Contact lenses in summer: heat, pools and festivals

Heat, chlorine and sweat can dry your contact lenses out fast, and pool water is basically a bacteria party your eyes did not RSVP to. Pack daily disposable lenses for swimming and festivals, keep rewetting drops handy for dry eye moments, wear proper UV sunglasses, and always take your lenses out before a shower or a hot tub. 

Ah, summer. Long light evenings, questionable sunburn lines and, if you are lucky, at least one field, a tent and a headline act. It is also a season that throws a fair bit at your eyes if you wear contact lenses. Hot weather, chlorine, sun cream and dust all fancy their chances at ruining your vibe, but a little know-how goes a long way. Here is our guide to keeping your eyes happy, hydrated and infection free, whatever the summer throws at you. 

Why hot weather is not always your eyes' best friend 

When the temperature climbs, your eyes have to work a bit harder to stay comfortable. Tears evaporate more quickly in the heat, which can leave contact lens wearers with dryness, redness and general eye irritation by the end of the day. Sweat is another classic summer hazard: let it run into your eyes on a sticky commute or mid dance-off at a festival, and you have just introduced a fresh dose of bacteria and irritants straight onto your lenses. 

Switching to daily disposable lenses for the summer months is one of the easiest wins going. A fresh pair every day means less chance of dust, pollen or sweat building up on the lens, which your eyes will thank you for if hay fever is already giving you grief. Staying hydrated helps too, since drinking plenty of water keeps your tear film in good shape. Keep a bottle on you and sip little and often, rather than necking a pint of water only once you feel like a raisin. 

Keeping dryness and irritation at bay 

Air conditioning, fans and long days outdoors can all leave your eyes parched, so it is worth carrying a small bottle of eye drops or rewetting drops wherever you go. A couple of drops can ease redness or eye irritation almost instantly. If you wear monthly or two weekly lenses, topping up with a fresh solution at the end of the day makes a genuine difference, and a quick handwash before touching your eyes keeps bacteria and other microorganisms firmly off the guest list. 

If dryness feels like more than an occasional summer niggle, it may be linked to dry eye syndrome, so it is worth a chat with your optometrist or another eye care professional about longer term options. 

Sunglasses and UV protection 

UV rays do not take a summer holiday, and neither should your eye protection. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can affect your long term eye health, so a great pair of sunglasses deserves just as much thought as your sun cream. Look for lenses labelled UV400, which block close to 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and make sure they sit comfortably alongside your contact lenses (bonus points if they also look brilliant in your holiday photos). 

If you wear coloured or UV blocking contact lenses, remember they are not a stand-in for sunglasses. They add a little extra protection, but sunglasses are still your eyes' best defence against UV rays, glare, and all the wind and dust that comes with a proper beach day. 

Swimming pools, hot tubs and the beach 

Few things beat cooling off in a swimming pool on a scorching day, but pool water, sea water and hot tubs are all secretly hosting a bacteria and microorganism gathering that contact lens wearers really do not want an invite to. Chlorine does not kill everything, and one particular gatecrasher is acanthamoeba, a microorganism found in water that can cause a rare but serious eye infection in contact lens wearers. 

The safest bet is to whip your lenses out before swimming. If that is not practical, well fitted swimming goggles worn over your lenses cut the risk of infection considerably, and daily disposable lenses are a smart shout since you can bin them afterwards instead of risking a reusable pair. The same logic applies to hot tubs, where warm water is basically a five-star resort for bacteria. After any dip, wash and dry your hands properly, then pop in a fresh pair of lenses rather than reusing ones that have been near pool or sea water. And yes, lenses should come out before a shower too. Tap water carries the same infection risk, however innocent it looks. 

Getting festival ready 

Festival season and contact lenses can absolutely be friends, with a bit of planning. Dust, sun cream, sweat and long days away from a bathroom mirror all add up, so pack smart. A pack of daily disposable lenses for each day of the festival means you always have a fresh, comfortable pair on standby, and travel sized rewetting drops and anti-bacterial gel are non-negotiable additions to any festival bag. 

Bring a small mirror so you can pop your lenses in and out cleanly wherever you end up, and always use anti-bacterial gel on your hands first if there is no sink for miles. If you know you will be dancing in the sun for hours, sunglasses and a hat will do your eyes a big favour against both UV rays and dust. For more tips on staying comfortable through a weekend of music and sunshine, take a look at our festival contact lens guide. 

When to speak to an eye care professional 

Most summer eye irritation calms down quickly once you are back in a cooler, cleaner environment, but a few symptoms deserve extra attention. If you notice ongoing redness, pain, unusual discharge or blurred vision, take your lenses out and speak to an optometrist or optician as soon as you can. Eye infections, including those linked to acanthamoeba, can develop quickly, and catching them early makes treatment far easier. 

FAQs 

Can I wear contact lenses in a swimming pool? 

It is best to avoid it. Pool water carries bacteria and microorganisms, including acanthamoeba, that can raise your risk of infection. Wear swimming goggles over your lenses if you must, and always use daily disposable lenses so you can throw them away afterwards. 

Do contact lenses protect my eyes from UV rays? 

Some contact lenses offer partial UV protection, but they do not cover the whole eye. Sunglasses with UV400 protection remain essential for full coverage. 

Why do my eyes feel drier in summer? 

Heat, air conditioning and long days outdoors all speed up tear evaporation, which can leave contact lens wearers feeling dry or irritated. Rewetting drops and staying hydrated both help. 

Are hot tubs safe with contact lenses? 

Warm water is an ideal environment for bacteria, so it is best to remove your lenses before getting into a hot tub. 

What should I pack for a festival if I wear contact lenses? 

Daily disposable lenses for each day, rewetting drops, anti-bacterial gel, a small mirror and a good pair of sunglasses are festival essentials.