While there’s no same option for everyone, here are some of the ways that contact lenses can help to make life that little bit easier.

Benefits of contact lenses

A contact lens sits directly on the surface of the eye, so wherever you look your entire field of vision stays in full focus, without the distortion, interference, or reflections you can sometimes experience when wearing glasses.

Different weather or temperatures also won’t bother you with contact lenses. You don’t have any rain splashes, or get any annoying steam-ups while you’re cooking or coming inside from the cold. Your vision stays clear.

As well as the practical benefits, contact lenses are great for those times when you don’t want your eyes to be hidden. So if you’re dressing up for an event, or just going for a different look you have the freedom to do so, without glasses getting in the way.

Travelling with contact lenses Using computer screens Wearing make-up

For long journeys or holidays, it’s easiest to travel with daily disposable contact lenses.

You don’t have to worry about losing or damaging them while you’re away, or making sure that you pack all the solutions you need – especially if you only have hand luggage. If you normally wear reusable lenses, it might be a good idea to ask your optician about switching to daily disposables during your trip.

Planes have a much lower humidity than we’re used to, and along with a pressurised cabin and air conditioning, planes aren’t a particularly friendly environment for your contact lenses.

We’d recommend that you wear your glasses during long-haul flights. That way you can sleep when you like and you won’t have to worry about your lenses throughout the flight.

On shorter flights, make sure you stay hydrated and have some eye drops handy if your eyes start to feel uncomfortable.

Tips on how to travel with contact lenses

  • Keep your lenses in your carry-on bag so that you won’t be without them in case your hold baggage gets lost in transit.
  • Don’t transfer your contact lens solutions into smaller bottles as this can affect the sterility of the solution – instead get a travel bottle to take with you in your hand luggage.
  • Whether you’re driving, flying, or sailing, you stay hydrated and apply eye drops to keep your eyes as moist and comfortable as possible.
  • Stock up on your supply before you leave – it’s better to have more lenses than you need.
  • If you have reusable lenses, bring a spare pair with you in case you lose or damage a lens.
  • Find out the brand equivalents of your lenses or have your prescription written down in case you lose or damage your lenses and get really stuck.

It doesn’t matter whether you work in an office or not, we spend a lot of our time staring at phone screens, tablets, laptops, and televisions. You may not realise it, but this can put quite a strain on your eyes.

Blinking is your eyes’ natural way of keeping your eyes clean and moist. When you look at a screen all day, especially if you’re concentrating, your blink rate reduces. Coupled with an air-conditioned office environment, this can cause your eyes to dry out and become uncomfortable.

You might experience symptoms like:
 

  • Dry, itchy, red, or irritated eyes
  • Computer eye strain
  • Blurred vision
  • Tired eyes

Here are some things you can do to keep your eyes comfortable while using screens:

  • Use eye drops throughout the day to keep your eyes moist and comfortable
  • Take a break from the screen every 20 minutes
  • Make an effort to blink often and fully – this will help to keep your eyes and contact lenses moist
  • Drink lots of water to stay hydrated

It can be a pain trying to work around glasses when you put on make-up. Contact lenses give you the freedom to show off your eye make up.

Applying make-up

  • Always put your lenses in before you apply your make-up. If you have moisturiser or foundation on your hands, it’ll transfer on to your lenses, making them appear cloudy.
  • Make sure your hands are clean and dry before putting your lenses in, as well as before touching the area around your eyes, like when putting on eyeshadow.
  • Avoid putting eyeliner in the waterline (the part of the eyelid that touches the eye) as this can block the oil glands that help moisten the eyes with tears. This can lead to dry eyes, dirty lenses and sometimes styes.
  • If you do wear eyeliner, then make sure that you use a clean, sharpened pencil.
  • Never share your eye makeup or use someone else’s.
  • Apply your mascara from the middle of the eyelash, brushing outwards – rather than from the base of the lash.

Removing make-up

  • Always remove your lenses before you take your make-up off. This ensures that you don’t get any make-up on the lens which will make it more difficult to clean, or will stick to your lens increasing the chances of infection or irritation. Daily disposable lenses are a great option, as you can start fresh with a new lens everyday, without the hassle of cleaning them.
  • If reusable lenses are more your thing, then make sure you’re diligent with cleaning your lenses. Sticking to the routine recommended by your optician and regularly cleaning your contact lens case is your best protection.
  • If you find that your eyes aren’t feeling right, have a look at our eye health section where you can familiarise yourself with common conditions and their symptoms, as well as advice on what to do. But of course, if you’re ever really worried come and see us in store.

Contact lens-friendly make-up

  • Try to use oil-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products. Oil-based products can sometimes make their way into your eye and will make your contact lens appear cloudy.
  • Basic, waterproof mascara is best, as lengthening or specialised types tend to contain fibres or thickening agents that can get into your eye.
  • Go for cream eye shadows over powder. But if you have powder, just make sure you give the brush a tap to get rid of any excess before applying.
  • Replace your make-up, especially mascara, every 2-3 months.
  • If at any point your make-up is causing discomfort or irritation, stop using it.
  • Continuing to use the wrong product could result in a number of eye conditions, including red eye, itchy eye, dry eye, or styes.

Contact lenses through the seasons

The right contact lenses and healthy habits can see you through seasonal changes that can affect your eye health, from the interference of allergies such as hay fever to quick shifts in temperature. New environments can introduce materials such as water, sand, and similarly — indoor heating and air conditioning units can affect your eyes too.

You might experience symptoms like:

  • Dry, itchy, red or irritated eyes 
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision

Here are some things you can do to ease seasonal transitions: 

  • Keep your lenses away from sources of water such as swimming pools, hot tubs or water sports— unless wearing air-tight goggles — since this can expose your eyes to dangerous bacteria and make you more vulnerable to eye infections 

  • Only touch your eye or handle your lenses when your hands are clean and dry to prevent the spread of bacteria and accidental damage to the lenses
  • Clean your lens case regularly and allow them to air dry, especially after visiting environments such as the beach, pool or ski slopes
  • Discontinue wear or use lens comfort drops for temporary relief if you are experiencing eye discomfort as a result of seasonal allergies caused by hay fever and pollen