You may have heard stories about contact lenses melting when someone gets too close to a bonfire or a hot grill. The idea can be unsettling, especially for new wearers getting used to their lenses after a contact lens fitting and eye exam.
Fortunately, you can relax and enjoy that summer barbecue with confidence. The idea of a contact lens melting in your eye from everyday heat is simply a myth. Your eyes would feel the effects of extreme heat long before your lenses ever could.
The Truth About Contacts & Heat
Contact lenses are designed to be durable and safe for your eyes. The materials used in modern contacts go through a rigorous heat sterilization process during manufacturing. This means they can withstand temperatures much higher than you would encounter in daily life.
How a Popular Myth Got Started
At some point, a story spread online about a person whose contacts supposedly melted onto their eyes after they got too close to a charcoal grill. Understandably, people were worried, but the story doesn’t line up with the actual science.
Why Your Lenses Won’t Melt
Before a lens reaches its melting point, the natural moisture in your eye would have to boil away first. This would require an intense level of heat that would cause serious burns to your face and body. Your natural blink reflex and pain response would protect you long before your contacts were in any danger.
What Happens When Lenses Feel Stuck
While your contacts won’t melt, they can sometimes feel dry or stuck to your eye. This sensation is almost always caused by a lack of moisture, not by heat damage. This feeling is a common symptom of dry eye disease, and knowing the cause can help you find quick relief.
Dryness from Heat & Other Sources
Certain environments can cause the tear film on your lenses to evaporate faster than usual. This can make them feel tight or difficult to remove. Common causes of dryness include:
- Direct heat from grills, bonfires, or open ovens
- Air conditioning or heating vents that blow toward your face
- Extended time looking at digital screens, which reduces your blink rate and can cause digital eye strain
- Cold, windy, or very dry weather conditions
Can a Contact Get Lost in Your Eye?
Another common worry is that your contact lens could get lost behind your eye. Fortunately, the anatomy of your eye makes this impossible. A thin, clear membrane called the conjunctiva connects your eyelid to your eyeball, creating a barrier that a lens cannot pass.
Where a Lost Contact Can Go
A soft contact lens can fold over itself or get moved out of place, especially if your eye is dry. It can also slide up and get tucked beneath your upper eyelid. While the sensation may feel odd, the lens is still on the front surface of your eye and can’t go any further back.
What to Do If a Contact Shifts Out of Place
First, wash your hands thoroughly. Then, add some rewetting drops to your eye to help lubricate the lens so it can move more freely. Close your eye and gently massage your eyelid to help guide the lens back into its proper position on your cornea.
Tips for Comfortable Contact Lens Wear
You can wear your contacts more comfortably in harsher conditions by taking a few simple steps.
Tips for Hot Weather
During warm months, a little extra care goes a long way. These habits can help keep your eyes feeling fresh.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection to reduce glare and shield your eyes from wind. Consider whether polarized sunglasses are a good fit for your lifestyle.
- Drink plenty of water to help your body stay hydrated and produce enough tears.
- Use a headband or hat during exercise to keep sweat from running into your eyes.
- Take your contacts out before you go swimming or use a hot tub to avoid exposure to bacteria.
Tips for Cold Weather
Winter can also bring challenges for contact lens wearers, especially with dry air. A few adjustments can help you stay comfortable.
- Keep contact-safe eye drops with you to combat the effects of dry indoor and outdoor air.
- Try to avoid sitting directly in front of heat vents in your car or home.
- Give your eyes a break with glasses if you have a cold, as your eyes may be more sensitive.
General Care for Healthy Eyes & Lenses
Beyond managing environmental factors, your daily habits are key to keeping your eyes healthy. A consistent routine makes a big difference in comfort and safety. Think of it as a foundation for comfortable eyes.
Follow Your Replacement Schedule
It’s important to replace your lenses as directed, whether they’re daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables. Over-wearing your lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes. In fact, wearing out-of-date contact lenses can increase your risk of serious eye infections. Fresh lenses provide better comfort and clearer vision.
Never Sleep in Your Contacts
Unless your lenses are specifically approved for overnight wear, you should always remove them before sleep. Sleeping in contacts can significantly increase your risk for eye infections.
Schedule Regular Visits with Your Eye Doctor
Consistent check-ups are a core part of preventative eye care. Scheduling a regular eye exam with your eye doctor helps you maintain healthy vision. We can also make sure your contact lens prescription is just right for your needs.
We hope this information helps clear up some common myths and concerns about contact lenses. With the right knowledge and good habits, you can enjoy clear vision and comfort. The key is to focus on proper care rather than unlikely fears.
Our team at Total Vision Carlsbad Plaza is dedicated to supporting your eye health journey. If you have more questions about your contact lenses or it’s time for your annual exam, we encourage you to schedule a visit with us. We’re here to help you see clearly and comfortably.
