2024-08-08
Contact Lens Tips for Travelers: Packing, Cleaning, and Care Advice
As an optometrist with years of experience fitting and advising contact lens wearers, I often hear about travel mishaps. It’s fantastic you're planning ahead – a little preparation can save a lot of discomfort and potential eye health issues when you're away from your usual routine. This isn't just about throwing your lenses in a case; it’s about protecting your vision and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable trip. Whether you’re heading to a resort, backpacking through Europe, or enjoying a staycation close to Okotoks, Alberta, these tips will help.
What Should I Pack for My Contact Lenses?
It’s easy to underestimate what you'll need, especially if you’re trying to travel light. Here’s a comprehensive checklist. Think “worst-case scenario” – what if your luggage is delayed, or you experience an issue with your lenses?
- Daily Disposables (Highly Recommended): If you typically wear reusable lenses, seriously consider switching to daily disposables for travel. They eliminate the need for cleaning solutions and cases, drastically reducing the risk of infection. Even if you don't switch permanently, a supply for the duration of your trip is smart.
- Contact Lens Case: Even with daily disposables, bring a clean case in case of accidental damage to your travel supplies. Bring two if you wear reusable lenses.
- Contact Lens Solution: Travel-sized bottles are convenient, but often more expensive per ml. For trips longer than a week, consider transferring solution into travel-approved, leak-proof containers (3.4oz / 100ml or less to comply with airline regulations). Double-check the expiration date before you leave!
- Backup Pair of Glasses: This is non-negotiable. Seriously. Even if you have 20/20 vision with lenses, a current prescription pair of glasses is essential. Lenses can rip, become uncomfortable, or you might develop an eye irritation that prevents you from wearing them.
- Eye Drops (Lubricating): The air on airplanes, dry climates, and increased screen time all contribute to dry eyes. Preservative-free eye drops are generally best, especially if you're prone to dryness.
- Small Bottle of Saline Solution: Useful for rinsing lenses, cases, and even irritated eyes (but not for disinfecting!).
- Contact Lens Remover: Sometimes, lenses just don’t want to come out easily. A dedicated remover can make the process much more comfortable.
- Prescription Copy: A digital or printed copy of your contact lens prescription. This is critical if you lose your lenses or need to purchase more while travelling.
- Hand Sanitizer: Clean hands are crucial when handling lenses.
- Redness, Pain, or Blurred Vision: These are red flags. Remove your lenses immediately and switch to your glasses. Do not attempt to reinsert them. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly. An optometrist or ophthalmologist is ideal, but an urgent care clinic can provide initial assessment.
- Lost or Damaged Lenses: This is where that prescription copy comes in handy. Contact a local optometrist and explain your situation. They can often order replacement lenses for you, especially if you know your base curve and diameter. Be prepared to provide a copy of your prescription. Finding a local optometrist in a foreign country can be tricky; online searches and hotel concierge assistance can help.
- Lens Discomfort: If your lenses feel uncomfortable but your vision is clear, try rewetting them with lubricating eye drops. If discomfort persists, remove the lenses and rest your eyes. A build-up of protein deposits can sometimes cause discomfort; thorough cleaning might help, but if it continues, switch to glasses.
- Dry Eyes: Increase the frequency of lubricating eye drop use. Consider a humidifying mask for long flights.
How Do I Keep My Lenses Clean While Traveling?
Maintaining hygiene on the go can be challenging. Here's where many people slip up.
Airplane Hygiene: Airplane tray tables and washrooms are notoriously germy. Never rinse or handle your lenses in an airplane washroom sink. Use your own saline solution and clean hands. Avoid touching your eyes during the flight as much as possible. I’ve seen a surprising number of cases of keratitis (corneal infection) traced back to air travel.
Water Quality Concerns: This is huge. Never use tap water to rinse or store your contact lenses. Even in developed countries, water quality can vary. Using non-potable water can introduce harmful microorganisms, leading to serious eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis, a particularly nasty infection that can be very difficult to treat. Always use sterile saline solution or approved contact lens cleaning solution.
Hotel Hygiene: While hotel bathrooms appear clean, they aren’t always sterile. Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes before laying out your lenses and supplies. Again, always use sterile solution, not tap water.
Daily Routine is Key: Stick to your regular lens cleaning routine as much as possible. Don't skip steps, even if you’re tired or in a hurry. Rub and rinse your lenses thoroughly with solution, even if you’re using a “no-rub” solution – the mechanical action of rubbing helps remove debris.
What if I Experience Problems with My Lenses While Traveling?
Issues can arise unexpectedly. Here's what to do.
Specific Scenarios and Considerations
Beach Vacations/Swimming: Never wear contact lenses while swimming, even if they are waterproof lenses. Water can still get trapped under the lenses, increasing the risk of infection. Bring swim goggles.
Camping/Hiking: Dust, dirt, and pollen can easily irritate your eyes. Daily disposable lenses are highly recommended. Carry extra supplies and be extra diligent about hand hygiene.
Long-Haul Flights: Dry cabin air can significantly dry out your lenses. Use lubricating eye drops frequently and consider removing your lenses for a portion of the flight.
Budget Travelers: While travel-sized solutions are convenient, they’re costly. Investing in travel-approved containers and transferring solution from a larger bottle will save you money in the long run. Prioritize a backup pair of glasses over fancy lens solutions.
Experienced Lens Wearers: Don't let familiarity breed complacency. Travel conditions introduce unique challenges. Stick to established hygiene protocols and be extra vigilant.
Remember, your vision is precious. A little foresight and preparation can make all the difference between a fantastic trip and a frustrating, uncomfortable experience. If you’re planning a trip and have any specific concerns about your contact lenses, don't hesitate to schedule a pre-travel check-up. A quick consultation can address your individual needs and ensure you're prepared for a worry-free adventure.