Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a multi-week international adventure, traveling with contact lenses requires extra care and attention. Contact lens users must think ahead to avoid complications that can interfere with vision or eye health while away from home. From managing hygiene in unfamiliar environments to navigating airport security with lens supplies, there’s plenty to consider before hitting the road. In Greenwood Village and Denver, CO, patients under the guidance of Dr. Abed Namavari at Colorado Eye Clinic are often advised to follow specific contact lens protocols when traveling to ensure both convenience and safety.
Why Travel Affects Contact Lens Use
Traveling introduces a number of variables that can impact how well your contact lenses perform and how safe they are to wear. Changes in climate, altitude, and hygiene conditions can affect the eyes, while disruptions to daily routines can lead to lapses in contact lens care. Air travel, in particular, can dry out the eyes due to low humidity levels in airplane cabins, making contact lenses less comfortable and potentially increasing the risk of irritation or infection.
Additionally, travel often involves being in environments where access to clean water or familiar lens supplies may be limited. This increases the risk of poor hygiene practices, such as rinsing lenses with tap water or skipping proper disinfection steps. Planning ahead and packing appropriately are key to maintaining healthy eyes while on the move. Understanding the potential challenges helps contact lens users stay prepared and avoid unnecessary complications during their travels.
Dos: Best Practices for Traveling with Contacts
Preparing for travel with contact lenses involves more than just tossing a few supplies into a suitcase. It requires intentional planning to ensure that lenses can be worn safely and comfortably, no matter the destination. Here are a few best practices that can make a big difference:
- Pack Extra Supplies: Always bring more contact lenses and solution than you think you’ll need. Unplanned delays or lost luggage can leave you without your essentials, so having backups is crucial. Include an extra case, rewetting drops, and travel-sized bottles of multipurpose solution.
- Carry On Essentials: Keep all contact lens supplies in your carry-on bag. This way, if your checked luggage is delayed or lost, you’ll still have what you need to care for your lenses properly. Airplanes also tend to dry out the eyes, so having lubricating drops within reach can help prevent discomfort.
- Switch to Daily Disposables (If Possible): Daily disposable lenses are ideal for travel because they eliminate the need to carry bulky bottles of solution and reduce the risk of contamination. If your prescription allows, consult your eye doctor about switching to dailies for the duration of your trip.
- Maintain Hand Hygiene: Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses, especially in unfamiliar or public restrooms. Pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t readily available.
Following these practices can help reduce the risk of eye infections, keep your vision clear, and make wearing contact lenses during travel a more pleasant experience overall.
Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many eye-related issues during travel stem from avoidable mistakes in contact lens care. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you take better care of your eyes while away from home.
Avoid rinsing or storing lenses in tap water, even if it appears clean. Tap water can contain microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious eye infections. Always use sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and storing your lenses, and never substitute it with water. Additionally, do not top off old solution with new solution in your lens case—discard the old solution entirely and refill with fresh each time.
Refrain from sleeping in contact lenses unless they are specifically approved for overnight wear. Travel fatigue may tempt you to fall asleep without removing your lenses, but this can increase the risk of corneal infections and oxygen deprivation to the eye. Even short naps in lenses not intended for overnight use should be avoided.
Never wear lenses longer than prescribed. Whether you wear daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, it’s important to adhere to the replacement schedule, even when traveling. Extending the life of a lens to avoid changing it while on the go can lead to buildup of debris and bacteria, increasing the risk of complications.
Navigating Air Travel with Contact Lenses
Air travel presents unique challenges for contact lens wearers. The low humidity in airplane cabins can cause lenses to dry out, leading to discomfort or blurry vision. Using preservative-free rewetting drops before and during the flight can help maintain moisture and comfort. These drops are safe to use while wearing contacts and can be a helpful addition to your carry-on bag.
Airport security is another concern, especially regarding liquid restrictions. Contact lens solution in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less is permitted in carry-on luggage under TSA guidelines. Make sure it is stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag along with your other liquids. If you need to bring larger bottles, pack them in your checked luggage and ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
Some travelers choose to wear glasses during flights and switch back to contacts upon arrival. This can give your eyes a rest and reduce the risk of dryness during long-haul travel. Bringing a backup pair of glasses is always a wise precaution in case you experience unexpected issues with your lenses.
Keeping Eyes Comfortable in Changing Climates
Different environments can affect how contact lenses feel and perform. Hot, dry climates may accelerate lens dehydration, while humid or dusty locations can contribute to debris buildup on the lens surface. It’s important to tailor your contact lens routine based on your destination’s conditions.
In dry areas, frequent use of lubricating eye drops can help maintain comfort, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or in air-conditioned spaces. For beach or pool destinations, be cautious around water. Contact lenses should not be worn while swimming or in hot tubs unless you’re wearing waterproof goggles. Water exposure can lead to lens contamination and increase the risk of eye infections.
Cold weather destinations can also present challenges, particularly if you’re exposed to wind or snow. Wearing wraparound sunglasses can help shield your eyes from the elements, and using moisture drops regularly can counteract dryness caused by indoor heating systems. Being proactive about eye care in different climates helps maintain both comfort and clarity throughout your trip.
Emergency Preparation for Contact Lens Wearers
Being prepared for emergencies is essential when traveling, especially for contact lens users. Always carry a current copy of your contact lens prescription in case you need to purchase lenses while away. Include the brand, power, and lens type so that local opticians can provide the correct replacement if necessary.
In case of eye irritation, redness, or pain, remove your lenses immediately and switch to glasses. These symptoms may signal an eye infection or injury that should not be ignored. Seek medical care from a qualified eye doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. Bringing along a basic eye care kit with supplies like artificial tears, an extra pair of lenses, and your glasses can make a big difference in these situations.
Travel insurance that covers eye care can be beneficial, especially for international trips. Know where the nearest ophthalmologist or clinic is located at your destination so you can act quickly in an emergency. Being well-prepared means you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind.
Conclusion
Traveling with contact lenses doesn’t have to be complicated or risky, but it does require attention to hygiene, preparation, and adaptability. Whether you’re headed across the state or around the world, following proper contact lens care routines can help protect your eye health and ensure a smooth, comfortable journey. For patients in Greenwood Village and Denver, CO, seeking expert advice from professionals like Dr. Abed Namavari at Colorado Eye Clinic can provide valuable guidance tailored to individual travel plans and vision needs.
Resources:
- Stapleton, F., Keay, L., Edwards, K., Naduvilath, T., Dart, J. K., Holden, B. A., & Sweeney, D. F. (2008). The incidence of contact lens–related microbial keratitis in Australia. Ophthalmology.
- Szczotka-Flynn, L., Pearlman, E., & Ghannoum, M. (2010). Microbial contamination of contact lenses, lens care solutions, and their accessories: A literature review. Eye & Contact Lens.
- Wu, Y. T., Zhu, H., Willcox, M. D., Stapleton, F., & Papas, E. B. (2015). Impact of climate and humidity on contact lens comfort and performance. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye.