As winter rolls in and temperatures start to dip—even here on the sunny Gold Coast—you might notice your eyes feeling a little drier, scratchier, or just not as comfy in your contact lenses. You’re not imagining things! Cold weather, gusty winds, and drying indoor heaters can all play a role in making contact lens wear during winter a bit of a challenge.
But the good news? With a few smart tweaks to your routine and the right support from our Envision team, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision all season long.
Why Winter Messes with Your Contacts
Unlike summer, winter air holds much less moisture. Pair that with indoor heating and blustery winds, and your eyes are in a constant battle to stay hydrated. Contact lenses, especially if worn all day, can start to feel sticky or uncomfortable as they soak up what little moisture your eyes have left.
Some people even experience blurry vision more toward the end of the day because their lenses are drying out. Add in a dash of winter allergies (yes, they’re a thing!), like dust mites and mould stirred up by heating systems, and it’s no wonder your eyes might not feel their best.
Top Tips to Keep Contact Lenses Comfy in Cold Weather
Here’s what we recommend to help you power through winter with healthy, happy eyes:
1. Stay Hydrated
Water is your best friend! Sip regularly throughout the day to support your body’s natural hydration—including your eyes. Dehydration can make dryness worse, so keep a water bottle handy, especially indoors.
2. Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Artificial tears made for contact lens wearers can work wonders. They help restore moisture and reduce that gritty, dry sensation. If you're unsure which drops are safe with your lenses, pop in and ask - we're here to help.
3. Shield Your Eyes from Wind and Cold
Wraparound and polarised sunglasses aren’t just for sports or summer. They protect your eyes from wind and help keep tears from evaporating too quickly. Bonus: They also protect against UV rays, which are still strong in our climate during winter!
4. Rotate in Your Glasses
If your contacts are feeling a bit much, give your eyes a break. Switching to glasses, especially on screen-heavy days or at night, can really help reduce irritation. Plus, mixing it up is super trendy right now!
5.Use a Humidifier
Heating dries out the air indoors, which dries out your eyes. A small room humidifier can restore moisture to your environment and help your lenses feel more comfortable. Just aim for a humidity level between 30–40%.
6. Consider Daily Disposables
Daily contact lenses can be a game changer in winter. They're fresh every day, help reduce the buildup of allergens and tend to feel moister than lenses worn over multiple days. If you've never tried them, ask us if they might be right for you.
Still Feeling Dry or Irritated? Let’s Chat
Your eyes deserve to feel great all year long. If you’re still struggling with dryness or discomfort even after trying these tips, it might be time for a quick check-in. We can assess if your current lenses are the best fit for your eyes, particularly for winter and recommend solutions like rewetting drops, different lens materials, or even blue light protection for screen-heavy days.
At Envision Optical, we’re here to help you enjoy every season with clear, comfortable vision. Book an appointment today and let’s make sure your contact lenses are working for you and not against you this winter.