Wearing contacts and glasses in cold weather can be a bit of a nuisance but that’s the price we pay if we want to see clearly. There are 3.7 million contact lens wearers in the UK so a lot of us are probably used to fogged-up glasses and irritated eyes in the cold weather but it doesn’t make it any more comfortable.

You’ll be happy to know that there are some small lifestyle changes you can make to reduce itchy eyes in the winter. Here are our top winter eye care tips that should improve contact lens wearing:

Choose the right contacts

Most people prefer contact lenses over glasses in cold weather, especially if you’re leading an active lifestyle. Comfort is maximised when you’re wearing the correct contact lenses, which depend on corneal curvature, iris size, and tear film composition.

On the other hand, poorly fitted lenses can cause irritation, blurry vision, and exacerbate any existing eye conditions. So, you should make it a priority to find the right contact lenses to avoid winter discomfort.

Avoid dry environments

Flare-ups are likely to occur during dry environments like high altitudes, airplanes, desert areas, and heated areas. Many opticians will recommend avoiding wearing contact lenses in these environments because it can cause dry eye syndrome and other uncomfortable irritation.

This, of course, is not always possible but there are things you can do to alleviate any discomfort. You can face away from heaters or fireplaces, divert AC away from your face while driving, or bring eye drops on long-haul flights.

Stay hydrated

You’d be surprised how much your hydration levels will affect eye irritation. The human body loses more moisture in cold temperatures but still needs the same amount of hydration. Consistently drinking water throughout the day maintains a regular temperature and keeps your immune system ticking.

Keeping your body warm leads to optimum eye temperatures and keeps your eyeballs lubricated.

Limit your screen time

We all know that screen time is a big contributor to short-sightedness and eye strain but this becomes even worse when contact lenses are involved. When eyes stare at screens for large amounts of time, the pupil constantly focuses and refocuses, leading to your blink rate being reduced.

Consequentially, you can suffer strain and dry eye due to inadequate lubrication. Limiting your screen time or taking regular breaks is a good way to prevent eye discomfort.