I am considering getting contacts thinking they may be easier to race in. Yes no or any experiences??
I train and race in gas permeable contact lenses all the time - everything from sprints to half-iron. I have had no issues whatsoever. I’ve also used them (under goggles of course) for swimming since high school with no problems. Water polo is the only sport where I’ve taken a pass.
I’ve never had a problem racing in contact lenses.
Discussed in a couple of threads.
clm, contacts wearer
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=410553;search_string=contacts;#410553
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=25889;search_string=contacts;#25889
Never raced without them. Always have an extra in my bike bag but have never needed one.
Been doing it for years, no problem. In one marathon had a lense get blown out of one eye is high winds, somehow. Had to look at the pacing clocks with one shut…
Wore contacts for 20 yrs. Raced in them for 9+ yrs. Never had an issue while racing, but I did find that the incidence of eye infections went up as I trained/raced more (as my eyes were exposed to more sweat, dirt, grime, pool crud). I switched to daily disposables and that solved the issue.
However, I did just get my eyes LASIKed and am now contact free! 
AP
The only problem I have ever had was at ~ mile 8 during the San Diego marathon last year. I grabbed what I thought was a cup of water to cool myself down and threw it at my face, well, it turned out to be gatorade/accelerade/something like that. It got into my eye and my eye started swelling and itching real bad. I was sooooo mad at myself! It finally cleared up at like mile 12 but it was pretty uncomfortable for a while.
I started training / racing wearing gas perms. These made me very vulnerable to “stuff” in the air, I routinely had to pop a lens out during training rides.
Switched to soft lenses after maybe 2 years, specifically to address this problem. No interruptions at all since that time.
Andy, whatws your prescription before you had them done and what did it cost? I am assuming you had the procedure done locally?
Ciba Vision Focus Night-n-Day 30 day lenses for training and regular use (good for up to 30 days and can sleep in them); and Ciba Vision Focus Dailies disposable ones for racing or LONG training days or lake swims. I have two strenths since I am presbyopic and want to avoid reading glasses.
I was -4.50/-4.75. Cost was $2300CAD but $2K of that was covered by my benefits. AP
Ironman Wisconsin 2006 I took a hard elbow to the eye during the swim. It knocked one of my contacts loose. It was still in my eye, but not where it should have been. As I swam I tried to blink it back into place and then the other contact slide out of place. For a few minutes there everything was a blur - I’m about 20/500 without my contacts. I just followed the feet in front of me. Eventually I was able to blink them both back in place and everything was fine. I do keep a pair in transition just in case.
Dan
Always raced with them, never had any trouble. Only way to go (other than LASIK) which I want to get sooner or later…
I’ve worn contacts for a long time. I’ve lost 4-5 in races, and a couple on training rides… I always carry a spare w/ me on a bike ride. Most races (3 HIMs I lost the contact each time between mile 10-15) I just keep on going, but during IMF I lost my contact at mile 105 of the bike. I had one in my jersey pocket, so I took it out and made sure I had it to put in during transition.
In the transition tent I asked for a mirror, the tent got really quiet and people looked at me funny. The volunteer said “I don’t have one, but you look fine” I explained I needed to replace a contact. No luck on the mirror, she suggested I try the portapotties. No luck there. At the first aid station I got some water, rinsed my hands, found a car and used the side mirror to put the contact in. I’ve run 3 HIM runs w/o a contact no problem, but I’m glad I had a spare for the full IM run.
I’ve only lost contacts on the bike, never on the swim or run.
I’m not a candidate for Lasik, and I don’t want to take the time off for PRK. Maybe after this season.
You shouldn’t be considering this. It should be done.
I race with soft lenses and have had no issues.
THanks Andy, if I go that way in the future I’ll get the details from you (if you are ok with that).
I have done all my races with them and hell yeah, I’ve had an issue: namely, them getting blown out of my eyes.
Good sunglasses can prevent this but still, somehow, I lost one and almost lost them both at IMFL. I use the daily disposables and keep a few in my transition bag and with me on my bike.
I expect to get PRK at some point or maybe lasics.
Always have spares. NEVER use anti fog liquid in your goggles while wearing contacts.