General Cycling Discussion - Contact lenses falling out

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View Full Version : Contact lenses falling out


tnorman
10-22-02, 06:42 AM
Does anyone else have problems with their contacts falling out while biking? Mine popped out twice this morning on my commute in to work, and I've lost about 10 of them in the past month. It seems to happen more often in cold weather. One edge flips up and dries out and then won't go back onto my eye.

The only other time I've had a contact fall out was when I went skydiving. :D

Is this a problem with the fit of my contacts or do I need to get some kind of eyewear to keep the wind out?

Thanks,
Tim


steversk
10-22-02, 06:51 AM
I've had the same problem before. Getting sunglasses with clear lenses will help reduce the amount of wind in your eyes.
I told my eye doctor about it and he had me try a different brand of contact. It seemed to have helped so perhaps it has something to do with the fit.

Good luck!

Spire
10-22-02, 06:58 AM
Like you say, it is because they are drying out. The reason for this is because of the wind passing over your eye. Wraparound glasses will significantly help this (it is pretty much the only complete solution). I talked to my optician about this exact problem and that was the only thing that she could suggest. I don't know if switching lense manufactures will really make any sort of difference.

As for fit, the optician said that even if she changed the dimentions by a whole unit, I would wind up with the same size lenses because they are designed to sort of suck onto your eye.

What I can suggest is that whenever it feels like it is going to fall out (you see blurry a bit), stop and blink a few times till it becomes clear and/or put some eye drops in. I have found that they eyedrops keep the lense moisturized, but do not necessarily prevent it from falling out (though if it does, it takes long).


nathank
10-22-02, 07:00 AM
i've worn soft contact lenses for about 15 years and never had a lense fall out while cycling (i ride 4k+ miles/yr) although had a few come out from other sports - swimming or volleyball (hand in eye), etc.

i usually wear clear lense glasses when i cycle b/c otherwise my eyes get really dry... i sometimes have problems with dry or irritated eyes from the wind from cycling, but again, my lenses have NEVER blown out of my eye.

try some protective clear glasses, but sounds like your lenses don't fit right or something...

tnorman
10-22-02, 08:03 AM
Many thanks for everyone's advice! I will get my fit checked and order a pair of clear lenses.

Take care,
Tim

dirtbikedude
10-22-02, 03:48 PM
I also wear soft contacts and have never had a problem with them falling out. I use them while playing football, cycling and yes, even surfing and water skiing. I have them in all the time and have been wearing contacts for 15 years. Try a differant brand or if you are useing hard lenses try soft.

Slainte:beer: