Best Contact Lenses for Cyclists
Contact Lenses That Work for Cyclists
One of my favorite ways to relax on the weekend is to go on a long bike ride on the quiet country roads up in the mountains near my house. Temperatures can vary from cold in the mornings to hot by noon. Oftentimes I find that my prescription glasses get fogged up or that I would rather have form-fitting sunglasses to protect my eyes from wind, debris in the wind, or from falling rain. Lots of people ask what options are available aside from buying specialty prescription glasses. Cyclists want to know whether contacts can work for them. I’m here to tell you that, yes, they can!
Many mountain bikers benefit greatly from using contact lenses together with protective, non-prescription eyewear. Think about it. If you wear your prescription glasses you might have to end up replacing them if anything happens while you’re out having fun. Better to leave them in the car, and pop in some comfortable contact lenses. That way, you can use a less expensive pair of sunglasses to keep any dust out of your eyes, and not worry about whether or not they fall off or get dropped during your activities.
There are several different types of contact lenses that work well in this scenario. Many of my patients use daily disposable lenses such as 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® or DAILIES AquaComfort Plus, while others prefer the Biofinity EW. My advice is to find a lens that is comfortable for you and that fits your budget.
Initially you may need eye drops as some contact lens users get dry eyes when first using them. Most people do get used to them after a brief period of time, while some never have a problem with dryness at all.