Exercising with Contact Lenses

If you’re struggling with questions like ‘Is it okay to wear contact lenses while exercising?’ or ‘Can I jog in contact lenses?’, you are at the right place. We’ll tell you why exercising with contact lenses is normal, especially for gym lovers. Learn why contact lenses can be a good option for exercising and expert considerations to look out for. After all, clear vision is not just important for daily life, it’s even more of an essential for fitness enthusiasts.

• Can I exercise with contact lenses?
• Tips on exercising with contact lenses

Can I exercise with contact lenses?

There are many people who contemplate if they should switch to contact lenses, especially while exercising. Wearing glasses while exercising can slow you down and make the entire workout experience less enjoyable. If you are a glasses wearer, and love exercising but find them to be a hindrance, here’s what you should know:

Wearing contact lenses while exercising or playing sports comes with a number of advantages:

• Contact lenses offer a clearer and wider field of view, unlike glasses, where the arms can obstruct your peripheral vision.
• They are less disruptive. You don’t have to worry about them slipping off your face during rapid movements, like glasses.
• If you’re exercising outdoors, you don’t have to worry about your lenses getting foggy.

So, it’s about time you stop wondering if contact lenses are better than glasses for exercising and achieve your fitness goals without worrying about your vision.

Tips on exercising with contact lenses

Exercising with contact lenses offers greater flexibility than glasses, allowing you to choose good health along with clear vision. However, it comes with its own considerations. Read our expert-approved tips which may come handy to you.

1. Get advice from an optician

It is important to consult your optician before opting for lenses as they can better advise on what lenses would be suitable based on different forms and levels of exercise. Their advice is also helpful when you experience any issue with your contact lenses while exercising. For instance, you may experience dry eyes in air-conditioned environments or feel irritation in case sweat reaches your eyes during activities like jogging outdoors.

2. Consider daily contact lenses

Our in-house Contact Lens Optician, Tina Patel advocates using daily contact lenses for both comfort and convenience, especially while exercising. Dailies are more hygienic compared to other lens wearing types as there’s less possibility of dirt or protein building up on the lenses. They are also easier to maintain and don’t require you to carry a lens solution in your gym bag as daily disposable lenses must be disposed straight after use. However, if you prefer reusable lenses, you can refer to our contact lens care guide for more information.

comfi Daily Disposable lenses are perfect for new contact lens users. They feature a 58% water content to help keep your eyes fresh and hydrated throughout your workout.

3. Practice proper hygiene

Remember to thoroughly wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing your contact lenses. Don’t let an active day stop you from maintaining good hygiene, as this practice helps minimise the risk of any eye infections.

4. Carry a spare pair

If you damage your lenses by any chance (for example, while putting them in or taking them out), having a spare pair could help save the day. This way, you’ll also be prepared on days you’re out and unable to rush home before going to the gym.

5. Stay hydrated

Just like your body, your eyes lose hydration and nourishment every day, especially during rigorous exercising and sweating. Besides drinking lots of water, you can use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated.

The Hycosan Extra Dry Eye Drops help relieve persistently dry and irritated eyes.

Another convenient option for effective relief from dry eyes is Blink Intensive Tears Vials by AMO. Ideal for contact lens wearers with busy lifestyles, these eye drops can even be applied whilst you have your contact lenses in.

Whether you are trying out a new yoga pose or jogging, contact lenses can be a practical solution for an uncompromised vision. So, gear up with contact lenses and take your fitness journey to a whole new level.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.