Cold noses, warm drinks and icy winds. The winter months bring a whole mix of weather conditions, and if you’re one of the many contact lens wearers, you might find yourself wondering: Can my lenses actually freeze? The short answer: not while you’re wearing them. But when it comes to cold weather, storage, and comfort, there are a few things worth knowing as you jump to buy contact lenses online with us.
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Can contact lenses freeze? Let’s bust the winter myths
Can your lenses freeze while you're wearing them?
Not a chance. Your eyes do a brilliant job of keeping things toasty. They stay around 34–35 °C, which means your lenses are warm and safe no matter how cold the temperatures get outside. The cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye) helps keep your lens in place, and your tears act as natural insulation. So go ahead, step into that frosty air; your lenses aren’t going anywhere.
What about lenses left in the cold?
This is where things can get a little frosty. If you leave a box of lenses in the car overnight or your parcel sits out in extreme cold, they can freeze. It’s rare, but possible, especially if the temperature dips below –10 °C. That’s because the solution they’re packed in is mostly water. And water, as we know, doesn’t love extreme temperatures.
What to do if your lenses freeze
Still sealed? No stress. Let them thaw slowly at room temperature (No shortcuts with heat!) Once they’re fully warmed up, give them a check. If they look cloudy or feel brittle, don’t take the risk. Damaged lenses can increase your chance of eye infection or other eye problems. Just grab a fresh pair instead.
How to protect your lenses in cold conditions
With a little contact lens care, you can avoid any freezing drama. Here’s how to stay ahead this wintertime:
Keep it comfy: Store lenses and solution indoors, somewhere between 20–25 °C
Travel smart: Never leave them in your car. It’s basically a freezer on wheels
Hand luggage only: Pack lenses in your cabin bag when flying. Cargo holds are cold!
Delivery day tip: Let your parcel come to room temperature before opening
No hot tricks: Don't be tempted to blast your hairdryer at your contacts to warm them up. Patience wins
Inspect before use: Cloudy or rough? Toss them
Can contact lens solution freeze too?
It can, and it’s a bigger deal than you might think. Frozen solution might not clean or disinfect properly, which is not something you want near your eyes. Toss it and use a fresh bottle. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare in your bag, just in case you get caught in extreme weather.
Dryness alert: why your eyes might feel off
Dryness and irritation are really common in winter. The combo of chilly wind and central heating dries out your eyes, and when you’re wearing lenses, that can get uncomfortable. Here’s what helps:
Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home eye-friendly
Blink more (especially during screen time)
Switch between lenses and eyewear to give your eyes a break
Try disposable contact lenses for a fresher feel day to day
Why contact lenses are a winter win
Unlike glasses, lenses don’t fog up when you walk into a warm room. They don’t slide down your nose either. Contact lenses for winter sports are a no-brainer. Plus, many lenses now come with built-in UV protection, which helps block out UV rays that reflect off snow – sneaky, right? And if you’re struggling with comfort in cold conditions, consider silicone hydrogel contact lenses. They’re great at keeping your eyes hydrated when cold air is drying things out.
Time to see your eye doctor?
If your eyes feel sore, itchy or just not quite right, book an eye exam with your eye doctor or optometrist. They can help figure out what’s going on and recommend the right lenses or treatments to keep you comfy all season long.
Wrap up
Your contact lenses aren’t going to freeze on your eyes, but your spare box might if you’re not careful. Store them properly, keep your eyes hydrated and cosy, and don’t ignore signs of eye problems. Want to dive deeper? Check out our FAQs. Or if all this talk of contacts has inspired you to stock up, then you can browse our full range of contact lenses, solutions and eye care essentials.