Are contact lenses safe in cold weather and skiing?

Cold weather is comfortable for contact lens wearers. The lens itself is body-warm and protected by the eyelid. Glasses, by contrast, fog in cold transitions and metal frames chill the skin.

Mountain-specific considerations:

• UV exposure: snow reflects up to 80% of UV. Always wear UV-blocking goggles or sunglasses. Some lens brands (Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Vita) carry a Class 1 or Class 2 UV blocker, but goggles are still needed.
• Dry mountain air: humidity is very low at altitude. Pack re-wetting drops.
• Wind: even with goggles, downhill speeds dry the eye. Daily blink-rest breaks at chairlifts help.
• Snow glare: contributes to fatigue. Polarised sunglasses reduce it.

"Snow blindness" is sunburn of the cornea — extremely painful but heals in 24–48 hours. Lenses don't cause it, but a UV-blocking lens reduces risk.