20 Jan How Cold Weather Affects Contact Lens Comfort

Winter brings cooler temperatures, dry air, and constant shifts between cold outdoor environments and heated indoor spaces. For many contact lens wearers, this season also brings a noticeable dip in comfort. Lenses may feel drier, irritation may appear more frequently, and vision can blur unexpectedly. Understanding why this happens, and how to manage it, can help you protect your eye health and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision all year.

Why Winter Makes Contact Lenses Less Comfortable

Cold weather creates a perfect storm of environmental factors that work against contact lens comfort. Low humidity, forced indoor heat, wind exposure, and tear film instability all reduce moisture in both the eye and the lens. When this moisture evaporates more quickly, lenses feel dry, sticky, or irritating.

Here’s what’s really happening:

1. Dry Air

Winter air, outdoors and indoors contains significantly less humidity. This dry environment accelerates the evaporation of your natural tears and dehydrates your contact lenses.

To help balance humidity:

• Use a humidifier in your main living spaces.

• Aim to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%.

• Use preservative-free rewetting drops throughout the day.

Even small boosts in humidity can make your lenses feel noticeably more comfortable.

2. Indoor Heating

Forced-air heating systems create warm, dry air that pulls moisture from the eyes. Sitting near a heating vent or radiator can intensify this effect and cause lenses to feel tight or itchy.

To protect your eyes:

• Avoid sitting directly in front of heat sources.

• Allow your eyes to adjust when coming inside from the cold by briefly switching to glasses.

• Use lubricating drops before entering particularly warm environments.

 

3. Wind Exposure

Cold winter wind dries the tear film rapidly. Without this protective layer, contact lenses lose moisture and begin to irritate the surface of the eye.

Protect yourself by:

• Wearing wraparound sunglasses or winter eye protection.

• Using lubricating drops before going outdoors.

• Avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh winds when possible.

 

4. Tear Film Instability

The tear film, the thin protective layer covering the eye, breaks down more quickly during winter. This can lead to dryness, burning, and sudden blurred patches of vision.

If tear film instability persists, an eye exam is recommended. Many patients benefit from artificial tears or specialty contact lenses designed for dry eye relief.

 

5. Dehydration

Many people drink less water during winter months, leading to systemic dehydration that affects eye moisture.

Support hydration by:

• Drinking water regularly throughout the day.

• Limiting dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol.

• Eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, citrus, and berries.

 

The Role Of Lens Material In Winter Comfort

Your contact lenses themselves play a significant role in how your eyes feel during colder months. Lens material, water content, oxygen permeability, and surface coatings all determine how well a lens retains moisture.

Water Content

Lenses range from low to high water content (38%–70%+). While high-water lenses sound ideal, they can actually dehydrate faster in dry environments. Some patients do better with low-water or silicone hydrogel designs.

Your eye care provider can help determine which works best for you.

Oxygen Permeability

Lenses with high oxygen transmission, especially silicone hydrogel lenses keep the cornea healthier and reduce irritation, redness, and dryness. Always follow the recommended replacement schedule to maintain oxygen flow.

Surface Technology

Many modern lenses include surface hydration technology that improves wetting, reduces deposits, and stabilizes comfort throughout the day. These coatings are especially helpful for winter dryness.

Daily Disposables

Daily disposable lenses are excellent for winter because:

• They reduce buildup

• Minimize dryness complications

• Provide a fresh, hydrated lens every day

Patients with dry eye symptoms often find daily lenses significantly more comfortable.

 

Winter Lens Care Tips

Proper lens care becomes even more important in winter. These habits help maintain comfort and prevent infection:

• Use preservative-free rewetting drops as needed

• Replace your lens case every three months

• Avoid topping off old solution

• Always clean lenses with fresh disinfecting solution

• Blink consciously while working on screens

• Switch to glasses on extremely dry days

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

 

Case Hygiene

A clean case prevents microbial growth, one of the leading causes of contact lens-related infections.

• Rinse with fresh solution (never tap water)

• Air dry the case daily

• Replace every 3 months
  

 

 

Humidifiers

A humidifier is one of the simplest ways to counteract winter airflow. Clean it regularly to prevent bacterial buildup and run it consistently for the best results.

 

Lifestyle Habits That Protect Your Eyes

A few everyday habits can significantly improve comfort:

• Wear sunglasses outside to block wind and debris

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule during screen use

• Avoid wearing lenses for excessively long hours

• Never sleep in lenses unless approved by your doctor

• Take breaks from contacts on extremely dry or windy days

 

Recognizing When Discomfort Means Something More

Some symptoms suggest a more serious issue:

Persistent Dryness

Could indicate dry eye disease or meibomian gland dysfunction.

Redness

Especially if accompanied by pain or discharge, may indicate infection or inflammation.

Blurry Vision

May mean the lens doesn’t fit properly, has deposits, or is irritating the cornea.

If any of these symptoms persist, an eye examination is essential.

 

The Often-Overlooked Role of Diet

Nutrition affects tear quality and comfort. To support hydrated, healthy eyes, include:

Omega-3s: salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts
Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots
Antioxidants: leafy greens, blueberries, oranges, peppers

Dietary improvements often lead to fewer dry eye symptoms over time.

 

Conclusion

Winter brings unique challenges for contact lens wearers, but comfort is absolutely achievable with the right lenses, habits, and care routine. Moisture-preserving lenses, proper hydration, protective eyewear, and consistent cleaning can dramatically improve day-to-day comfort.
If dryness or irritation persists, a tailored contact lens evaluation can help determine whether another lens type or an underlying dry eye condition is contributing.

A personalized assessment at Dr. D’Orio Eye Care ensures you’re wearing the safest and most comfortable lenses for your eyes, in every season. Book your appointment today at drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment or call 416-656-2020 (Toronto) or 416-661-5555 (North York).