Traveling opens up a world of discovery, but for contact lens wearers, it presents unique challenges. Whether you're jet-setting across the globe or exploring closer to home, maintaining your eye health and contact lens care is paramount. This guide provides essential tips to ensure your travel with contact lenses is as smooth and enjoyable as your adventures.
Pre-Travel Preparation
- Visit Your Eye Care Professional: Before embarking on any trip, ensure your prescription is up to date and discuss any travel-related concerns with your eye care provider. They can offer personalized advice and may suggest wearing daily disposables for more convenience on the go.
- Pack Adequately: Always pack extra lenses, more than you think you'll need, and a pair of glasses as a backup. Delays or lost luggage can leave you in a bind, so keep a small supply of lenses and solution in your carry-on.
- Choose the Right Solution: If you're not using daily disposables, bring enough contact lens solution for the duration of your trip. Remember, not all destinations may carry your preferred brand. Consider travel-sized bottles to save space, but always opt for sealed, original packaging to ensure sterility.
On the Plane
- Stay Hydrated: Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, which can lead to discomfort when wearing contacts. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help keep your eyes moist.
- Avoid Sleeping in Contacts: Unless your lenses are designed for extended wear, sleeping in them can increase the risk of eye infections. Use this time to give your eyes a rest and wear your glasses instead.
- Use Lubricating Eye Drops: Bring a bottle of re-wetting drops approved for use with contact lenses to help alleviate dryness and discomfort during the flight.
During Your Trip
- Practice Good Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses. This is crucial to preventing infections, especially when traveling to areas where sanitation might differ from what you're used to at home.
- Be Mindful of Water Activities: When swimming or participating in water sports, wear waterproof goggles to protect your eyes. Water bodies contain bacteria and microorganisms that can adhere to your contacts and cause infections.
- Consider the Climate: Dry, dusty, or windy conditions can irritate contact lens wearers. Pack appropriate eye protection, such as sunglasses, and use lubricating drops as needed to combat these environmental factors.
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Travel often involves looking at screens or long periods of driving, which can strain your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye fatigue.
Handling Emergencies
- Know When to Switch to Glasses: If you experience eye discomfort, redness, or irritation, switch to your glasses and give your eyes a break. Continuing to wear contacts can exacerbate the problem.
- Carry a Copy of Your Prescription: Having a copy of your contact lens and glasses prescription can be a lifesaver if you need to replace them while away from home.
- Identify Local Eye Care Providers: Before traveling, research local eye care providers in your destination. This preparation can be invaluable if you encounter an eye emergency during your trip.
Conclusion
Traveling with contact lenses requires extra preparation and care, but it shouldn't deter you from exploring the world. By following these essential tips, you can ensure your eyes remain healthy and comfortable throughout your journey. Remember, the key to a successful trip with contact lenses lies in meticulous planning and adherence to best practices in eye care. So, pack your bags, grab your lenses, and set off on your next adventure with confidence and clarity.
With these strategies in hand, you're ready to embark on any travel adventure with your contact lenses as your loyal companions. Whether scaling mountains, traversing cities, or lounging by the sea, your eyes will be as prepared as the rest of you for the journey ahead. Safe travels!
