If your contact lenses feel less comfortable during colder months, you’re not imagining it. Contact lenses in winter can feel drier and more irritating due to cold outdoor air, dry indoor heating, and changes in daily habits.



This blog is for patients and families in Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, and surrounding Livingston County communities who wear contacts and want clear, practical guidance. Below, you’ll learn why winter affects contact lens comfort, what you can do to stay comfortable, and when switching to glasses or scheduling an eye exam may be the right move.

Are Contact Lenses Harder to Wear in the Winter?

For many patients, yes. Winter conditions can make contact lenses feel less comfortable even if they fit well during other times of the year.

Cold outdoor air holds very little moisture. When combined with indoor heating, overall humidity drops significantly. This dry environment causes tears to evaporate more quickly, which can leave contact lenses feeling dry or unstable on the eye.

Other winter-related factors include:

• Dry indoor air from furnaces and space heaters
  
  
• Increased screen time, which reduces blinking
  
  
• Wind exposure outdoors, which can irritate the eyes
  
  
• Longer days indoors, especially for work or school
  
  

Patients in Howell and nearby areas often notice that lenses feel fine in the morning but become uncomfortable by afternoon or evening during winter months.

What Symptoms Suggest Contact Lens Dryness or Irritation?

Winter-related contact lens discomfort can show up in several ways. Some symptoms are mild at first and become more noticeable over time.

Common signs include:

• Dry, scratchy, or burning sensations
  
  
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
  
  
• Feeling like lenses are moving, tight, or not sitting correctly
  
  
• Redness or irritation
  
  
• Increased awareness of lenses throughout the day
  
  

These symptoms can occur even when lenses are worn correctly and replaced on schedule. Winter conditions simply place more stress on the tear film that helps lenses stay comfortable.

How Can You Stay Comfortable Wearing Contact Lenses in Winter?

The good news is that small adjustments can often make a meaningful difference. Comfort usually improves when environmental factors, habits, and lens care are addressed together.

Follow Proper Lens Wear and Replacement Schedules

Wearing lenses longer than recommended can worsen dryness, especially in winter. Sticking to prescribed schedules helps lenses maintain moisture and clarity.

Take Breaks From Screens and Blink Fully

Reduced blinking is a major contributor to dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink fully during screen use and take regular breaks from close-up work.  Try the 20/20/20 rule.  Every 20 min., look 20 ft or more away, for 20 sec.  This helps un-lock the muscles and create tear films.

Manage Dry Indoor Air

Using a humidifier adds moisture back into the air and can help reduce tear evaporation. This is especially helpful in bedrooms, home offices, and living spaces.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration supports tear production. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help improve overall eye comfort during dry winter months.

Use Eye Comfort Products When Recommended

Some patients benefit from eye comfort products designed to support moisture while wearing contacts. These should always be used based on guidance from an eye care professional, as not all products are appropriate for contact lens wear.

An eye exam can help determine whether your current lenses are still the best option for winter conditions or whether adjustments would improve comfort.

When Should You Switch From Contacts to Glasses?

There are times when giving your eyes a break from contact lenses is the most comfortable choice during winter.

You may want to switch to glasses if:

• Lenses consistently feel uncomfortable despite proper care
  
  
• Irritation or redness does not improve
  
  
• Vision clarity fluctuates throughout the day
  
  
• Your eyes feel fatigued or strained
  
  

Wearing glasses part of the time can help reduce dryness and allow the eyes to recover, especially on long indoor days or during particularly cold, dry weather.

Alternating between contacts and glasses is common for many patients during winter. An eye doctor can help determine when this approach makes sense and whether your prescription or lens type should be updated.

At Designs For Eyes, patients receive guidance tailored to their lifestyle, helping contact lens wearers in Howell and surrounding communities stay comfortable year-round.

FAQs About Contact Lenses in Winter



Can winter weather damage contact lenses?

Winter weather does not damage contact lenses directly, but dry conditions can make them feel less comfortable. Proper care and replacement schedules help maintain lens performance.

Is it normal for contacts to feel dry only in winter?

Yes. Many patients notice seasonal dryness because winter air reduces moisture and blinking decreases during screen use. Adjustments often help improve comfort.

Should I stop wearing contacts altogether during winter?

Not necessarily. Some patients do well with small changes, while others prefer alternating with glasses. An eye exam can help determine the best approach for you.

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