Can You Wear Contacts in a Sauna? The Truth About Heat and Eye Safety

Have you ever stood outside a steamy sauna, glasses in hand, wondering if your contacts could handle the heat? You’re not alone! Most contact lens wearers face this dilemma at some point.

Can you wear contacts in a sauna? The quick answer: Yes, you can, but eye care professionals strongly advise against it. Let’s explore what happens when your contacts meet sauna heat, and what experts actually recommend for your eye health and comfort.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, including the use of saunas.

Understanding Contact Lenses and Heat Exposure

Types of Contact Lenses and Their Composition

Contact lenses fall into several categories, each responding differently to heat:

• Soft lenses: Made of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel with high water content (40-60%)
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP): Made of silicone-based materials with very low water content (<1%)
• Hybrid lenses: Combine RGP centers with soft outer skirts (water content varies from <1% in the center to ~27% in the outer portion)

[Source: Synergeyes]

How Heat Affects Contact Lens Materials

Heat impacts contact lenses through multiple mechanisms that can compromise both comfort and safety. Research shows that at just 95°F (35°C), all lens types show measurable decreases in water content.¹

For silicone-based materials, chemical degradation begins at temperatures exceeding 302°F (150°C) [Source: ipc.org]. While saunas don’t reach these extreme temperatures, repeated heat exposure may still impact lens integrity over time.

Heat also causes protein changes in your tear film. These altered proteins can form deposits on lens surfaces [Source: eyeqindia.com], reducing comfort and potentially creating breeding grounds for bacteria.

Different Types of Saunas and Their Impact on Contact Lenses

Traditional Finnish Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas

Different sauna types present varying risks for contact lens wearers:

• Finnish saunas: Reach 194-212°F (90-100°C) with varying humidity levels
• Infrared saunas: Operate at lower temperatures (131-140°F/55-60°C) but heat objects directly

While infrared saunas run at lower temperatures, they present a unique concern for contact lens wearers. Infrared light is absorbed by objects in the environment, potentially heating your contact lenses from the inside out.

Humidity Effects on Lens Comfort

Humidity plays a crucial role in lens comfort:

• High humidity: Can help maintain some lens moisture but also increases infection risk
• Low humidity: Accelerates lens dehydration, causing discomfort and potential corneal abrasion

Both scenarios pose challenges, making sauna environments problematic regardless of the specific type.

The Risks of Wearing Contacts in a Sauna

Lens Dehydration and Warping

When exposed to sauna heat, contact lenses can rapidly lose moisture. Soft lenses may shrink and tighten on your eye, while rigid lenses can trap heat against your cornea. The tear film evaporates more quickly, leading to dry eyes and discomfort.

Research shows that when exposed to a temperature of 35°C (95°F), contact lenses demonstrate measurable decreases in water content within just one hour [Chan et al. (2021)]. Sauna temperatures are significantly higher than this, accelerating dehydration and increasing the risk of corneal damage.

Increased Risk of Eye Infections

One of the most serious risks of wearing contacts in saunas is the increased likelihood of eye infections, particularly Acanthamoeba keratitis. Research shows an alarming statistic: 95% of Acanthamoeba keratitis cases occur in contact lens wearers.²

Sauna environments create perfect conditions for these and other pathogens to thrive:

• Warm, moist settings encourage microbial growth
• Dehydrated lenses develop microscopic changes that can trap organisms
• Protein deposits provide surfaces for bacteria to stick to

Potential for Microplastic Release

Recent research has identified another concerning issue. A 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology revealed that contact lenses subjected to environmental stressors released over 90,000 microplastic particles annually.³

While this study focused on light exposure rather than direct heat, the findings suggest that thermal stress could accelerate the breakdown of lens polymers, creating another reason to avoid sauna use with contacts.

What Eye Care Professionals Recommend

Official Manufacturer Guidelines

Contact lens manufacturers have clear positions regarding sauna use:

• Bausch + Lomb: “Avoid environments combining high heat (>95°F/35°C) and humidity due to accelerated lens dehydration” [Source: bausch.ca]
• CooperVision: “Remove contact lenses before swimming or using a hot tub [Source: coopervision.com] https://coopervision.com/sites/coopervision.com/files/coopervision_contactlensuserguide_ltr.pdf]
• Johnson & Johnson Vision (ACUVUE®): “Never wear lenses when showering, swimming, or in hot tubs” [Source: jnjvisionpro.com]

Optometrist Consensus

Eye care professionals consistently advise against wearing contacts in saunas:

• The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends removing lenses before activities involving intense heat/steam.
• The International Association of Contact Lens Educators notes that silicone hydrogel lenses dehydrate 23% faster in sauna conditions.

Safe Alternatives to Consider

Remove Contacts Before Sauna Use

The simplest and safest option is to remove your contacts before entering a sauna. Store them properly in fresh solution and ensure your hands are clean when removing and reinserting. Wait at least 30 minutes after sauna use before reinserting lenses to allow your eyes to recover from the heat stress.

Prescription Eyewear Options for Sauna Use

If you need vision correction in the sauna, consider these alternatives:

• Prescription goggles: Designed to withstand steam and heat
• Daily disposable lenses: Use only if absolutely necessary, and discard immediately after
• Going without correction: If your vision allows, consider enjoying the sauna without a perfect vision

While no manufacturers approve contact lenses for sauna use, daily disposables represent the lowest risk if you must wear contacts, as they can be discarded immediately after.

Preventive Measures for Those Who Must Wear Contacts

Hydration and Eye Drops

If you must wear contacts in a sauna:

• Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after sauna use
• Use preservative-free lubricating drops: Apply 10 minutes before entering the sauna
• Blink frequently: This helps distribute tears across your lenses

Limiting Sauna Duration and Position

Modify your sauna experience to minimize risk:

• Limit sessions to 15 minutes or less at temperatures below 176°F (80°C)
• Choose a lower bench position where temperatures are cooler
• Exit immediately if you experience any discomfort or vision changes

What to Do If You Experience Problems

Recognizing Warning Signs

Be alert for these symptoms that require immediate attention:

• Redness or pain that persists more than 24 hours
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision that doesn’t clear quickly
• Discharge from the eye
• Feeling that something is in your eye that won’t wash out

Emergency Response Steps

If you experience problems after wearing contacts in a sauna:

1. Remove the lenses immediately
2. Rinse your eyes with preservative-free saline
3. Do not reinsert the same lenses
4. Contact your eye care professional if symptoms persist

Proper Sauna Etiquette for Contact Lens Wearers

• If removing your contacts before sauna use, bring a proper lens case with fresh solution and store it in a cool location away from the sauna.
• Don’t hesitate to inform staff that you have vision limitations without contacts and ask for assistance navigating unfamiliar saunas if needed.
• For those who prefer privacy about their vision needs, simply positioning yourself near the sauna door can make it easier to exit if needed and helps you maintain awareness of your surroundings.

Conclusion

So, can you wear contacts in a sauna? Technically yes, but the overwhelming consensus from eye care professionals and lens manufacturers is that you shouldn’t.

The risks of eye irritation, infection, and lens damage far outweigh the convenience. Your best option is to remove your contacts before sauna use or opt for alternatives like prescription goggles.

If you absolutely must wear contacts, choose daily disposables, limit your time, and be vigilant about proper hygiene. Your eye health deserves this extra care, even when you’re trying to relax in the sauna heat.

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Resources (Scientific Studies)

1. Chan, V. W. Y., Phan, C.-M., Walther, H., Ngo, W., & Jones, L. (2021). Effects of temperature and blinking on contact lens dehydration of contemporary soft lens materials using an in vitro blink model. Translational Vision Science & Technology, 10(8), 11. https://doi.org/10.1167/tvst.10.8.11. ↩︎
2. Ibrahim, Y. W., Boase, D. L., & Cree, I. A. (2009). How Could Contact Lens Wearers Be at Risk of Acanthamoeba Infection? A Review. Journal of Optometry, 2(2), 60–66. https://doi.org/10.3921/joptom.2009.60 ↩︎
3. Liu, Y., Ling, X., Jiang, R., Chen, L., Ye, L., Wang, Y., Lu, G., & Wu, B. (2023). High-Content Screening Discovers Microplastics Released by Contact Lenses under Sunlight. Environmental science & technology, 57(23), 8506–8513. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c01601 ↩︎

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