Traveling can be an exciting adventure, whether it’s for work or leisure. However, if you wear contact lenses, travel can come with additional challenges. Changing environments, dry airplane cabins, and long days of exploring new places can impact your eye health. Proper preparation is key to ensuring that your contact lenses remain comfortable and your eyes stay healthy during your trip. This blog will guide you through the dos and don’ts of traveling with contact lenses, ensuring a hassle-free journey and clear vision.
Pack Wisely: What to Bring When Traveling with Contacts
Before you head out on your trip, it’s important to pack everything you need for proper contact lens care. A little planning can prevent unexpected issues and keep your eyes comfortable throughout your journey.
Essential Items to Pack
- Contact Lens Solution: Always bring a sufficient supply of contact lens solution. Opt for a travel-sized bottle (under 3.4 ounces) if you’re flying with a carry-on. Refill the bottle as needed from a larger container at home.
- Spare Pair of Contacts: Pack an extra pair of contact lenses in case of emergencies, such as losing or damaging your current pair. This ensures you won’t be stuck without proper vision correction.
- Backup Glasses: Carry a pair of glasses as a backup, especially if you experience discomfort with your contacts during your travels. They’re a lifesaver for situations like long flights or dry environments.
- Lens Case: Keep a clean contact lens case with you. Consider bringing an additional case in case one gets misplaced or damaged during your trip.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Airplanes and dry climates can cause dryness and irritation. Pack lubricating eye drops designed for contact lens wearers to keep your eyes moist.
Consider Daily Disposable Lenses
If you normally wear bi-weekly or monthly contacts, consider switching to daily disposables for your trip. Daily lenses are convenient because they don’t require cleaning or storage—simply use them for a day and throw them away. This can make traveling simpler and more hygienic, especially if you’re unsure about the water quality at your destination.
Dos and Don’ts of Air Travel with Contact Lenses
Flying presents unique challenges for contact lens wearers, from dry cabin air to extended periods of sitting. Here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep your eyes comfortable during air travel:
Do: Use Eye Drops
Airplane cabins are notorious for their dry air, which can make your contact lenses uncomfortable. Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the flight. Apply the drops before your eyes start feeling dry to maintain comfort.
Do: Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Long flights often mean staring at screens or reading for extended periods. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps give your eyes a break and prevents fatigue.
Don’t: Sleep with Your Lenses On
Sleeping in your contact lenses, even during short naps, increases the risk of eye infections due to reduced oxygen supply to the cornea. If you plan to sleep during your flight, remove your lenses and switch to glasses.
Don’t: Use Airplane Tap Water
Airplane water is not always sterile and can harbor bacteria. Never rinse your lenses or lens case with tap water from the airplane bathroom. Instead, use sterile contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses.
Handling Long-Haul Flights with Contacts
For longer journeys, consider additional strategies to keep your eyes comfortable:
Remove Lenses Mid-Flight
If you’re on a long-haul flight, remove your contact lenses midway through the journey and switch to glasses. This gives your eyes a break from the dry air and reduces the risk of irritation. You can put your contacts back in when you land and have access to a clean environment.
Bring a Hydrating Facial Mist
Hydrating facial mists are great for long flights. They keep the air around your face moist, which can help reduce overall dryness. Just make sure the mist is safe for use with contact lenses.
Managing Contact Lenses at Your Destination
Once you arrive at your destination, it’s essential to continue practicing good contact lens hygiene to avoid discomfort or infections.
Do: Stick to Your Routine
Maintaining your regular contact lens care routine is crucial, even when you’re traveling. Clean your lenses every night, follow the recommended wear schedule, and replace them on time. Avoid shortcuts like reusing old solution, as it can increase the risk of infection.
Do: Be Cautious Around Water
Swimming pools, hot tubs, and the ocean can pose risks for contact lens wearers. Water can introduce harmful bacteria to your lenses, potentially leading to infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. To stay safe:
- Remove Lenses Before Swimming: If you plan to swim, remove your contact lenses beforehand. Goggles can protect your eyes from chlorinated or saltwater.
- Use Waterproof Goggles: If you must wear your lenses while swimming, use tight-fitting, waterproof goggles to minimize contact with water.
- Avoid Tap Water: Never rinse your lenses or lens case with tap water, as it can harbor microorganisms. Stick to sterile solution at all times.
Don’t: Overwear Your Contacts
Traveling often means long days of exploration, but overwearing your lenses can lead to eye fatigue and dryness. Give your eyes a break by switching to glasses in the evening or whenever possible. It’s also essential to remove your lenses immediately if you notice discomfort, redness, or irritation.
Hygiene Tips for Traveling with Contact Lenses
Good hygiene is the cornerstone of safe contact lens use, especially when traveling. Here are some best practices to follow:
Wash Hands Frequently
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available, but let it dry completely before touching your lenses to avoid contamination.
Keep Your Lens Case Clean
Clean your lens case daily with fresh contact lens solution. Allow it to air dry upside down on a clean tissue to prevent bacteria buildup. Avoid storing your case in humid environments like the bathroom, as bacteria thrive in moisture.
Use Fresh Solution Every Time
Never top off old solution in your lens case. Always use fresh solution to disinfect your lenses overnight. Reusing old solution diminishes its effectiveness and can increase the risk of eye infections.
Exploring Alternative Options: Travel-Friendly Vision Solutions
If you’re an avid traveler, consider alternative vision solutions that simplify your contact lens care routine. Here are a few options:
Daily Disposables
As mentioned earlier, daily disposables are a convenient option for travel. You don’t need to worry about cleaning or storing them, making them perfect for trips where space is limited.
Prescription Sunglasses
Prescription sunglasses offer sun protection and clear vision without the need for contacts. They’re ideal for outdoor adventures, beach vacations, and long road trips.
LASIK Surgery
If you find contact lenses cumbersome while traveling, you might consider LASIK surgery as a permanent vision correction solution. It eliminates the need for contacts or glasses, providing freedom during travel and daily life.
Prioritizing Comfort and Safety During Travel
Traveling with contact lenses requires extra care, but the benefits of clear and comfortable vision make it worthwhile. By packing wisely, following the right practices, and maintaining good hygiene, you can enjoy your journey without any eye-related setbacks. Style Optique in Hoffman Estates, IL, is here to support you with all your contact lens needs, offering guidance and tips for safe and comfortable travel. Prioritizing your eye health allows you to make the most of your adventures, whether you’re exploring a new city or relaxing on a beach.
Sources
- Szczotka-Flynn, L., & Diaz, K. M. (2014). Contact Lens Discomfort: Tips for Healthy Travel. Contact Lens Spectrum.
- Stapleton, F., & Carnt, N. (2012). Water Quality and Contact Lens-Related Infection Risks. Eye & Contact Lens.
- Chalmers, R., & Keay, L. (2019). Maintaining Contact Lens Hygiene on the Go. Optometry and Vision Science.
