Irritated eyes?

[casisenyora]

Does anyone out there experience red eyes after riding? My glasses generally work fine, but oftentimes after riding for more than a couple hours my eyes will look bloodshot the rest of the day. I'm wondering if its just random crap getting in, or whether I need to upgrade from my $30 Performance brand glasses.

[sgtiger]

Besides various debris getting past your glasses, the irritation and redness may also be caused by sweat getting in your eyes. Often times, for me, it also causing stinging.

[OakLeaf]

If too much air is coming across your eyes, that's a fit issue, and expensive glasses don't necessarily fit your face any better than cheap ones.

If you're wearing "unisex" adult glasses, they're likely too wide. Try a narrower pair (women's or youth or just a narrower brand). But also pay attention to how the lenses fit all the way around your eyes.

It's possible there may be an interaction with your helmet, too. I've experienced a venturi effect with some motorcycle helmets and some sunglasses.

[Tri Girl]

I wish I could figure that out, too!
I have a $100 pair of cycling glasses and a $15 pair from the outdoors store. Both seem the same to me. Both fit fine and I don't get air in my eyes, but I experience the same things as you. I chock it up to my contacts. My eyes seem to get irritated easily anyway. I bought some contact hyper tear drops (as expensive as the cheap glasses) and they work OK. I think it's just the heat, the random crap, the sweat, etc. (for me anyway). I think the only thing that would make it better is wearing ski goggles when riding- but then I'd look like more of a dork than I already do.

[evgen_slo]

what is the temperature outside? winter?

[sundial]

My eyes water like crazy in this cold weather--especially if I'm riding my road bike. Is there winter eyewear for cyclists? Maybe I should break out my ski goggles LOL!

[tulip]

Cheap sunglasses may not provide protection from UVA and UVB rays, which could contribute to eye fatigue. Just dark lenses without ray protection can actually damage your eyes because the darkness allows the pupils to open, which lets the nasty rays in--it's actually worse than no sunglasses at all. So make sure you get good sunglasses; that will help.

[OakLeaf]

Cheap sunglasses may not provide protection from UVA and UVB rays, which could contribute to eye fatigue. Just dark lenses without ray protection can actually damage your eyes because the darkness allows the pupils to open, which lets the nasty rays in--it's actually worse than no sunglasses at all. So make sure you get good sunglasses; that will help.

Not all cheap sunglasses have UV protection, but many do. IIRC, anything with polycarbonate lenses automatically blocks UV. Check the label, not the price tag.

My favorites: S&W Mini Magnum, UV blocking, ANSI impact resistant, scratch resistant, excellent optical clarity, $8.23 (plus shipping), cheaper by the case.


Edit: ya, in cold weather, my eyes water and so does my nose. Forget upgrading your sunglasses, get a nice absorbent pair of gloves. Just part of the joy of cycling.

[Mr. Bloom]

Mine are so red, I look stoned! I'd probably be arrested if I was pulled over while riding.

For me, it's allergies. I use Similisan Allergy Drops - they're homeopathic and great.

[Aggie_Ama]

+1 For allergies. Mine will get bloodshot for days and sometimes I am not having any other allergy symptoms (sneezing, etc). When it happens it is very painful. I have allergy eye drops and switched to daily wear contacts, problem seems to be solved.

[Thorn]

My eyes water like crazy in this cold weather--especially if I'm riding my road bike. Is there winter eyewear for cyclists? Maybe I should break out my ski goggles LOL!

Not so silly. When I winter commuted I did wear ski goggles. That was years ago.

This winter we took cheap and geeky advice and picked up a cheap pair of safety glasses. They're clear and they wrap to the side. Not fashionable, but better, actually, than the ski goggles. It used to be we'd stop riding outdoors when it got below 40 because of the watery eyes. This winter we've been out at 32F (0C) and no problems. Of course, now I'm on the mailing list for a lab supply house. I'm sure that will make for interesting junk mail.

[sundial]

Mine are so red, I look stoned! I'd probably be arrested if I was pulled over while riding.

For me, it's allergies. I use Similisan Allergy Drops - they're homeopathic and great.

Have you tried Bausch and Lomb Opcon-A eye drops? It reduces redness, watering and irritation due to allergies. I use it during pollen season.

[Mr. Bloom]

Have you tried Bausch and Lomb Opcon-A eye drops? It reduces redness, watering and irritation due to allergies. I use it during pollen season.

I've not, but I've tended to avoid anything that's not homeopathic. What can you tell me about it?

The problem with Similisan is cost - $6 to $9/bottle that only has a 30 day shelf life after opening.

[sundial]

It has an anti-histamine and decongestant to constrict the blood vessels and remove the redness in the eyes. The anti-histamine helps with itchy eyes. It has a shelf life of at least a year. It is available over the counter at drug stores.

I really like this eye drop and I don't want to be without it during peak allergy season.

[RoadRaven]

Mine are so red, I look stoned! I'd probably be arrested if I was pulled over while riding.

Me too...


Only after about 90 minutes riding though.
Partly allergy, partly that I am a delicate little blossom