Regular exercise benefits the body and mind, and even if we can’t always get to the gym, there are plenty of ways to stay active at home.
Whether you’re doing yoga in your living room or training in the garden, contact lenses are the most convenient and comfortable option for correcting your vision while you exercise.
5 reasons to swap glasses for contact lenses when exercising:
- A wider field of vision: There’s no restrictive frame blocking your view, and contact lenses conform perfectly to the curve of your eyes, giving you a much wider field of vision — a real advantage for athletes.
- Stable vision: Contacts don’t bounce or slip down your nose during a workout, giving you the freedom to concentrate on the game or activity.
- Impact-resistant: Contact lenses offer a practical, safe alternative to wearing glasses when exercising — especially during sport. If you take a knock, they won’t shatter or cause a potential eye injury, saving you an expensive trip to the optician.
- Sharp clarity: Your lenses won’t be affected by rain or fog, and they won’t steam up in dry conditions.
- No interference: Less cumbersome than glasses, contact lenses won’t get in the way of headphones, helmets or sunglasses.
How to exercise safely with contact lenses
Refresh your lenses after exercise
It’s a good idea to remove your contact lenses immediately after exercise, rinse your eyes with rewetting drops, and put in a fresh pair. This helps eliminate the risk of exposing your eyes to harmful bacteria that may have built up on your lenses during training.
Daily disposable lenses are widely considered a great option for those who exercise regularly. Simply remove them and throw them away — no bother with cleaning or carrying around lens solution.
Stay hydrated
Your eyes rely on a moisturising tear film to function well. When the body is dehydrated, natural tears evaporate more quickly, leaving eyes dry and irritated — a condition known as dry eye. Sweat getting into your eyes can increase the rate of evaporation and cause further irritation.
The most effective way to relieve dry eye is to increase the moisture in your eyes using artificial tears, which are conveniently sold in travel-sized bottles for use on the go.
An absorbent headband will help minimise the amount of sweat getting into your eyes. You can also reduce the salt content of your sweat by making sure you’re well hydrated before you start training.
Protect your eyes from the elements
Whether you’re training for a triathlon or enjoying a brisk walk in the park, when exercising outdoors it’s important to protect your eyes from the elements.
UV rays can damage sensitive cells in your eyes and ultimately affect your vision. While some contact lenses offer UV-blocking filters, they don’t fully protect the eyes. For complete protection, wear wrap-around sunglasses and a sports cap.
If you want to keep your eyes healthy and hydrated during exercise, the Johnson & Johnson range of eye care products makes it easy.
Perfect for frequent outdoor activities or active lifestyles, Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops provide relief for contact lens wearers suffering discomfort from dirt and debris. This exclusive formula is designed to remove protein build-up and leave your lenses feeling fresh and clean — all without the bother of taking them out. Simply apply one or two drops up to four times a day for clearer, more comfortable lenses.
Blink Eye-Lid Wipes have been specifically designed to combat discomfort and irritation around the eye by gently removing particle build-up on eyelids and around the eyes. Conveniently wrapped in individual sterile sachets — ideal for your gym bag, hand luggage, or desk — they’re made with camomile and are completely preservative-free, offering a cleansing solution even for the most sensitive skin.