Clear Vision, Strong Results: Can You Workout With Contacts?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Have you ever wondered if it’s safe to hit the gym while wearing contacts? Or perhaps you’re new to the world of fitness and unsure if contacts are hindering your progress. Whatever the case may be, the question remains: can you workout with contacts? Surprisingly, there is a lot of confusion and misconceptions surrounding this topic. In this article, we’ll answer all your burning questions and provide valuable insight into working out with contacts. So, whether you’re a seasoned fitness junkie or just starting out, keep reading to find out if you should ditch those contact lenses before hitting the weights.

The popularity of contact lenses has been on the rise due to their convenience and ease of use. They provide a clear, unobstructed vision without the inconvenience of glasses. However, many contact lens wearers often wonder if it is safe to work out while wearing them. In this guide, we will explore the question: “Can you workout with contacts?” and provide detailed information and expert advice on this topic.

Understanding Contact Lenses and Their Composition

Before we dive into the effects of working out with contacts, it is essential to understand what contact lenses are made of and how they function. Contact lenses are thin, curved discs made of soft or rigid materials that are placed directly on the cornea of the eye to correct vision problems. They work by altering the way light focuses on the retina.

Soft contact lenses are made of hydrophilic (water-loving) materials such as silicone hydrogel or hydrogel, while rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made of a hard plastic material. Both types of lenses allow oxygen to pass through to your cornea, ensuring healthy eyes.

The Risks Associated with Working Out with Contacts

Now that we understand what contact lenses are composed of let’s delve into whether it is safe to work out while wearing them. Many people think that working out with contacts can increase their risk for eye infections or damage their lenses. While there is some risk involved, it is not because of your workout activities but rather how you take care of your contacts outside of your workout routine.

One risk associated with working out with contacts is dry eyes due to decreased oxygen supply to your cornea during intense physical activities when you blink less frequently than usual. Another potential risk is an eye infection caused by bacteria getting trapped between your lens and your eye’s surface during a workout session.

As for damaging your contacts, certain exercises such as swimming, where your eyes are exposed to chlorinated pool water, can cause your lenses to deteriorate and lose their shape. Similarly, heavy weightlifting exercises can cause your contacts to rub against your eye’s surface and potentially tear or dislodge.

Tips for Working Out with Contacts

While there are risks involved, you can undoubtedly work out with contacts with proper precautions. Here are some expert tips to help you work out safely while wearing contacts.

  • Wash Your Hands Thoroughly Before Touching Your Contacts: Before handling your contacts, make sure you wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free cloth. This step reduces the chances of transferring any bacteria or germs from your hands to your eyes.
  • Use Rewetting Drops: If you experience dry eyes during your workout, use rewetting drops recommended by an eye care professional. These drops will keep your eyes moisturized while wearing contacts.
  • Avoid Wearing Lenses in the Pool or Hot Tub: As mentioned earlier, swimming with contacts can cause damage to the lenses. Therefore, it is best to avoid wearing them in the pool or hot tub.
  • Consider Wearing Glasses During Intense Activities: If you participate in strenuous activities that involve intense movements or involve exposing your eyes to airborne particles (e.g., kickboxing), consider wearing glasses instead of contacts.

Taking Care of Your Contacts After Working Out

After a workout session, it is crucial to take care of your lenses properly. Failure to do so can increase the risk of eye infections and damage to your lenses. Here are some expert tips for taking care of your contacts after working out:

  • Clean Your Contacts Thoroughly: Once you remove your lenses, make sure you clean them thoroughly with the recommended solution before storing them in their case. Cleaning and disinfecting your contacts will help remove any bacteria or debris, reducing the risk of an eye infection.
  • Replace Your Contacts Regularly: It is essential to replace your contacts as recommended by your eye care professional. Overwearing lenses can lead to a build-up of bacteria, protein deposits, and other irritants that can affect your eye health.
  • Store Your Contacts Properly: When not wearing your contacts, always store them in their prescribed case with fresh solution. Avoid using tap water or saliva, which can contain harmful bacteria and chemicals that can damage your lenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is safe to work out with contacts as long as you take proper precautions and follow good hygiene practices. Working out with contacts does not increase the risk of eye infections or damage to your lenses as long as you take care of them correctly. If you experience any discomfort or irritation while working out with contacts, it is best to remove them immediately and consult an eye care professional. By following the tips mentioned above, you can continue enjoying the convenience of contact lenses while staying active and healthy

The Importance of Eye Safety During Workouts

When it comes to working out, many people focus solely on their physical fitness and neglect the importance of eye safety. However, engaging in any form of physical activity without proper eye protection can have serious consequences. This is especially true if you wear contacts while working out. So, can you workout with contacts? The answer is yes, but it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your eyes.

One of the main reasons why eye safety during workouts is essential is because of the high-intensity movements involved. Whether you’re running on a treadmill or lifting weights, these activities put a lot of strain on your body. As a result, your heart rate and blood pressure increase, causing blood vessels in your eyes to expand and become even more vulnerable. If you wear contacts, this can lead to discomfort and irritation, making it difficult to concentrate on your workout.

Moreover, excessive sweating during workouts can also cause problems for contact lens wearers. Sweat contains salt and other chemicals that can irritate the eyes and cause contact lenses to dry out or stick to the surface of your eye. This not only leaves you feeling uncomfortable but also increases the risk of developing an eye infection.

The Risks Associated with Working Out with Contacts

Now that we’ve established the importance of eye safety during workouts let’s dive into some specific risks associated with working out with contacts:

1. Corneal Abrasion – A small tear in the cornea (the clear, protective layer covering the front of your eye) caused by friction between your contact lens and the surface of your eye. This is not only painful but also increases the risk of infection.

2. Eye Infection – Wearing contacts while working out can increase your risk of developing an eye infection such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). This is because sweat, dirt, and bacteria can get trapped under your contacts, creating the perfect breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.

3. Dry Eyes – As mentioned earlier, excessive sweating during a workout can cause your contact lenses to dry out or stick to your eyes. This can lead to discomfort and blurry vision, making it difficult to complete your workout.

4. Allergic Reactions – For those who have allergies or sensitivities to certain materials found in contact lenses, wearing them while working out can result in an allergic reaction. This can range from mild irritation to severe swelling and discomfort.

Tips for Working Out with Contacts

While it’s always recommended to remove your contacts before engaging in any physical activity, we understand that sometimes it’s not possible. In such cases, following these tips can help you minimize the risks associated with working out with contacts:

1. Stay Hydrated – Keeping yourself adequately hydrated not only benefits your overall health but also helps keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable while wearing contacts during workouts.

2. Use Daily Disposables – If you prefer wearing contacts during workouts, consider using daily disposable lenses instead of monthly ones. These lenses reduce the chances of infection as they are discarded after each use.

3. Consider Switching to Glasses – Wearing glasses instead of contacts during workouts is a safer alternative. Plus, you won’t have to worry about dryness or infections caused by sweat.

4. Clean Your Contacts Thoroughly – If you decide to wear contacts while working out, make sure you clean them thoroughly before and after each use. This will remove any dirt and bacteria that might have accumulated on them.

5. Take Breaks from Wearing Contacts – Give your eyes some breathing room by taking breaks from wearing contacts every now and then during long workouts.

In conclusion, while it is possible to work out with contacts on, it’s important to prioritize eye safety and take the necessary precautions. If you experience any discomfort, irritation, or blurry vision while working out with contacts, it’s best to remove them immediately and seek professional help. Remember, your vision is precious, and taking care of your eyes should be a top priority. So, stay safe and enjoy your workouts!

1. Can I workout with my contacts in?
Yes, you can workout with your contacts in. However, it is important to take proper precautions to avoid any discomfort or irritation.

2. Is it safe to wear contacts during exercise?
Yes, wearing contacts during exercise is generally safe. However, there are some potential risks that you should be aware of and take measures to prevent.

3. What type of contact lenses are best for working out?
Disposable soft contact lenses are considered the best option for working out as they offer more comfort and flexibility during physical activity.

4. How can I prevent my contacts from falling out while working out?
To prevent your contacts from falling out during exercise, you can consider wearing a pair of sports glasses over your contacts or using specially designed sports contact lenses that provide better stability.

5. Should I avoid wearing contacts if I sweat a lot while working out?
No, sweating while wearing contacts is not harmful as long as you maintain good hygiene and replace them regularly according to your optometrist’s recommendation.

6. Can I wear my regular glasses while working out instead of contacts?
While it may be tempting to wear regular glasses while exercising because they seem more secure, they can get uncomfortable with sweat and movement. It is best to opt for contact lenses that offer better stability and comfort during workout sessions.

In conclusion, the question of whether or not one can workout with contacts is a commonly asked one. After examining various factors such as comfort, safety, and hygiene, it is clear that the answer is ultimately dependent on personal preference and individual circumstances.

Those who have been cleared by their eye doctor to wear contacts while exercising may find it beneficial to do so for improved vision and convenience. However, it is crucial to properly clean and maintain the contacts before and after working out to avoid any potential eye infections.

On the other hand, individuals who find discomfort or difficulty wearing contacts may opt for alternative options such as prescription sports glasses or daily disposable contacts. It is also important to keep in mind that certain activities such as swimming make it unsafe to wear contacts and proper precautions must be taken.

Ultimately, it is essential for each person to assess their own comfort level and make an informed decision based on their specific needs. Whether you choose to workout with contacts or not, always prioritize your eye health and consult with your eye doctor for any concerns or questions.

Finally, remember that exercising with proper vision correction can positively impact your overall performance and enjoyment of physical activity. Therefore, finding a solution that works best for you will not only help you reach your fitness goals but also ensure your eyes are kept healthy

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.