Contact Lenses in Summer: Tips for Hibiscus Coast Wearers 

Here comes the sun! The days are long, the jandals are out and the Coast is at its best. Whether you're spending the break at Orewa Beach, heading up north to the bach, or jetting off somewhere further afield, summer is when contact lenses really earn their keep. No fogged-up glasses, no squinting through salt spray, no sunnies-over-specs juggle.

But sun, sand and surf come with a few challenges for contact lens wearers. Here's how to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy all summer long.

Keep your contacts out of the water

This is the big one, so we'll start here.

It's tempting to leave your lenses in for a swim at Red Beach or a soak in the spa pool, but water and contact lenses really don't mix. Pools, spa pools, the sea, lakes and rivers can all carry tiny organisms that your lenses can trap against your eye. That raises your risk of a nasty eye infection, and some of these infections can be very serious.

The advice from optometrists is simple: keep your contact lenses away from water altogether, and take them out before you swim, shower or hop in the spa.

So what are your options if you love being in the water?

• Pop your lenses out before you swim, and put a fresh pair in afterwards if you're on daily disposables.
• Wear swimming goggles to keep water out of your eyes. Prescription goggles are available too, so you can still see where you're going.
• Pack your glasses in the beach bag for the swim-and-snack routine.
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If you do get water in your eyes while wearing lenses, take them out as soon as you can. If you're on daily disposables, pop in a fresh pair.

Sunscreen and sweat: the sneaky stingers

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable in a Kiwi summer. But when you're hot and sweaty, it can run down into your eyes, coat your contact lens and get trapped there. Cue stinging, redness and a whole lot of irritation.

A few simple tricks help:

• Put your lenses in before your sunscreen, so your fingers stay clean when you handle them.
• Wash and dry your hands properly before touching your lenses, especially after applying sunscreen.
• Keep sunscreen off the area just around your eyes, and let a hat and sunglasses do the work there instead.
• Try a sweat-resistant sunscreen if you're exercising or out in the heat.

Don't forget your sunnies

Great vision through your contacts doesn't mean your eyes are protected from UV. Most contact lenses don't cover the whole eye, and they do nothing for the delicate skin around it. Good sunglasses also help shield your eyes from wind, which is a big cause of dryness and irritation for lens wearers, especially out on the boat or at a breezy beach.

We covered everything you need to know about choosing sunglasses in our November guide to sunglasses on the Hibiscus Coast.

Flying long-haul? Be kind to your eyes

If you're heading overseas this summer, the air inside a plane is very dry, and that can leave contact lens wearers with gritty, uncomfortable eyes before the drinks trolley has even been round.

To make the flight easier:

• Wear your glasses on the plane if you can, especially on long flights or if you plan to sleep.
• Bring lubricating eye drops in your carry-on, and check the box to make sure they're suitable for use with contact lenses.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the flight.
• Never sleep in your lenses unless your optometrist has told you that your lenses are designed for it.
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Your summer contact lens packing checklist

Before you head away, run through this list:

• Enough contact lenses to last your whole holiday, plus a few spares
• Contact lens solution and a clean case, if you're not on daily disposables
• Lubricating eye drops that are compatible with contact lenses
• Good quality sunglasses for glare and UV protection
• Back-up glasses, for the flight or in case your eyes need a break
• A copy of your current prescription, especially if you're travelling overseas

Back-up glasses are worth singling out. If you end up with a sore or red eye, the best thing to do is take your lenses out and get your eyes checked. Having a current pair of glasses means a sore eye doesn't have to ruin your holiday.

When to take your lenses out and call us

Most summer eye niggles settle quickly once you take your lenses out. But don't ignore any of these:

• A red, sore or painful eye
• Blurry vision that doesn't clear
• Sensitivity to light
• A feeling that something is stuck in your eye, even after your lens is out
• Discharge or watering that won't stop

If you notice any of these, take your lenses out and get your eyes checked. Don't put your lenses back in until you've been seen.

Order your lenses before the holiday rush

The last thing you want is to run out of lenses halfway through the break. If you've got a current contact lens prescription, you can order your contact lenses online, give us a call on 09 426 6646, or pop into the practice. Get your order in early so it arrives before you go away.

If your prescription is due for a check, now's a great time to book an appointment. And if you're curious about which type of contact lens suits a busy summer best, daily disposables are a popular choice for holidays, since there's no cleaning and you start fresh every day.

Your summer contact lens questions, answered

Can I swim with contact lenses in?

It's best not to. Water from pools, spa pools, the sea and lakes can carry organisms that cause eye infections, and your lenses can trap them against your eye. Take your lenses out, or wear swimming goggles.

What should I do if I get sunscreen in my eye while wearing contacts?

Take your lenses out, rinse your eye with clean water, and wash and dry your hands well before putting in a fresh lens. If your eye stays red or sore, get it checked.

Should I wear contact lenses on a long flight?

Glasses are usually the more comfortable option on long flights, because cabin air is very dry. If you do wear lenses, bring lubricating drops that are suitable for contacts and drink plenty of water.

Are daily disposable lenses better for holidays?

They're very convenient for travel. There's no solution or case to pack, and you start with a fresh pair every day. Talk to us about whether they suit your eyes and prescription.

How do I order more contact lenses?

If you have a current prescription, you can order online, call us, or pop in to the practice at 10 Bakehouse Lane, Orewa.

Have a happy, healthy summer

Whether you're in Orewa, Silverdale, Millwater, Red Beach or out on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, we're here to help you see your best all summer. Pop in, give us a call, or ordexr online.

Have a wonderful break, and look after those eyes!