Can I Wear Contacts in Hot Yoga?

While wearing contact lenses during hot yoga is not considered inherently dangerous, it can be a source of significant discomfort and irritation for many practitioners. The decision to wear them is a matter of personal tolerance, but it's wise to be prepared for the potential challenges. The primary issue is the combination of intense heat and profuse sweating. The heat can cause your eyes to feel dry, and the sweat can drip into your eyes, bringing with it salt and bacteria from your skin. This can cause your contact lenses to become cloudy, shift out of place, or create a stinging or burning sensation. For some, this can be a major distraction from the practice. If you choose to wear your contacts, it's a good idea to take a few precautions. Bring a small hand towel to wipe sweat from your brow before it has a chance to drip into your eyes. Having a bottle of rewetting eye drops in your bag for after class can also provide significant relief. Many regular practitioners find that it is simply more comfortable and less distracting to wear their glasses to the studio and remove them before class begins.