You have booked your trip, packed your bags, and you are ready to go. But did you think about your contact lenses? Travelling can be hard on your eyes. Different air, water, and environments can make your lenses uncomfortable. A little preparation before you leave can make a big difference.
Why Aeroplane Travel Affects Your Eyes
At home, everything is easy. You know where your solution is, your hands are clean, and your eyes are used to the air around you. When you travel, things change fast.
On a plane, the air is very dry. This can make your lenses feel scratchy and uncomfortable after just a few hours. At the beach, there is sand and wind. In a hotel, the tap water might not be clean enough to use near your eyes. All of these things can cause irritation or even infection if you are not careful.
Daily Lenses Are Great for Travel
If you normally wear monthly or weekly lenses, think about switching to daily lenses for your trip. With daily lenses, you put in a fresh pair every morning. You do not need to clean them or carry a storage case. If a lens gets dirty or uncomfortable, you simply throw it away and use a new one.
Daily lenses are also small and light, so they are easy to pack. For most people, they are the most comfortable choice on holiday.
What to Pack
Before you close your suitcase, make sure you have:
Extra lenses. Always pack more than you think you need. Lenses can tear, bags can get lost, and trips sometimes last longer than planned. A few extra pairs cost very little but can save your holiday.
Lens solution in your hand luggage. If you need a solution, keep a small bottle in your carry-on bag. Remember that most airlines allow only bottles of up to 100 ml in hand luggage.
Your glasses. Never travel without a spare pair of glasses. They are important if your eyes get tired or irritated. They are also required by law for drivers in some countries, like France, Germany, and Spain. If you drive without a spare pair, you can get a fine.
Your prescription. Save a photo of your prescription on your phone. If you lose your glasses or lenses abroad, a local optician can help you, but only if you know your prescription numbers.
On the Plane
Long flights are one of the hardest situations for contact lens wearers. The air inside the plane is very dry, which can make your lenses feel uncomfortable quickly.
The best advice is simple: wear your glasses on the plane instead. You will arrive feeling much better. If you really want to wear your lenses, turn off the air vent above your seat and use lubricating eye drops made for lens wearers. Also, do not sleep in your lenses on the plane unless your lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear.
At the Beach
Sand, wind, and water are not good for contact lenses. Even a small piece of sand under your lens is very painful. Always wear sunglasses at the beach to protect your eyes from both sand and UV rays.
Do not swim while wearing your lenses. Pool water contains chlorine, which dries out lenses and can irritate your eyes. Sea water, rivers, and lakes can contain bacteria that cause serious eye infections. If you want to swim with clear vision, use prescription swimming goggles instead.
Also, never rinse your lenses with tap water, especially when travelling to places where water quality is not reliable. Always use proper contact lens solution.
Different Climates, Different Challenges
Hot, dry destinations can make your eyes feel drier faster than usual. In these places, use lubricating eye drops more often and take breaks from wearing your lenses during the day.
At high altitudes, the air is drier, and UV levels are stronger. Wear good sunglasses and give your eyes more rest than you normally would.
In humid climates, lenses can actually feel quite comfortable. But because you sweat more and touch your face more often, it is even more important to wash your hands before handling your lenses.
Travelling with Children Who Wear Lenses
If your child wears contact lenses, plan a little more carefully. Children often touch their eyes, forget to wash their hands, and may not tell you right away when something feels wrong. On travel days and at the beach, it is safer to let them wear glasses. Make sure they also have good sunglasses with UV protection, because children’s eyes are more sensitive to sun damage than adult eyes.
Before You Leave
The easiest thing you can do is visit your optician before your trip. They can check that your prescription is still correct, help you choose the right lenses for your destination, and give you advice based on where you are going.
A short visit before your holiday means you can travel with confidence and enjoy every moment with comfortable, healthy eyes.
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