Tips for Comfortable Contact Lens Wear in NZ Summer
New Zealand summers bring long days, high UV levels, and plenty of outdoor activity — all of which can affect how your contact lenses feel and perform. Whether you're heading to the beach, working outdoors, or simply navigating a hot Auckland afternoon, these practical tips will help you keep your lenses comfortable all season long.
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration affects your entire body — including your eyes. When you're not drinking enough water, your tear film thins out, which can cause contact lenses to feel dry and uncomfortable. Aim for at least 2 litres of water per day during summer, and more if you're active outdoors.
2. Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Preservative-free lubricating drops (also called rewetting drops) are safe to use with most soft contact lenses and can provide instant relief from dryness. Keep a small bottle in your bag during summer. Always check the label to confirm the drops are compatible with contact lens wear.
3. Protect Your Eyes from UV
New Zealand has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. While some contact lenses — such as Acuvue Oasys and 1-Day Acuvue Moist — include built-in UV blocking, they do not cover the full eye. Always wear UV-protective sunglasses over your lenses when outdoors, particularly between 10am and 4pm.
4. Avoid Wearing Lenses in Air Conditioning for Extended Periods
Air conditioning reduces indoor humidity, which accelerates lens dehydration. If you spend long hours in air-conditioned offices or vehicles, use rewetting drops regularly and consider switching to daily disposables during summer for maximum freshness.
5. Follow Your Replacement Schedule
Heat and increased outdoor activity can accelerate protein and lipid deposits on lenses. Wearing lenses beyond their recommended replacement schedule is more problematic in summer. Daily disposables are particularly well suited to summer wear — discard after each use and start fresh the next day.
6. Never Sleep in Your Lenses (Unless Prescribed)
Sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infection. During summer, when bacteria thrive in warmer conditions, this risk is elevated. Only sleep in lenses specifically approved for extended wear, and only if your optometrist has recommended it.
7. Take Breaks on High-Pollen Days
Spring and early summer in New Zealand bring elevated pollen counts, particularly in Canterbury and Hawke's Bay. If you suffer from hay fever, pollen can accumulate on your lenses and cause irritation. On high-pollen days, consider wearing glasses instead, or switch to daily disposables and discard them after exposure.
When to Remove Your Lenses Immediately
Remove your lenses and consult an optometrist if you experience persistent redness, pain, blurred vision, or unusual discharge. These can be signs of infection or corneal irritation that require prompt attention.
For a wide range of daily and monthly contact lenses suited to NZ summer conditions, browse our full range at Anzlens. All lenses are genuine and dispatched with fast tracked shipping across New Zealand.