Vision Correction and Pilates
In light of the fact that nearly 200 million Americans require vision correction, many use ocular medical devices to help support their eyesight during day-to-day tasks.
More often than not, the corrective devices used are prescription glasses, with Vision Council estimating this is the case for over 60% of people. Unfortunately, prescription glasses are not the most suitable for physically demanding activities like working out. The fact that they can shift, fog up, or feel weighed down can drastically impair one’s ability when trying to move properly. In workouts such as Pilates, for instance, loose-fitting glasses can easily slip off during inversions.
As such, it’s much more convenient to use contacts instead. Since they sit right up on the eyeball, they can provide a snug and secure fit that ensures ocular confidence and clarity. Their hands-free quality also offers a hassle-free and seamless experience that may better complement exercises and Pilates practices.
However, since contacts are still medical devices, they require some safety and consideration for proper use. So, if you’re looking into trying your next Pilates session with the aid of contacts, here’s what you should keep in mind.
Use disposable lenses instead
While it’s best to use whatever type of lens your doctor has prescribed, try opting for disposable contact lenses when possible. This is because these types of lenses are much less prone to harboring bacteria that cause infections, even in the event that sweat, or oil gets into the eyes due to strenuous activity. At the same time, since they’re only meant for a single day of use, they’re typically made of thinner materials that can feel lighter. This can help keep you more comfortable and centered during your Pilates workout. Leading brands like Alcon even come with blink-activated moisture-locking technology that can keep your eyes feeling good without having to keep adjusting your contacts and interrupting your sessions.
Bring contact lens drops
In case you’re somebody whose Pilates classes tend to extend or if your studio is especially dry or chilly, you may find that your contacts start to feel brittle and tight. This can cause feelings of ocular discomfort or pain, which can negatively impact your performance and safety. As such, it’s best to keep rehydrating eye drops for contacts on hand. For instance, Biotrue’s formulation for this kind of product is specifically designed to help “rewet” contacts effectively, even amid naturally drying conditions, without disrupting the delicate balance of the eye’s surface. Having these with you also prevents you from having to turn to water or other seemingly harmless liquids for the sake of lens rehydration, which may only serve to introduce harmful organisms into the eyes or contacts.
Be sure to stay hydrated
As a rule of thumb, staying well-hydrated safeguards the body’s critical systems and prevents functional failure. This extends to the eyes, which can start to feel blurry, itchy, and even painful when a person is dehydrated. This may happen even more if you’re among the nearly 7% of the population with dry eyes, as the lack of fluids can impair tear production. Having said this, make it a point to bring a reusable water bottle with you. This will serve as a reminder to take water breaks, and it will leave you with no excuse not to drink more. Bottles from brands like Takeya Actives even have mouths wide enough so you can add some fruits and herbs to make drinking more enjoyable. In most Pilates studios, there are also free water dispensers, so it also serves the extra benefit of being more economical.
Keep your hands sanitized
Finally, be mindful of keeping your hands clean. Although you should avoid touching your eyes, regardless of whether you use contacts or not, having sanitized hands lessens the risk of accidentally transferring irritants through touch. This is particularly important when working out, as your hands may be exposed to bacteria from other people’s sweat or equipment. Although quality Pilates studios will always disinfect every tool regularly, doing your due diligence and washing with soap and water or sanitizer reduces the risk of impacting the contacts’ integrity and your eyes’ wellness.
Article written by Tracey Craig
Exclusively for absolutepilates.co