Contact lenses offer convenience and flexibility when traveling, whether hiking, sightseeing, or navigating an airport. For many, contacts are a practical alternative to prescription glasses. This is particularly true on active vacations where glasses might be uncomfortable or impractical. However, following some basic safety and hygiene practices is essential to keep your eyes healthy on the road.
Here are Barton Creek Eyecare’s top tips to make traveling with contact lenses a safe and comfortable experience.
Preparing Your Contact Lenses for Travel
Before you embark on your journey, take a few steps to ensure you have everything you need for your contact lenses:
Visit Your Eye Doctor: Schedule a check-up to confirm that your contact lens prescription is up-to-date. This can help avoid surprises if you run out of lenses or need an adjustment while away.
Pack Extra Supplies: Bring extra contacts, a contact lens case, and prescription glasses if you need to switch from contacts. Finding the right products on vacation can be challenging, so it’s best to come prepared.
Consider Airline Regulations: If you’re flying, keep your lenses, case, and solution in your carry-on. Remember that most airports restrict liquid quantities in carry-on luggage, so consider bringing a travel-size lens solution. Remember, checked luggage usually doesn’t have these restrictions, but rules may vary by country.
These preparation steps can ensure you’re ready for any situation and help avoid disruptions to your travel plans.
Caring for Your Contact Lenses While Traveling
Maintaining proper hygiene with contact lenses is crucial, especially when you’re on the go. Follow these tips to keep your lenses—and your eyes—safe and healthy during your travels:
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Whether at home or abroad, washing your hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) with soap and clean water before handling your contacts is essential. If you’re in an area with unsafe tap water, use bottled water for handwashing. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry before touching your lenses.
- Stick to Your Usual Wearing Schedule: Avoid over-wearing your contacts, as this can increase the risk of eye infections. Follow your normal wear and care routine, using fresh contact lens solution daily to clean and store your lenses.
- Consider Daily Disposable Lenses: If you’re traveling to a destination where maintaining proper hygiene may be difficult, daily disposable lenses can be an excellent choice. You can wear them once and then dispose of them at the end of the day, eliminating the need for cleaning or storing.
Eye Care Advice from Barton Creek Eyecare
We aim to help you maintain clear and comfortable vision while traveling. If you have questions about contact lenses or need assistance with your prescription, our team in Westlake is here to help. Call us to schedule a contact lens assessment, or stop by with other eye care needs before your next adventure.