A Guide to Traveling With Contact Lenses

Being unable to see clearly while traveling can make special moments and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities harder to enjoy. Around 2.2 billion people worldwide have some form of vision impairment; tourists with vision issues often face challenges when traveling to other places and may not have a lot of resources to help. But you can still have a good vacation despite poor vision. Finding the right means of vision correction can offer clear sight to help you take in your surroundings and enjoy your travels better.

Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or seeking serene landscapes, contact lenses offer the convenience of clear vision. They provide a more natural look and won’t keep you at the mercy of caring for frames and lenses as with glasses. But bringing your contacts requires extra planning to ensure eye health and comfort. Here’s your guide to a smooth journey with contact lenses:

Pack extra contact lenses

A lot can happen to your contacts while traveling. The contact solution might leak out of your case, they might fall on the ground, or you could lose them. Packing extra contact lenses can ensure you won’t have to go the rest of your trip without clear vision. Some contact lenses come in packs of 6 or 24, but daily disposables like the Dailies Total 1 and the Acuvue Oasys 1-Day come in packs of 90. You can use a pair every day of your trip and likely have a lot of extras by the end of it. But if you prefer to pack light, the smaller packs of contacts can do the trick. You can choose the amount of contacts and the type of lenses based on how long your trip is and what you’ll be doing, so you can pack extras wisely.

Don’t sleep with contact lenses

Traveling can be tiring; you will want to sleep in as much as possible for more energy the next day. However, you shouldn’t sleep in your contact lenses, as they can increase the risk of infection, cause eye strain and blurred vision, and deprive your eyes of oxygen. To avoid this problem, prepare by filling your contact lens case with enough solution and packing it in your bag. If you want to nap on the plane or hot the hay at your hotel, you can easily remove them from your eyes, put them in the case, and store them back in your bag. 

Bring glasses and eyedrops

Certain weather conditions and plane cabins can dry your eyes, especially when wearing contact lenses. Dryness can cause irritation and discomfort, which can dampen your trip. Pack an extra pair of glasses and bring eye drops to combat dryness to ensure your eyes are comfortable and lubricated. Glasses are the best option for planes as the dry air in the cabin can affect your eyes while wearing contact lenses. You can also opt for eye drops, which provide moisture to increase comfort. Some eye drops, like the Biotrue Hydration Boost Contact Lens Rehydrating Drops, provide up to eight hours of moisture, keeping irritation at bay for longer. If you’re in a place with a dry climate, you might have to bring your eye drops with you or pack extras. 

Whether viewing gorgeous natural landscapes, admiring architecture, or heading on a unique wildlife tour, don’t let poor vision hold you back from enjoying your trip. By following these tips, you can ensure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable throughout your travels, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories.