Contacts in the winter
#1
Thread Starter
RuncycleEat
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2
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From: DC
Bikes: Specialized Vita Multisport
Contacts in the winter
Ive been having problems seeing with my contacts. Just wondering if anyone has any tips for preventing contacts from drying out/ freezing in my eyes.
I cant do my prescription glasses on the bike and Sunglasses dont help the wind enough
thanks
I cant do my prescription glasses on the bike and Sunglasses dont help the wind enough
thanks
#2
Try some lubricant like liquid tears... the problem is they dry out(dry winter air + warm body = increased evapouration), which cools them further... try blinking more?
Sounds like you should be wear ski goggles or some sunglasses with a larger wrap.
Sounds like you should be wear ski goggles or some sunglasses with a larger wrap.
#3
your god hates me



Joined: Apr 2006
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Bikes: 2026 Crumpton T5, 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
I've never had a problem w/ my contacts freezing...that sounds nasty! My regular cycling glasses suffice for keeping wind out of my eyes, but sometimes I'll put a drop of Bausch & Lomb "Genuine Sensetive Eyes® Brand" rewetting solution in my eyes before I go out for a ride just to preempt dryness. (I do that regardless of temps, year-round.)
#5
Fast for a Fred

Joined: May 2006
Posts: 350
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From: Shenandoah Valley
Bikes: LeMond Tourmalet, Specialized Tarmac
Definitely need to use rewetting drops once temps drop below 50. Blink is one brand that comes to mind, there are others. If I ride on a 40F day with some wind, I usually stop every 30 to 40 minutes to put in a couple drops. PITA, but otherwise I come home with vision so blurry that the last hour is unsafe.
I should note that this is not so much a contact lens problem as a dry eye problem. The cold + wind dries out the cornea, causing it to distort and leading to blurred vision.
I should note that this is not so much a contact lens problem as a dry eye problem. The cold + wind dries out the cornea, causing it to distort and leading to blurred vision.
#6
Weird, my eyes seem to just start tearing up as the temps drop. The contacts worked great done to 13 degrees F, the coldest it been this year. It all depends on your eyes. As others have said, eye drops, though id keep the bottle close to you body, so it stays warm.
Cold liquid is no fun.
Cold liquid is no fun.
#7
#8
Super Biker

Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Spokane WA
Bikes: 2014 Curtlo, 2006 Serotta Coeur d’Acier, 2005 Independent Fabrication Steel Delux, 2003 Surly 1x1, 2003 Surly Cross Check, 1986 Schwin Worldsport SS commuter, 1980's Mongoose Supergoose
It is just about impossible for your contact lenses to freeze, but...they can certainly dry out and cause irritation. Wrap around sunglasses would be the standard advice. If that didn't work for you, goggles might be worth a shot. Rewetting drops may or may not do the trick, depending on if your problem is related to drying out or an inflammatory reaction to the irritation from the cold. Drops are worth a shot. Also what brand of contact are you wearing? Sometimes switching contact lens brand/material can help.
Last edited by Mtn Mike; 01-27-10 at 11:13 PM.






