Travel should be an adventure, not a stressful affair due to forgotten contact lens solution or broken lenses during travel. For anyone who wears contact lenses, some preparation will definitely go a long way in making traveling less of a burden.
Rest assured, traveling with contact lenses does not need to be difficult. In addition to having everything you need to keep your lenses protected and safe, there are certain things that you will need to do to ensure you have an easier travel experience.
No matter whether you are traveling for the weekend or for a holiday, this guide is all about how you can travel with contact lenses.
Can You Travel With Contact Lenses?
Yes. Travelling while wearing contact lenses is not really problematic, as long as you remain consistent with the directions regarding caring for your particular type of lenses and solutions.
Before you head out on your journey, ensure that your prescription is up-to-date and that you have all the lenses and solutions you will need for your entire trip. The CDC advises that you always bring a spare supply of contacts, glasses, a contact lens case, and contact lens solution while travelling.
Having an extra pair of lenses with you will also be sensible since you may encounter some changes in your travel plans, luggage delays, or even damage to your lenses.
Your contact lens supply should be considered in the same way as other travel necessities.
What Should You Pack When Traveling With Contact Lenses?
Packing contacts for travel requires first making a well-planned packing list.
The items included in your contact lens travel kit will be:
Contact lenses enough for the entire period of your journey
Some extra contact lenses
A contact-lens case, if you have reusable lenses
An appropriate solution for the contact lens
Glasses as an alternative to your contact lenses
A prescription of your current contact lenses
Eye drops, if recommended by your ophthalmologist
A travel or toiletry bag, which will protect all your items While packing for daily disposable contact lenses, always pack some extra lenses, and not exactly as many days as you would stay on vacation. Pack enough solution for your reusable contact lenses, and make sure to read the instructions. Avoid the common mistake made by people of pouring the solution from your original packaging into a small container. FDA recommends not transferring the solution into any other container, as it may affect the solution's sterility.
Can You Bring Contact Lenses on a Plane?
While TSA permits medically required liquids in acceptable amounts, the passenger may need to declare these during the security check. It is noted that certain contact lens solutions are likely to lead to further scrutiny; therefore, one should place contact lens solution containers over 3.4 ounces in their checked luggage.
It is in your best interest to review the most recent TSA regulations prior to your departure because airport policies vary and may have changed since your last trip. To prevent any leaks, one must only bring what they need with them and keep the container closed.
Can You Bring Contact Solution on a Plane?
Medically necessary liquids could be declared by travelers at the security checkpoint, but the TSA allows them in limited quantities.
TSA also explicitly mentions that some contact lens solutions will result in more screening, and suggests placing contact lens solution bottles that are greater than 3.4 ounces in the checked luggage.
The procedures in airports can vary, so you should refer to the most recent TSA regulations prior to your flight
For a smoother trip, pack only what you reasonably need and keep the bottle securely closed to prevent leaks.
Should Contact Lenses Go in Your Carry-On or Checked Bag?
For everyday travel, your essential contact-lens supplies are better kept in your carry-on.
This includes:
Your lenses: Keep enough for the trip plus extras.
Your glasses: They give your eyes a break and provide a backup if a lens becomes uncomfortable.
Your lens case: Store it in a clean, protected area.
Your solution: Keep it securely closed and follow current airport liquid requirements.
Your eye drops: Carry only products that are appropriate for use with your lenses.
The CDC recommends travelers pack backup contacts, glasses, a case, and solution.
The goal is simple: if your checked luggage disappears for a day, you should still have everything you need to manage your vision comfortably.
How to Pack Contact Lenses for Travel Without Leaks or Damage
A little bit of organization will save you from many headaches.
Keep all your contact lens accessories in one case instead of keeping them here and there in your suitcase.
Make sure that your solution bottles are properly sealed, and it would be better if you place your liquid solution in a zip-lock toiletry bag so that you may avoid getting wet in leaked liquid in your clothing.
Put your spare lenses in their original packaging and make sure that no other type of container is used except their original packaging.
In case you have reusable lenses, ensure your lens case is clean and follows the recommended instructions for the care of your lens system. According to the CDC, contact lens cases should be replaced after every three months.
How to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable During a Long Flight
Many people find that long flights are uncomfortable for them if wearing contact lenses due to drying of the eyes or irritation.
The most important thing to remember here is to listen to your eyes and stop wearing contact lenses based on your personal needs, and not the amount of time spent on the plane.
Make sure that your backup glasses are handy. If wearing your lenses is too uncomfortable for you, you can take off your lenses and put on glasses to ease the situation.
Those who already have drops that are compatible with your contact lenses can take them with them if these drops will be suitable for them. In any case, it is better to consult an eye care professional about it.
It is crucial not to ignore any problems related to the irritation of your eyes.
In case you have reusable lenses, ensure your lens case is clean and follows proper lens cleaning and storage habits."
Contact-Lens Hygiene Tips When Traveling
Maintaining cleanliness while traveling becomes much more crucial.
Always clean your hands thoroughly using soap and water prior to handling your lenses. It is recommended by the CDC that you do this each time you handle your lenses.
Another key point while traveling is that your lenses should never touch water of any sort.
Under no circumstances should your contact lenses be rinsed or soaked in tap water, bottled water, lake water, seawater, or any non-sterile water. It has been warned by both the FDA and CDC that rinsing contact lenses in water may lead to serious infections in the eyes.
It implies that you should always remove your lenses before taking a bath or going swimming.
The most frequent error made by people while cleaning their contact lenses is topping off the solution in the lens case. It is the process where you add new solution to the old one.
Contact Lenses at the Beach or Pool
It is recommended by the CDC that one remove the contact lenses whenever there is swimming and showering, as the water carries microorganisms that cause eye infections.
If clear vision is needed in a certain activity, it is recommended to seek advice from an eye-care professional on ways to achieve this, such as wearing prescription swimming goggles.
Neither bottled nor tap water should be used to replace the contact lens solution as safe drinking water is not necessarily safe for contact lenses.
What to Pack for a Week-Long Trip
Your kit for a week should not only be sufficient for the usual day but for contingencies as well.
Below is an example of a list:
- Lenses for seven days, plus a few more
- Lenses case
- Suitable contact lens solution
- Spare glasses
- Prescription
- Eye drops compatible with your lenses, if any
You might also consider finding out whether you can obtain your special lenses/solution without difficulty where you will go. If you go somewhere new, having your own supply would be much easier than trying to find something equivalent after you get there.
A Simple contact lens travel kit Checklist
Here is a list of items to be packed just before heading to the airport:
Contact lenses – sufficient quantity to last throughout the journey.
Replacement lenses – handy in case of any damage or loss to the original.
Contact lens case – if reusing the lenses.
Lens solution – necessary according to the nature of lenses used.
Prescription – must carry a copy.
Eye drops – compatible ones depending on your lenses.
Protective pouch – helps in keeping everything handy.
This brief checklist can prevent you from a major problem in the future.
Also
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear contact lenses throughout a long flight?
You are supposed to wear your contacts according to your prescription; however, in case of eye dryness or irritation, it is recommended to take off your contacts and wear your glasses instead.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses while traveling?
Do not sleep in contact lenses unless your eye-care professional has specifically prescribed them for overnight wear. The CDC recommends avoiding sleeping in lenses unless directed by a provider.
Can I shower while wearing contact lenses?
It is best to remove your lenses before showering. The CDC recommends keeping contact lenses away from water because of the risk of exposure to microorganisms.
What should I do if my contact lens falls on the floor?
Try not to insert a fallen contact directly into your eye. It is recommended to follow the cleaning and disinfection instructions that correspond to your contacts and solutions. In some cases, it may be safer to replace a disposable contact.
