Many first-time skydivers who wear contact lenses worry about one important question: Can I wear contact lenses while skydiving?
- Quick Answer: Can You Wear Contact Lenses While Skydiving?
- Why Goggles Are Important When Wearing Contacts
- Can You Jump With Contact Lenses Instead of Glasses?
- Can You Wear Glasses While Skydiving?
- What Happens to Your Eyes During Freefall
- What Should You Wear While Skydiving?
- What You Should NOT Wear Skydiving
- Can You Skydive Without Goggles?
- Is Skydiving Safe for Beginners?
- Do You Need a Skydiving Helmet?
- Tips for Skydiving With Contact Lenses
- Finding Skydiving Locations Near You
- Conclusion
- FAQs
The short answer is yes — wearing contact lenses while skydiving is generally safe, especially when proper eye protection such as skydiving goggles is used. In fact, thousands of skydivers jump every year while wearing contact lenses without experiencing any problems.
Modern skydiving equipment, including goggles and helmets, helps protect the eyes from wind and debris during freefall. Because of this, contact lens wearers can usually skydive comfortably and safely.
In this guide, we’ll explain whether contact lenses are safe for skydiving, what eye protection is required, and what first-time skydivers should know before their jump.
Quick Answer: Can You Wear Contact Lenses While Skydiving?
Yes, you can wear contact lenses while skydiving.
Most skydiving centers allow contact lenses because:
- protective skydiving goggles prevent wind from hitting your eyes
- modern contact lenses stay securely in place
- tandem instructors ensure proper safety equipment is used
As long as you wear proper eye protection, contact lenses typically stay in place during freefall.
If you’re curious about the real risks involved in the sport, you can explore our guide on odds of dying while skydiving.
Why Goggles Are Important When Wearing Contacts
During freefall, skydivers experience wind speeds of around 120 mph (193 km/h). Without eye protection, this wind pressure would make it difficult to keep your eyes open.
That’s why skydiving goggles are always used.
What Skydiving Goggles Do
Skydiving goggles help:
- protect your eyes from strong wind
- prevent contact lenses from drying out
- keep dust or debris away from your eyes
Because of these goggles, contact lenses rarely cause problems during a jump.
You can learn more about safety equipment in our guide on skydiving equipment explained.
Can You Jump With Contact Lenses Instead of Glasses?
Yes. In many cases, contact lenses are actually better than glasses for skydiving.
Advantages of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses offer several benefits during a skydive:
- no risk of glasses slipping off
- better compatibility with goggles
- clearer peripheral vision
- more comfortable during helmet use
Because of these advantages, many experienced skydivers prefer contact lenses over glasses.
Can You Wear Glasses While Skydiving?
Yes, you can still wear glasses while skydiving if you don’t use contact lenses.
Most skydiving centers provide large protective goggles that fit over glasses.
However, some skydivers find glasses slightly less comfortable compared with contact lenses.
What Happens to Your Eyes During Freefall
During freefall, the body experiences intense airflow but not extreme pressure.
The main effect on your eyes is wind exposure. With proper goggles, this wind is blocked, allowing you to keep your eyes open and enjoy the experience.
Because of this protection, contact lenses usually remain stable during the entire jump.
To understand how the full skydiving process works, see our guide on skydiving experience timeline.
What Should You Wear While Skydiving?
Choosing the right clothing and gear is important for safety and comfort.
Typical skydiving gear includes:
- jumpsuit
- goggles
- helmet
- parachute harness
Comfortable clothing and secure footwear are usually recommended.
What You Should NOT Wear Skydiving
Skydiving centers usually recommend avoiding certain items.
Avoid Wearing
- loose jewelry
- scarves
- unsecured hats
- very loose clothing
- unstable footwear
These items could become loose during freefall.
Can You Skydive Without Goggles?
No. Goggles are mandatory for skydiving.
Without goggles:
- wind would make it difficult to see
- eyes would dry out quickly
- contact lenses could become uncomfortable
That’s why skydiving instructors always provide protective goggles before a jump.
Is Skydiving Safe for Beginners?
Yes. Skydiving is considered relatively safe when performed with trained instructors and proper equipment.
Modern statistics show extremely low accident rates.
You can learn more about these safety numbers in our article on probability of skydiving accident.
Do You Need a Skydiving Helmet?
Yes, helmets are commonly used in skydiving.
Helmets help protect the head during:
- aircraft exit
- freefall
- parachute deployment
- landing
Tandem skydiving students are usually provided with helmets by the drop zone.
Tips for Skydiving With Contact Lenses
If you plan to wear contact lenses during your skydive, consider these tips:
1. Use Comfortable Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are often more comfortable for first-time jumps.
2. Wear Proper Goggles
Always make sure your goggles fit securely.
3. Bring Backup Glasses
After landing, you may want to switch to glasses if your eyes feel dry.
Finding Skydiving Locations Near You
If you’re planning your first jump, many people search for skydiving near me to find nearby drop zones.
Most skydiving centers offer:
- tandem skydiving experiences
- instructor-guided jumps
- professional safety briefings
Always choose a certified skydiving center with experienced instructors.
Conclusion
So, can you wear contact lenses while skydiving? Yes — wearing contact lenses during skydiving is generally safe as long as you use proper eye protection such as skydiving goggles.
Many skydivers actually prefer contact lenses because they provide better comfort and compatibility with helmets and goggles. With modern safety equipment and professional instruction, skydiving remains one of the most exciting and well-regulated adventure sports available today.
FAQs
Can you wear contact lenses while skydiving?
Yes. Contact lenses are safe to wear during skydiving when protective goggles are used.
Can you jump with contact lenses?
Yes. Many skydivers regularly jump while wearing contact lenses without problems.
Can contact lenses fall out during skydiving?
This is extremely unlikely when proper goggles are worn.
Can you wear glasses while skydiving?
Yes. Most skydiving centers provide goggles that fit over glasses.
Can you skydive without goggles?
No. Goggles are required because they protect your eyes from strong wind during freefall.
