Eye Problems in Cold Weather
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Eye Problems in Cold Weather
Hello....
I'm new to this forum, and didn't really see an appropriate category for this specific question, so I'm posting here.. Please let me know if this should go elsewhere..
This is a bit off the wall, but for years I've noticed that when the temps get below like 45 or so, my eyes "tear up" in a big way when riding and make it difficult to see.. Ordinary bike glasses do not work, so I'm wondering if there is anything you guys might know of that could help this issue.. Due to this malady, I've had to omit cold weather biking completely.. Would like to bike year around again!
Thanks in advance for any help on this....
I'm new to this forum, and didn't really see an appropriate category for this specific question, so I'm posting here.. Please let me know if this should go elsewhere..
This is a bit off the wall, but for years I've noticed that when the temps get below like 45 or so, my eyes "tear up" in a big way when riding and make it difficult to see.. Ordinary bike glasses do not work, so I'm wondering if there is anything you guys might know of that could help this issue.. Due to this malady, I've had to omit cold weather biking completely.. Would like to bike year around again!
Thanks in advance for any help on this....
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,770
Likes: 369
From: Orange County, CA
#3
Lopsided biped

Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 742
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From: NE Ohio
Bikes: 2017 Day 6 Cyclone (the Buick); 2015 Simcoe Deluxe (the Xebec); Street Strider 3i (the not-a-bike); GreenSpeed Anura (the Black Swan)
You might try goggles that seal out the weather, such as might be sold to skiers or motorcyclists. I have the same problem, but it isn't the cold; it's the cold plus the wind.
#6
I bought one of these and it really keeps the wind off of my eyes and is a lot less expensive than some similar style helmets:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DZQX5DP...d_i=B07DZQX5DP
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DZQX5DP...d_i=B07DZQX5DP
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,973
Likes: 1,397
From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Maybe some tight fitting wrap-around sport glasses. ????
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 113
From: New Jersey
I wear prescription glasses, so in many respects, goggles don't work well for me. That said, except in the coldest weather (under 15-20F, or so) my eyes will adjust after about 5 minutes, once I've warmed up. When it is super cold, my balaclavas help with my eyes, I find.
If you aren't a prescription glasses wearer, get a set of wrap around safety glasses from UVEX (these are sold in many hardware stores). They have an eye seal all the way around. You can drill a few holes in the lenses if they fog up.
If you aren't a prescription glasses wearer, get a set of wrap around safety glasses from UVEX (these are sold in many hardware stores). They have an eye seal all the way around. You can drill a few holes in the lenses if they fog up.
#10
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,987
Likes: 1,169
From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Hello....
I'm new to this forum, and didn't really see an appropriate category for this specific question, so I'm posting here.. Please let me know if this should go elsewhere..
This is a bit off the wall, but for years I've noticed that when the temps get below like 45 or so, my eyes "tear up" in a big way when riding and make it difficult to see.. Ordinary bike glasses do not work, so I'm wondering if there is anything you guys might know of that could help this issue.. Due to this malady, I've had to omit cold weather biking completely.. Would like to bike year around again!
Thanks in advance for any help on this....
I'm new to this forum, and didn't really see an appropriate category for this specific question, so I'm posting here.. Please let me know if this should go elsewhere..
This is a bit off the wall, but for years I've noticed that when the temps get below like 45 or so, my eyes "tear up" in a big way when riding and make it difficult to see.. Ordinary bike glasses do not work, so I'm wondering if there is anything you guys might know of that could help this issue.. Due to this malady, I've had to omit cold weather biking completely.. Would like to bike year around again!
Thanks in advance for any help on this....
I changed the thread title to better reflect the topic.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
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Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
#11
With a mighty wind


Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1,548
About 10 years ago I temporarily went blind at 20k' in Peru. Even though my vision came back within a couple days, I did some sort of permanent damage. Now I get terrible irritation in the wind. The day after a really long ride is rough.
I would like to switch to legit goggles but the fog issue would be unacceptable.
For now, good glasses with good coverage and eye drops seems to help. I'll probably get one of those helmets with an eye shield eventually but damn are they ugly.
I would like to switch to legit goggles but the fog issue would be unacceptable.
For now, good glasses with good coverage and eye drops seems to help. I'll probably get one of those helmets with an eye shield eventually but damn are they ugly.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: New York
Bikes: 2014 Diamondback Trace Comp (Modified)
All joking aside, it's threads like these that make me realize even more benefits that come with wearing contact lenses; not only am I afforded UV protection, but they also shield my eyes incredibly well against colder winds while riding. I feel my eyes still water the same amount however, my eyes remain far more comfortable when riding with contact lenses in, than without, especially on the slopes. Obviously you wouldn't buy/wear them for this purpose alone, I just thought I'd share my insight (or rather lack thereof).
#13
Hello....
I'm new to this forum, and didn't really see an appropriate category for this specific question, so I'm posting here.. Please let me know if this should go elsewhere..
This is a bit off the wall, but for years I've noticed that when the temps get below like 45 or so, my eyes "tear up" in a big way when riding and make it difficult to see.. Ordinary bike glasses do not work, so I'm wondering if there is anything you guys might know of that could help this issue.. Due to this malady, I've had to omit cold weather biking completely.. Would like to bike year around again!
Thanks in advance for any help on this....
I'm new to this forum, and didn't really see an appropriate category for this specific question, so I'm posting here.. Please let me know if this should go elsewhere..
This is a bit off the wall, but for years I've noticed that when the temps get below like 45 or so, my eyes "tear up" in a big way when riding and make it difficult to see.. Ordinary bike glasses do not work, so I'm wondering if there is anything you guys might know of that could help this issue.. Due to this malady, I've had to omit cold weather biking completely.. Would like to bike year around again!
Thanks in advance for any help on this....
#14
☢
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 3,621
Likes: 240
From: La-la Land, CA
Bikes: Cannondale Quick SL1 Bike - 2014
No they won't, its genetic.
I suffer from a similar malady and its just something I try to avoid. But its not the cold (<55 degrees), as much as its the wind -- a dry wind. Riding, running, or even walking into a cold wind and not only do my eyes start to tear, but my noise starts running like a faucet. It makes riding so unenjoyable I just avoid going out altogether.
Infection much? I could fill half a database from issue with contacts.
I suffer from a similar malady and its just something I try to avoid. But its not the cold (<55 degrees), as much as its the wind -- a dry wind. Riding, running, or even walking into a cold wind and not only do my eyes start to tear, but my noise starts running like a faucet. It makes riding so unenjoyable I just avoid going out altogether.
All joking aside, it's threads like these that make me realize even more benefits that come with wearing contact lenses; not only am I afforded UV protection, but they also shield my eyes incredibly well against colder winds while riding. I feel my eyes still water the same amount however, my eyes remain far more comfortable when riding with contact lenses in, than without, especially on the slopes. Obviously you wouldn't buy/wear them for this purpose alone, I just thought I'd share my insight (or rather lack thereof).
#16
Gravel Rider
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: CT
Bikes: 2019 Trek Checkpoint ALR5 | Trek Farley 5
I use these for all kinds of things and very affordable.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-Profe...0025/205137846
https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-Profe...0025/205137846
#17
With a mighty wind


Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1,548
Ah, the ol' teary eyes while barrelling down a hill with your hair on ice! I use Wiley-X SG1 sunglasses for sunny days and change the lenses to clear as the situation dictate. Instead of the regular temples I use the replaceable head straps and use them like goggles. It keeps the wind out of my eyes and not as cumbersome as ski goggles. Saved my eyes a few times out in the Middle East.
I find mountain passes to be the biggest challenge to eyewear, my heart rate will be 150+ up to 180 for the climb and I'm sometimes only going 4mph, probably never more than 10. It's not fast enough to dry the fog and it's a time when the most moisture is pouring from me.
#18
Non omnino gravis
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 8,552
Likes: 1,739
From: SoCal, USA!
Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu
Not to be indelicate, but what do you need the glasses for when slogging up a hill at 4mph? Take 'em off. My sunglasses are prescription, and when heading up a humid hillclimb, the glasses go in the helmet vents-- that is if the helmet hasn't come off already. I've little need for eye and crash protection when moving slightly faster than walking speed.
I will also recommend Wiley-X. They have a whole line of motorcycling sunglasses with removable gaskets so they seal around the eyes, and pretty much all of them are available with prescription lenses.
I will also recommend Wiley-X. They have a whole line of motorcycling sunglasses with removable gaskets so they seal around the eyes, and pretty much all of them are available with prescription lenses.
#19
With a mighty wind


Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1,548
Ah, the ol' teary eyes while barrelling down a hill with your hair on ice! I use Wiley-X SG1 sunglasses for sunny days and change the lenses to clear as the situation dictate. Instead of the regular temples I use the replaceable head straps and use them like goggles. It keeps the wind out of my eyes and not as cumbersome as ski goggles. Saved my eyes a few times out in the Middle East.
#21
Non omnino gravis
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 8,552
Likes: 1,739
From: SoCal, USA!
Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu
#22
How are they with fog? Could you ride up a mountain pass as hard as you can on an 80 degree day? How about on a 50 degree day?
I find mountain passes to be the biggest challenge to eyewear, my heart rate will be 150+ up to 180 for the climb and I'm sometimes only going 4mph, probably never more than 10. It's not fast enough to dry the fog and it's a time when the most moisture is pouring from me.
I find mountain passes to be the biggest challenge to eyewear, my heart rate will be 150+ up to 180 for the climb and I'm sometimes only going 4mph, probably never more than 10. It's not fast enough to dry the fog and it's a time when the most moisture is pouring from me.
#23
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 2,359
From: Hollister, CA (not the surf town)
Bikes: 2019 Specialized Roubaix Comp Di2, 2009 Roubaix, early 90's Giant Iguana
I ride year round down to near freezing temps and have the same issue but it only last for about a mile and then my eyes seem to get used to it as long as I'm not going really fast, like a steep descent, when they tend to tear up no matter what the temperature.
If you haven't already, you might try just starting out at a very leisurely pace till your eyes adjust to the cold and then transition to your normal speed.
If it's a sustained issue about all you can do is get better wind protection, i.e. enclosed goggles or large shield.
If you haven't already, you might try just starting out at a very leisurely pace till your eyes adjust to the cold and then transition to your normal speed.
If it's a sustained issue about all you can do is get better wind protection, i.e. enclosed goggles or large shield.
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: New York
Bikes: 2014 Diamondback Trace Comp (Modified)
Hygiene is a personal problem; your database would primarily contain cases of user error; don't blame the equipment! I've been wearing contact lenses daily for almost 10 years without issue, they make me feel superhuman.
#25
☢
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 3,621
Likes: 240
From: La-la Land, CA
Bikes: Cannondale Quick SL1 Bike - 2014
Be that as it may, even the most anal individual has issues with contacts from time to time. To suggest otherwise is being disingenuous. Anybody that's ever worn contacts knows that.








