spivey wrote:
Well, for a rather alarming 45 minutes or so. Is this a common problem
for contact wearers? I was in a 9' pram right on the water. (salt
water). I could see better than ever for an hour or so. When I went to
take out my contacts later- they were stuck to my eyeballs. It took 45
min. of adding "instant tears" or something to pry them out. I called
the dr. but he denied everything of course. Any experience from salt
water sailors? Thanks and carry on.

Dry from the wind? The only time mine have actually stuck was skiing in
fresh water-opto predicted it, osmosis or something. Salt water, being
saltier than tears, shouldn't do the same thing, although I surf in
mine, eyes open, and they stay in.

My recent sailing's been in something a bit bigger than a 9 footer, the
last time I sailed a dinghy was a year or so ago, but I don't recall
anything untoward.

JM
Tropic Bird

On Tue, 13 Dec 2005 14:16:09 +0000, Moores family wrote:

spivey wrote:

Well, for a rather alarming 45 minutes or so. Is this a common problem
for contact wearers? I was in a 9' pram right on the water. (salt
water). I could see better than ever for an hour or so. When I went to
take out my contacts later- they were stuck to my eyeballs. It took 45
min. of adding "instant tears" or something to pry them out. I called
the dr. but he denied everything of course. Any experience from salt
water sailors? Thanks and carry on.

Dry from the wind? The only time mine have actually stuck was skiing in
fresh water-opto predicted it, osmosis or something. Salt water, being
saltier than tears, shouldn't do the same thing, although I surf in
mine, eyes open, and they stay in.

My recent sailing's been in something a bit bigger than a 9 footer, the
last time I sailed a dinghy was a year or so ago, but I don't recall
anything untoward.

You're right, fresh water is worse than salt, which emulates tears. As
long as your eyes are wet with salt water you won't have any problems. I
know several people who surf with their contacts in, usually with no
problems, but they can wash away if you leave your eyes open underwater.

The problem while sailing is wind. Dehydration makes it worse, because
it prevents making enough tears. So if it's taking more than a few
minutes to unstick your lenses, make sure you drink a lot of water. Don't
use anything but your regular saline solution to rehydrate your lenses.

I've lost or torn countless lenses over the years due to dry eyes, while
sailing, skiing, climbing, bicycling, etc. It goes with the territory.
They only last so long anyway. And I hate wearing glasses.

Matt O.