As the chill sets in across Australia, from the brisk mornings in Melbourne to the cooler nights in Sydney, winter brings a fresh set of challenges for contact lens wearers. While this season is perfect for cosy knits, warm drinks,  and ski trips or hitting the slopes, it can be less kind to your eyes, especially if you wear contacts.

Colder air, low humidity, indoor heating, and wind can all wreak havoc on your eyes, leaving them dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. But don’t worry there’s plenty you can do to keep your lenses comfy and your vision clear.

Here’s your winter survival guide for wearing contact lenses in Australia, complete with practical tips to help you beat dry eyes and enjoy the season to the fullest.

Why Winter Can Be Tough on Contact Lens Wearers

Let’s face it, our eyes thrive on moisture. But in winter, both outdoor and indoor environments tend to be much drier. Whether it’s the cold wind outside or the blast of reverse cycle heating indoors, moisture is constantly being stripped from your eyes and your lenses.

And to make matters worse, we often drink less water in winter, which lowers hydration levels and contributes to seasonal dry eye. This can leave your eyes feeling scratchy, irritated, or even burning. You might find helpful information in articles like How to Alleviate Dry Eyes: Choosing the Right Contact Lenses, which focus on managing symptoms and choosing lenses that support eye comfort.

If you wear contact lenses, this dryness can be even more uncomfortable but the good news is, you can prevent it with a few simple strategies.

1. Avoid Dry Indoor Air (Yes, That Includes Heaters)

Indoor heating may keep you warm, but it’s no friend to your eyes. Hot air from heaters, fireplaces, or blowers can dry out your tear film, leading to discomfort or blurry vision.

Top tips:

• Avoid sitting directly in front of heating vents.

• Use a humidifier at home or in the office to maintain indoor moisture levels.

• Layer up with jumpers instead of cranking the heat.

A small change in your surroundings can make a big difference to your eye comfort.

2. Stay Properly Hydrated (Yes, Even in Winter)

We often forget to drink water in winter because we don’t feel as thirsty. But staying hydrated is crucial for healthy eyes and contact lens comfort.

Try this:

• Drink warm water with lemon to stay toasty and hydrated.

• Limit caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea, which can dehydrate you.

• Load up on water-rich foods like oranges, cucumbers, and leafy greens.

And don’t be fooled by watery eyes that can be a sign of dry eyes! Use lubricating eye drops made for contact lenses to soothe irritation.

Everyone’s eyes are different. If you experience irritation (even with preservative-free drops), it’s best to check with your optometrist before trying anything new.

3. Wear Sunglasses—(Yes, Even in Winter)

UV protection isn’t just a summer thing. In fact, sunlight reflecting off snow or bright pavement can be just as harsh. Winter winds also bring dust and debris that can irritate your eyes.

Look for:

• Sunglasses that offer high-level UVA/UVB protection
• Wraparound styles to block wind and particles.

Prescription sunnies for days when you give your eyes a break from lenses.

4. Check in With Your Optometrist

If you’re constantly battling dryness or discomfort, it’s worth booking an eye check-up. Your optometrist can:

• Test your tear film.

• Recommend lubricating drops.

• Suggest changing your lens type or schedule.

In some cases, your optometrist may prescribe specific treatments or recommend switching to more hydrating lenses.

5. Silicone Hydrogel Lenses for Lasting Comfort

Silicone hydrogel lenses – Known for their high breathability, these lenses help retain moisture longer, making them a great option for dry or sensitive eyes.

Popular silicone hydrogel products:

• Qieto1day Rich – Exclusive to our group of companies, these affordable daily lenses are made with moisture-attracting materials that offer lasting hydration and comfort—ideal for dry environments.

• Qieto2week Rich – Also exclusive to our group, these cost-effective fortnightly lenses are designed to provide consistent moisture and all-day comfort.

• Dailies Total1 – A market favourite, these daily lenses feature innovative water gradient technology that helps keep eyes hydrated from morning to night.

Changing your lenses more frequently can also help. Many Aussies switch to dailies during winter for extra comfort and convenience.

6. Give Your Eyes a Break From Time to Time

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is swap your lenses for your glasses—at least for a few hours.

Consider this:

• Wear your glasses in the evenings to give your eyes time to recover.

• Use daily contact lenses during the day for a fresh start each morning.

• Keep a backup pair of glasses handy for dry or windy days.

Your eyes will thank you for the rest—and you’ll likely notice a big improvement in comfort.

Stay Comfortable All Season Long

Winter in Australia may not come with snow for everyone, but the colder, drier air still affects our eyes in a big way. By making a few simple lifestyle tweaks and switching up your contact lens routine, you can keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear all winter long.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes, staying warm indoors, or just enjoying a hot cuppa on the couch—follow these winter lens tips and look after your eyes.

Need help choosing winter-friendly lenses?
Browse our range of contact lenses designed for dry eyes or chat with our team for personalised advice.