercising and physical activity are an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, for those who wear contact lenses, there may be some concerns about whether or not it is safe to workout with contacts. The good news is that exercising with contacts is perfectly fine and with proper precautions, you can safely continue your workouts while wearing your lenses. In this comprehensive guide, we will address all your doubts and questions surrounding the topic of working out with contact lenses.

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are thin, clear disks made of plastic that are worn directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision problems such as shortsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They are an excellent alternative to traditional glasses and provide a more natural field of vision. Contact lenses come in different types including soft disposable lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, and hybrid contact lenses that combine the features of both soft and RGP lenses.

The benefits of wearing contact lenses while working out

Working out with contact lenses offers several benefits compared to wearing glasses. First and foremost, contact lenses do not move or fall off during exercise like glasses can. This makes them a practical option for activities that involve a lot of movement or sweating. Contact lenses also offer a more natural field of view without any peripheral obstruction that glasses may cause. Additionally, they do not fog up like glasses when you sweat or go out into cold conditions.

Furthermore, wearing contact lenses instead of glasses can also boost your confidence during workouts. With no need for bulky eyeglasses frames or straps around your head, you can fully focus on your exercise routine without any distractions.

Are there any risks associated with working out with contact lenses?

Although wearing contact lenses while working out is generally safe, it is crucial to take certain precautions to minimize any potential risks. One of the most common concerns is the possibility of getting sweat or other irritants onto the surface of your contacts. This can cause discomfort, and in some cases, it may even lead to eye infections. However, with simple preventative measures, you can avoid such issues.

Tips for working out with contact lenses

– Wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.
– Use a clean towel to dry your hands before touching your lenses.
– Stick to waterproof mascara and avoid makeup near the eye area.
– Replace your contacts as recommended by your optometrist.
– Keep a small bottle of contact lens solution with you for easy cleaning.
– Wear protective eyewear if necessary (e.g., swimming goggles).
– Avoid wearing contact lenses if you have an eye infection or irritation.

The importance of proper hygiene

Proper hygiene is crucial when it comes to wearing contact lenses, especially during workouts. Sweat contains bacteria that can cause infections if they come into contact with your eyes. Therefore, make sure that you clean and disinfect your contacts according to the recommended schedule by your optometrist. Discard them after their expiration date and do not use them longer than advised.

Additionally, always remove your contacts immediately after a workout and cleanse them thoroughly before storing them. It is also essential to sanitize any gym equipment that may come into close proximity with your eyes. Wipe down machines and mats with alcohol wipes or disinfectant spray before using them.

What to do if you experience discomfort while working out with contacts

If you experience any discomfort while exercising with contact lenses, it could be due to dryness or protein deposits on the lens surface. In this case, apply a few drops of lubricating eye drops specifically designed for contact lenses. If discomfort persists, remove your contacts immediately and consult an eye doctor.

The bottom line

Now that you have a better understanding of wearing contact lenses while working out, you can continue your exercise routine with confidence. Remember to follow proper hygiene practices and take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential risks. With the right tools and care, exercising with contacts is safe and will not interfere with your fitness goals. However, if you experience any issues, do not hesitate to consult your optometrist for further advice.

1. Can you workout with contacts?
Yes, you can workout with contacts as long as they are comfortable and do not cause any irritation or discomfort.

2. Is it safe to wear contacts while exercising?
Yes, it is generally safe to wear contacts while exercising. However, it is important to keep them clean and follow hygiene guidelines to avoid any eye infections.

3. Are there any specific types of contacts recommended for working out?
Since there is a higher risk of debris or sweat getting trapped underneath contact lenses during exercise, it is recommended to wear daily disposables or lenses with higher oxygen permeability.

4. How can I prevent my contacts from falling out while working out?
Ensure that your contact lenses fit properly and are not loose on your eye. Also, make sure to secure your glasses if you are using them over your contacts for added support.

5. Can I wear my regular glasses instead of contacts for working out?
You can wear glasses instead of contacts for working out, however, they may not be as secure and comfortable during physical activity.

6. What should I do if my eyes feel dry while wearing contacts during exercise?
If your eyes feel dry or irritated while wearing contacts during exercise, try using lubricating eye drops specifically made for use with contact lenses. If the discomfort persists, remove your contacts and replace them with a fresh pair after cleaning them properly.

In conclusion, the question of whether or not one can work out with contacts is a common concern for many individuals who wear corrective lenses. After considering various factors such as comfort, hygiene, and safety, it is clear that it is generally safe to exercise with contacts. However, there are some precautionary measures that should be taken in order to minimize any potential risks.

Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of contact lens for exercising, such as daily disposables or silicone hydrogel lenses. These types are more breathable and therefore less likely to cause discomfort during physical activity.

Secondly, proper hygiene must be maintained when handling and wearing contacts during a workout. This includes washing hands before touching lenses and avoiding contact with sweat or water while wearing them.

Additionally, taking breaks during high-intensity exercises to rehydrate and refresh the eyes can help prevent dryness or irritation caused by contact lenses.

It is also important to listen to your body and pay attention to any discomfort or changes in vision while working out with contacts. If necessary, take a break from wearing them during intense exercise sessions.

Overall, properly fitting and maintained contacts can be worn while working out without major issues. However, it is always recommended to consult with an eye doctor if you have any concerns about exercising

Author Profile

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Jeff Duncan
Jeff Duncan, the owner and Head Coach of CrossFit Pearl District, is dedicated to fostering a supportive and effective training environment.

With a strong belief in the principles of movement mechanics, consistency, and intensity, Jeff has cultivated a community that thrives on continuous improvement and mutual support.

From 2024, Jeff Duncan has expanded his passion for CrossFit beyond coaching by writing an informative blog dedicated to the CrossFit niche. His blog features a variety of content aimed at providing valuable information and insights to the CrossFit community.

Jeff’s posts cover a wide range of topics including training techniques, nutrition advice, workout routines, and answers to common queries within the niche. This transition to blogging allows Jeff to reach a broader audience, sharing his expertise and helping individuals at all levels of their fitness journey.