Vacations are a time to take the family to the beach or the mountains. Since that time of the year is around the corner, we've compiled some helpful tips for contact lens wearers. Whatever your vacation destination, some essential equipment is necessary. First and foremost, of course, your contact lenses. If you wear monthly soft or rigid contacts, this will probably be the pair you'll bring. For soft contacts, though, don't forget to check the expiration date and take an extra pair of monthlies with you if the expiration date comes up on your vacation.
Tip #1: What should I know before I fly with my contact lenses?
It is recommended that contact lenses be removed on the plane, especially on long flights. The air inside the plane is very dry and contributes to the drying out of the eye. This makes wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. On shorter flights, you can keep your contacts. However, we suggest you keep lubricating drops on hand to lubricate your eyes and contact lenses. Drops available in small 8ml or 10ml pocket bottles can be carried in your carry-on luggage as their size complies with the regulations for carrying liquids in the cabin.
If you wear monthly contact lenses, we recommend keeping a pair of contact lenses and a case filled with cleaning solution in your hand luggage. Monthly contact lenses are much more difficult to replace, so keeping them with you in case your checked baggage is delayed or lost is important.
It is a good idea to drink water to keep yourself and your eyes hydrated whenever possible. Don't wait for possible irritation if you have glasses on the plane and your contact lenses become uncomfortable. Remove your contact lenses quickly and put on your glasses. Also, if you want to sleep during the trip, don't forget to remove your contact lenses and keep them in their protective case.
There are no real contraindications to wearing contact lenses on a plane. Nevertheless, there are some precautions and rules to avoid any issues during the flight. Wearing glasses during the trip remains the best solution to prevent any complications.
Tip #2: Choose 1-day contact lenses for travel
One-day contact lenses are the most hygienic contact lenses. You only need to put them in and take them out once. One-day contacts are ideal for travel, so there's no messing around with a contact lens cleaning solution and no more fussing around with your lens cases in the bathroom. Plus, the risk of damaging a 1-day lens is minimal. You're assured of healthy eyes and clear vision.
One-day contact lenses are discarded at the end of the day and replaced the next day with a new pair. So, if you lose a contact lens while on vacation, there's no need to panic. Just replace it, which is not possible with monthly contacts. Disposable contact lenses are also recommended for a vacation in developing countries, where hygiene and daily lens care can be problematic. By using 1-day contact lenses, you reduce the risk of eye infections by avoiding the use of lens cases and cleaning solutions.
Tip #3: Follow the hygiene tips
Ensure you follow the hygiene tips for cleaning your contact lenses, no matter where you are. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it's always a good idea to remember that washing your hands before handling your contact lenses is important, whether putting them in or taking them out. It is also important to regularly change the lens cases using new ones, usually supplied with cleaning solutions. And for those who forget to take their lens care solution when travelling, putting your contacts in a glass of water is strictly forbidden. In this case, there is only one thing to do: throw them away and do not use them!
Are you going on vacation soon? Consult your IRIS optometrist to plan your contact lenses and sunglasses needs.
