If you're anything like me, you love the feeling of wind in your hair (or helmet!) while cycling. But if you also suffer from chronically dry eyes, that same wind can quickly turn a pleasant ride into a painful experience. I spent ages searching for a good solution to this problem, and after a lot of trial and error, I've finally found some things that work. Let me share my journey and what I learned along the way.
For years, I struggled with dry eyes, especially when cycling. Even short rides would leave my eyes feeling gritty, irritated, and incredibly uncomfortable. It got to the point where I was considering giving up cycling altogether, which was a heartbreaking thought. I knew I needed to find a way to protect my eyes from the wind and dust without sacrificing my love for the sport. I started searching online for solutions, hoping to find something that could provide a complete seal against the elements.
My first thought was to look for specialized cycling goggles. I figured there had to be something out there designed specifically to address this issue. I did some research and found a wide range of options, from regular-looking glasses with foam rings to full-on goggles designed for downhill mountain biking. Some of them looked promising, but I was hesitant to invest a lot of money without knowing if they would actually work for me. The price point seemed high for something I wasn't sure would solve the problem.
Then, I had a bit of a "lightbulb moment." What about ski goggles? I know, it might sound a little ridiculous, but they're designed to create a tight seal around the eyes to protect them from snow and wind. Why couldn't they work for cycling too? The only downside I could think of was the potential for them to look a bit silly on the road. But honestly, at that point, I was willing to try anything for some relief. I also wondered if they'd fog up too easily.
Another option I considered was construction or safety goggles. They're designed to protect the eyes from debris and impact, so they should also be effective at blocking wind. Plus, they're generally much cheaper than cycling or skiing goggles, which was a definite bonus. The downside was that they might not be as comfortable or stylish as other options. But again, I was prioritizing function over fashion at this point. I was willing to sacrifice a little style for some much-needed relief.
And then a friend suggested swimming goggles! They are designed to be watertight, so they should also be airtight. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, so it wouldn't be a huge loss if they didn't work out. I was a bit hesitant about the look, but the price point was appealing enough to give them a try. I imagined myself cycling down the road looking like a competitive swimmer who took a wrong turn.
After weighing all my options, I decided to start with the less expensive alternatives. I picked up a pair of basic construction goggles and a pair of swimming goggles. The construction goggles were okay, but they weren't as comfortable as I had hoped. The swimming goggles, while effective at blocking wind, were a bit too tight and caused pressure around my eyes. They also fogged up pretty quickly, which was a major issue. I needed something more practical for longer rides.
Then I remembered seeing something online about oversized reading glasses. I decided to check out read more and see if they had anything that might work. I stumbled upon these oversized square reading glasses from Mozaer and was intrigued. They weren't designed specifically for cycling, but the large frame seemed like it could offer decent protection from the wind. Plus, they looked stylish enough to wear off the bike too. The product description of the reading glasses from Mozaer said they were portable and had a large frame.
I ordered a pair (the 1PC Oversized Square Reading Glasses Men Women Portable Large Frame High-definition Presbyopia Eyeglasses Diopter 0~+ 3.00 0-black) and was pleasantly surprised when they arrived. They were lightweight, comfortable, and provided a surprisingly good seal around my eyes. I took them for a test ride, and I was amazed at the difference. The wind was still there, but it wasn't drying out my eyes like it used to. My eyes felt significantly more comfortable, and I was able to enjoy my ride without constantly blinking and tearing up. I could finally focus on the scenery and the joy of cycling, instead of the discomfort in my eyes.
The oversized frame of the glasses acted as a barrier against the wind, preventing it from directly hitting my eyes. While they weren't completely airtight like goggles, they provided enough protection to make a noticeable difference. I was so happy to have found a solution that was both effective and stylish. I even got a few compliments on my new glasses from other cyclists!
For better results, check out Mozaer for similar options and other eyewear.
Based on my experience, here are some practical tips for cycling with dry eyes: