Many contact lens wearers in Canada worry about their lenses freezing or drying out in winter. Cold air, indoor heating, and glare from snow can cause irritation, but some common beliefs about winter lens wear are simply untrue.
7 Common Contact Lens Myths in Winter
1. Can Contact Lenses Freeze in Your Eyes
No. Contact lenses cannot freeze while you are wearing them. Your body heat and natural tear film keep them warm and flexible even in freezing air.
Lenses can freeze only if left in extreme cold, such as inside a car overnight. Let frozen lenses and solution thaw at room temperature. Never use hot water to speed it up.
2. Do Contacts Make Eyes Colder in Winter
No. Lenses form a thin layer over your eyes that helps shield them from cold air and wind.
If your eyes feel cold or watery, it’s usually from dryness, wind exposure, or snow glare. Sunglasses or goggles help block wind and protect your eyes outdoors.
3. Do Contacts Protect Against Windburn
Only slightly. Lenses provide minimal shielding but cannot prevent windburn or dryness.
Wearing wraparound sunglasses or ski goggles outdoors is the best way to keep your eyes comfortable in cold, windy weather.
4. Does Winter Dryness Affect All Lenses the Same Way
No. Hydrogel lenses with high water content can dry faster in winter, while silicone hydrogel lenses hold moisture longer.
If your eyes feel dry in winter, your lens material could be part of the reason. Ask your eye care provider about lenses better suited for low-humidity environments.
5. Do You Need Fewer Eye Drops in Winter
No. Indoor heating and dry air reduce moisture in your eyes, so most people need more lubrication, not less.
Use preservative-free artificial tears during the day to keep your eyes comfortable and your lenses hydrated.
6. Is It Safe to Store Lenses Anywhere During Winter Trips
No. Temperature swings can damage lenses and weaken the solution.
Keep your case in a temperature-controlled spot, such as an inside pocket or carry-on bag. If the solution freezes, let it thaw at room temperature and replace it before use.
7. Does Wearing Contacts Outdoors in Winter Cause More Infections
No. Cold air does not cause infections. Most infections result from poor hygiene or overwearing lenses.
Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses, follow your replacement schedule, and avoid touching your eyes with gloves or scarves.
Winter Contact Lens Care Tips
A few simple habits can keep your eyes healthy and your lenses feeling fresh during the season.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears to ease dryness from heating and wind.
- Keep backup glasses for days when your eyes feel irritated.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to block UV rays reflected by snow.
- Stay hydrated to support tear production.
- Follow your lens replacement schedule since buildup happens faster in dry air
Best Contact Lenses for Winter
Winter doesn’t have to be uncomfortable for contact lens wearers. By debunking these common myths and choosing lenses designed for hydration and comfort, you can enjoy clear vision all season. Shop affordable winter-friendly lenses and keep your eyes feeling their best.
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe
Designed to maintain tear-like moisture, this lens helps prevent dryness caused by indoor heating.
A water-gradient surface keeps this lens smooth and comfortable even in low humidity.
A breathable daily lens that balances comfort and affordability in dry indoor air.
A monthly silicone hydrogel lens that retains moisture and provides lasting hydration.
FAQs About Contacts in Winter
1. Can I wear contact lenses while skiing or snowboarding?
Yes. Wear them with ski goggles to protect against wind, snow, and reflected UV light. Goggles help maintain comfort and clear vision on the slopes.
2. Do humidifiers help with winter contact lens dryness?
Yes. Adding moisture to indoor air reduces dryness caused by heating. Even a small humidifier can make your lenses feel more comfortable.
3. Is it better to wear daily or monthly lenses in the winter?
Daily disposables are often more comfortable because each pair starts fresh and moist. Monthly lenses work too but need consistent cleaning and hydration.
4. Can dehydration make contact lenses feel worse in winter?
Yes. Dehydration reduces tear production and comfort. Drinking enough water helps keep eyes and lenses hydrated.
5. Should I switch to glasses more often in the winter?
Yes. On very cold or windy days, wearing glasses gives your eyes a break and protects them from dryness and irritation.
References:
American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Winter UV Eye Safety: Prevent Snow Blindness and Other Eye Injuries.” June 8, 2021.
Bausch + Lomb. Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution: Package Insert. 2017.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts.” May 27, 2025.
Johnson & Johnson Vision (ACUVUE). “Taking Care of Your Eyes During Cold Winter Weather.” 2024.
Jones, Lyndon; May, Cathy; Nazar, Louise; Simpson, Trefford. “In Vitro Evaluation of the Dehydration Characteristics of Silicone Hydrogel and Conventional Hydrogel Contact Lens Materials.” Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, vol. 25, no. 3, 2002, pp. 147–156. doi:10.1016/S1367-0484(02)00033-4.
Rohit, Anil; Willcox, Mark D. P.; Stapleton, Fiona. “Tear Lipid Layer and Contact Lens Comfort: A Review.” Eye & Contact Lens, vol. 39, no. 3, 2013, pp. 247–253. doi:10.1097/ICL.0b013e31828af164.
Wang, Michael T. M., et al. “Randomized Trial of Desktop Humidifier for Dry Eye Relief in Computer Users.” Optometry and Vision Science, vol. 94, no. 11, 2017, pp. 1052–1057. doi:10.1097/OPX.0000000000001136
