Should I wear contact lenses or glasses at altitude / in extreme cold weather?
[back to top] [FAQ contents] From: Clyde Soles I’ve used Acuvue disposable contacts to over 8000m with minimal problems. I’m about to try the new B&L Pure Visions (2-3 times more O2 permeable)…we’ll see. From: VCopelan Thge minimum surface oxygen tension for normal corneal function is 15mm Hg. At extreme altitude the oxygen levels fall to approximately 15mm Hg during sleep. Contact lens use will further decrease the corneal surface oxygen tension. Therefore, contact lenses may not be tolerated well at very high altitudes. However, some of the newer soft contact lenses are much more oxygen permeable and should work well at altitudes above 7,000 meters. B&L PureVision is said to work very well. I would suggest trying that lens or another similiar lens. From: Glenn My thoughts- the cornea receives oxygen by diffusion, so even gas permeable lenses are a significant barrier, and you are talking about doing this at significant altitude. Also, I would worry that the chance of corneal infect
Related Questions
- Are there temperature limits (hot or cold) that will affect the unit or the solution? How does the unit handle extreme weather conditions?
- I normally wear glasses but would like to use contact lenses for sport and evenings out. Do they have to be worn every day?
- Should I wear contact lenses or glasses at altitude / in extreme cold weather?
