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
The risk of infection goes up if you wear contacts in a sauna. Contact lenses can irritate and expose the surface of your eye, making it a breeding ground for an infection to grow. Plus the heat and humidity in a sauna can dry out your contact lenses, making it even more uncomfortable and irritating.
Increase the risk of infection
Wearing contact lenses in a sauna can lead to serious eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. The FDA advises against exposing contact lenses to water, including sauna steam and humidity. Remove your lenses before entering a sauna to protect your eyes.
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. See an eye doc for advice.
Microplastic Release
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. This means that wearing contacts in a sauna, where it is very hot and bright, might cause them to release even more microplastics. While we don’t yet know how this affects the eyes, it is something to be cautious about.
Are there specific types of contact lenses better suited for sauna use?
Disposable contact lenses are the way to go if you need to wear contacts in a sauna. The heat and humidity can breed bacteria, increasing the risk of eye infections. By using disposable lenses you can throw them away after one use and reduce that risk. Replace your lenses with a fresh pair after your sauna session to keep your eyes healthy and safe.
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.
