Contact Lens Wear in Various Environments

Commercial airline cabins expose passengers to reduced atmospheric pressure, reduced oxygen availability, and dry air. ^(1,2) These can lead to discomfort with contact lens wear, especially on flights lasting longer than three hours. ^(3,4)

Instillation of lubricating eye drops approved for use with contact lenses may help relieve some eye dryness during flight. ⁽⁵⁾ Keep in mind that the United States(US) Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits the size of any liquid container carried on board an airplane to a 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less. ⁽⁶⁾

You may find you're eyes are most comfortable wearing glasses when traveling by plane, particularly when traveling long distances.

Air blowing on your eyes, whether from a car vent or an open car window, can cause the eyes to feel dry. This dryness can result in discomfort and/or blurry vision.
Some contact lens materials may perform better in windy environments ^(1,2) and lubricating eyedrops approved for use with contact lenses can also be helpful. ⁽³⁾ Do not attempt to instill drops in the eyes while driving.
Perhaps the most effective steps to take to keep your eyes comfortable and seeing well while in the car is to direct all car vents away from your eyes and close the car windows.

It is recommended not to shower while wearing contact lenses. ^(1,2) The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that contact lenses not be exposed to any form of water. ⁽²⁾ Although rare, a sight-threatening eye complication, "Acanthamoeba keratitis", is caused by an organism present in all forms of impure water (i.e., swimming pools, tap water, saunas, wells, and showers). ^{(3,4, 5)} It would be preferable to insert your contact lenses after showering. If lenses are being worn while showering, it is recommended to keep the eyes firmly closed. ⁽⁶⁾

It is recommended not to wear contact lenses during these activities.^{(1, 2,3)} The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that contact lenses not be exposed to any form of water. ⁽²⁾ Although rare, a sight-threatening eye complication, "Acanthamoeba keratitis", is caused by an organism present in all forms of impure water (i.e., swimming pools, tap water, saunas, wells, and showers). ^(4,5) It ,and certain forms of bacteria present in water, can become attached to the contact lenses, possibly resulting in an infection. ^(6,7) If lenses are worn while in the bathtub or hot tub, care should be taken to avoid water being splashed into the eyes. If accidentally exposed to water, instill a lubricating drop to help loosen the lens on the eye, remove the lens with clean, dry hands, then clean and disinfect it the lens, or discard it. Never sleep in a lens that has been exposed to water without first cleaning and disinfecting it.⁽⁸⁾ If lenses were removed prior to getting in a hot tub, they must be properly cleaned and disinfected before being re-inserted. ⁽³⁾

It is recommended not to wear contact lenses while swimming. ^(1,2,3,4) The United States Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has recommended that contact lenses not be exposed to any form of water. ⁽²⁾ Soft contact lenses, in particular, absorb water and any chemicals in the water. Although rare, a sight-threatening eye complication, "Acanthamoeba keratitis", is caused by an organism present in all forms of impure water (i.e., swimming pools, tap water, saunas, wells, and showers). ^(5,6) It ,and certain forms of bacteria present in water, can become attached to the contact lenses, possibly resulting in an infection. ^(7,8,9) If you are going to swim while wearing contact lenses, it is important to wear tight-fitting goggles over the lenses. ^(10,11) If accidentally exposed to water, instill a lubricating drop to help loosen the lens on the eye, remove the lens with clean, dry hands, then clean and disinfect it the lens, or discard it. Never sleep in a lens that has been exposed to water without first cleaning and disinfecting it. ⁽¹²⁾ If lenses were removed prior to getting in a hot tub or pool, they must be properly cleaned and disinfected before being re-inserted with clean, dry hands. ⁽³⁾

Although some transient changes in vision and contact lens tolerance can occur durring pregnancy, contact lens wear is relatively safe for women, with the possible exception of those who have suffered from Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) fo the eye. ⁽⁴⁾
Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can cause temporary shifts in vision that may persist for a few weeks post-partum or during lactation. ⁽¹⁾ Pregnancy has also been reported to result in changes in the front of the eye's sensitivity and thickness, as well as cause decreased tolerance to contact lenses. ⁽²⁾ One study suggested that decreased contact lens tolerance is due to changes in the shape of the cornea. ⁽³⁾

Children can enjoy many potential benefits from contact lens wear, ⁽¹⁾ including enhanced self-esteem and feelings of social acceptance. ⁽²⁾ Very young children may be required to wear contact lenses to correct a variety of vision conditions, including amblyopia (lazy eye). ⁽³⁾
Numerous studies have shown children, with parental support, can successfully wear a wide range of contact lens types. ^(4,5,6,7,8) At least one study has demonstrated that children between the ages of eight and 11 years old were able to independently care for daily disposable contact lenses and wear them successfully. ⁽⁹⁾
Maturity, personal hygiene and motivation on the part of the child are important factors to consider when assessing a child's suitability for contact lens wear. ⁽¹⁰⁾

You should never wear someone else's contact lenses. Contact lenses are medical devices regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which are custom fit to the patient's eyes only.⁽¹⁾ There are many different types of contact lenses available today and it is imperative that you receive your fitting, follow-up, and lens care instructions by a qualified eye care professional.⁽¹⁾ By wearing your friend's lenses, you run the risk of an eye infection resulting in permanent vision loss. ^(2,3,4) In addition, your friend's lenses may not fit properly, provide adequate oxygen to the eye, or correct your vision optimally.

Yes, there are several problems potentially associated with wearing the "circle-tinted" contact lenses which are being sold on the Internet without a valid contact lens prescription. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies all contact lenses as medical devices, whether they correct vision or are simply used for cosmetics. ⁽¹⁾ In the United States, contact lenses cannot be obtained legally without a prescription. If they are obtained without a prescription and without appropriate lens care instructions, fitting, and follow-up care, their use can result in complications including eye infections and permanent loss of vision. ^(2,3,4,5,6) In fact, it has been scientifically established that individuals who obtain lenses via the internet or mail order have greater than a four times increased risk of infection. ⁽⁶⁾

Studies have found that people don't blink as often when looking at a computer screen. ^(1,2) This can lead to eye discomfort, particularly later in the day. ⁽³⁾ Contact lens wear can aggravate this problem. ⁽⁴⁾
Lubricating eye drops designed for use with contact lenses, as well as general considerations, such as reducing glare off the monitor screen, can help improve comfort. ^(5,6)
Some contact lens materials may be better at retaining moisture. ⁽⁷⁾ Proper contact lens cleaning and care can also improve comfort under any condition. ⁽⁸⁾

Although many brands of contact lenses are approved by the United Stated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for wearing overnight, sleeping in lenses does increase the risk of suffering an eye infection by approximately five times. ^(1,2,3)
Although newer generation silicone hydrogel lenses, which allow more oxygen through the lens to the eye, have not been found to significantly reduce the risk of infection with overnight wear, they have been shown to reduce the risk of other complications, such as corneal swelling. ⁽⁴⁾
There are no published rates of infection with overnight wear of rigid gas permeable (GP) lenses. It is generally agreed that infection rates are lower with these materials. ⁽⁵⁾

Some lenses on some patients may be safely worn for short naps. Ask your eye doctor if it is appropriate for you and your lens type.
However, the eye needs oxygen from the atmosphere to stay healthy. How much oxygen is needed varies from person to person. ⁽¹⁾
Closing the eye, as when napping, reduces the amount of oxygen supplied to the eye, resulting in swelling of the cornea. ^(2,3) Additionally, contact lenses can further reduce this oxygen supply, but some contact lens types are better than others at allowing oxygen through the lens to the eye. ⁽⁴⁾

Some mascaras, especially solvent based products, may lead to irritation of the skin around the eye. ⁽¹⁾ Avoid lash-extending mascara, which contains fibers that can irritate the eyes.
Application of eyeliner along the inside rim of the eyelid, behind the eyelashes, can lead to blockage of Meibomian glands, which normally produce oil into the tear film and help lubricate the eye. Eyeliner should always be placed below the lash line.
Keep false eyelash cement, perfume and cologne away from contact lenses. These things can damage contact lenses.⁽²⁾
Always remove your contact lenses before removing make-up.

Prescription allergy eye drops have been shown to improve contact lens wearing comfort during allergy season. ⁽¹⁾ How long to wait after instilling a drop before applying your contact lenses can vary, depending on the medication and preservatives in the drop. The consensus of the medical community suggests drops should be instilled 10 to 20 minutes before application of contact lenses or anytime after they are removed. ^(2,3,4)
Allergy tablets taken by mouth can also help relieve allergy symptoms, but may also lead to increased eye dryness. ⁽⁵⁾ Studies have also found that applying a new lens each day helps promote comfortable contact lens wear during allergy season. ⁽⁶⁾
It is sometimes necessary to discontinue contact lens wear at the peak of allergy season, so it is advisable to have a reliable pair of spectacles to wear during these times.