Can You Wear Contacts in a Sauna?
The U.S. FDA advises against wearing contact lenses in a sauna due to the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection caused by organisms in water.
These organisms can attach to contact lenses and cause infections. To protect your eyes, remove your contact lenses before entering a sauna.
What are the risks of wearing contacts in a sauna?
Irritation, Discomfort, and/or dryness
- Increased Infection Risk from Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses in a sauna makes your eyes more vulnerable to infections. The heat and moisture irritate your eyes, exposing the surface and creating a place for bacteria to grow.
- Dryness and Irritation from Heat and Humidity: The sauna’s heat and humidity can dry out your contact lenses. This causes discomfort, such as burning, stinging, blurry vision, or a sensation of something being in your eye.
- Discomfort from Trapped Heat and Prolonged Exposure: Contact lenses can trap heat against your cornea, leading to discomfort. This becomes more noticeable with long exposure to the sauna's high temperatures.
Increase the risk of infection
- Contact Lenses in Saunas Increase Infection Risk: Wearing contact lenses in a sauna can lead to serious eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. The steam and humidity make it easier for harmful bacteria to get trapped on your lenses, increasing the risk of infection.
- Steam and Humidity Make Contacts Dangerous: The FDA warns against exposing contact lenses to water, including sauna steam and humidity. When you wear lenses in such environments, they absorb bacteria, which can harm your eyes. Always remove your lenses before entering a sauna.
- Watch for Infection Signs After Sauna Use: After a sauna session, stay alert for symptoms like pain, redness, tearing, or a sensation of something in your eye. These could be signs of an infection that needs immediate attention. If you notice any of these, get medical help quickly.
Blurry vision
Wearing contacts in a sauna can cause blurry vision due to the heat and humidity. The heat can dry out the lenses, making them uncomfortable and potentially damaging to your eyes.
The combination of heat and reduced air circulation in saunas can also cause lenses to temporarily fog up, creating visual disturbances. See an eye doc for advice.
Microplastic Release
- Microplastic Release from Contacts in Sunlight: Contact lenses can break down into tiny plastic pieces when exposed to sunlight. A study showed that lenses exposed to sunlight for 30 to 90 days released these microplastics.
- Sauna Heat Accelerates Microplastic Release: Wearing contacts in a sauna, where it is very hot and bright, might cause them to release even more microplastics. Extreme sauna heat may cause contact lenses to release plastic compounds or additives.
- Limited Research on Eye-Specific Effects: While research on the specific effects of microplastics on the eyes remains limited, the potential risks are something to be cautious about.
Are there specific types of contact lenses better suited for sauna use?
- Disposable Lenses Reduce Infection Risks: Using disposable contact lenses in a sauna helps lower the chance of eye infections. Since they’re single-use, you can toss them after your sauna session, minimizing bacteria buildup.
- Moisture-Retaining Lenses Offer Extra Comfort: Lenses made from silicone hydrogels or high-water-content hydrogels are perfect for saunas. They help retain moisture, making them more comfortable and less likely to dry out in the heat.
- Replace Lenses After Sauna Use for Eye Health: After spending time in a sauna, it’s essential to switch to a fresh pair of lenses. This keeps your eyes safe and free from potential bacteria or dryness caused by the heat.
What precautions should contact lens wearers take when using a sauna?
Avoid Rubbing Eyes
Contact lens wearers should not rub their eyes in the sauna to avoid irritation and damage to the lenses. The heat and humidity can make your eyes more sensitive and uncomfortable.
Shorten your sauna session time
Contact lens wearers should limit their sauna time to avoid dry eyes and irritation from the heat and humidity.
Clean Contact Lenses Properly
Contact lens wearers should clean their lenses before and after sauna use. The heat and humidity can cause eye irritation or infection if lenses are not cleaned properly.
Bottom line
Don’t wear contacts in a sauna. Remove your lenses before you get in. If you must wear contacts, use disposable and throw them away after use. See an eye doc for advice on sauna eye care.
FAQs
Can wearing contact lenses in a sauna affect oxygen flow to the eyes?
Wearing contact lenses in a sauna can reduce oxygen to your eyes, especially as heat dries out the lenses. This may cause discomfort, blurry vision, or even corneal swelling. Silicone hydrogel lenses are better but still have limits. It's not always dangerous, but your eyes are under more stress, know the risks.
Do sauna conditions affect the shelf life or structure of contact lenses in their case?
Heat and humidity from a sauna can damage even sealed contact lenses. High temperatures may weaken packaging, dry out the solution, and speed up expiration. Store lenses in a cool, stable place, never near saunas or hot lockers.
Is it safe to wear contact lenses in an infrared sauna compared to a traditional steam sauna?
Infrared saunas are safer for contact lens wearers than steam saunas. The dry heat in infrared saunas causes less eye dryness and irritation, while the high humidity in steam saunas can lead to lens dryness, warping, and blurred vision.
What symptoms should I watch for after wearing contacts in a sauna?
Wearing contacts in a sauna can cause dryness, burning, or stinging due to heat and steam drying out the lenses. This may lead to redness, irritation, or blurry vision. To relieve discomfort, use lubricating eye drops, and remove your contacts if the irritation persists. Always listen to your eyes and give them a break when needed.
Ryan "The Sauna Guy"
Ryan has been using and writing about saunas extensively since 2019.
