Spring has finally arrived, and with its longer, sunnier days, blossoming trees, and almost summer-like temperatures, there are plenty of reasons to come out of hibernation. That means enjoying your favourite springtime activities with the best possible vision.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take in all those spring blossoms with the utmost clarity by following these simple eye care tips.
4 contact lens considerations for outdoor activities
When it comes to outdoor activities, contact lenses are considered the most comfortable and practical solution for vision correction. Here’s why.
- Better peripheral vision: Lenses sit directly on the eye, so your vision — especially peripheral — is unobstructed.
- Stable vision: Contact lenses don’t move, slip down your face, or fall off at inopportune moments. Halfway up a rock face is not the ideal place to be fiddling with prescription glasses.
- Unaffected by weather: Unlike glasses, contact lenses are not affected by adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog, and they don’t overheat in warm climates.
- Compatible with headphones and helmets: Less bulky than glasses, lenses won’t get in the way of headphones, helmets, or sunglasses.
Outdoor eye care tips
Contact lenses offer plenty of advantages for outdoor enthusiasts, but to enjoy those benefits, proper lens care is essential. Follow these simple strategies to keep your eye care on track this season.
- Carry backup supplies: Contact lens wearers should bring a few “comfort essentials” on a hike, cycle, camping trip, or any other outdoor activity. At a minimum, you’ll want to bring a lens case, saline solution, a spare pair of lenses (just in case), and glasses.
- Keep them clean: Good lens hygiene is especially important when lenses have been exposed to dirt and sweat. Always wash your hands before touching your lenses to minimise the risk of harmful bacteria entering your eyes and causing an infection. If soap and water aren’t available, bring some antibacterial gel or wipes — just make sure to choose naturally derived products that don’t contain chemicals like Triclosan.
- Combat dry eye: Warmer spring temperatures can leave eyes dry and irritated. The most effective way to relieve dry eye is to increase moisture in your eyes using artificial tears. Eye drops are also available in handy travel sizes.
- Protect your eyes from allergies: Seasonal allergies tend to worsen in spring due to the surge of allergens in the air, such as mould spores and tree pollen. That said, this doesn’t have to stop your outdoor adventures. Wear sunglasses and head outside in the afternoon, when pollen counts tend to be lower.
- Switch to daily contact lenses: Consider using daily disposable contact lenses to avoid the build-up of deposits and allergens on the lens surface. Simply remove and discard the lenses at the end of a long day — no bother cleaning them or carrying solution around: a smart option for camping trips.