There are few things worse than traveling somewhere and realizing that your contacts feel uncomfortable in your eyes and you can't get to your eye care supplies. Whenever you travel, if you are a contact lens wearer, you have to plan ahead. As you are preparing for long flights, road trips, or any journey lasting more than a couple of hours, you'll want to make sure you are fully prepared for any eye-related situation you may encounter.
To help you prepare, we'll share some of our go-to tips for contact lens wearers that are planning a trip anytime soon. A stress-free journey is a great journey.
What to Pack for Your Eyes
It may sound silly to "pack for your eyes," but it truly is essential so that you don't find yourself in a bind and unable to see. You don't want to find yourself somewhere unfamiliar with the inability to see what's around you. To help keep you from this unsettling situation, here is what we suggest you pack:
- A supply of contact lenses, plus some, to cover the entirety of your trip. We suggest packing one extra pair, just to be safe.
- A bottle of your contact solution (you can get a travel size at the store)
- Your contact lens case (if you're wearing a lens that lasts more than a day)
- Your glasses
- Your sunglasses (prescription and non-prescription)
- Your contact lens prescription details (in case you need to buy any replacements during your travels)
If you happen to wear daily disposable lenses, you'll want to pack:
- A supply of your contact lenses, plus some, to cover the entirety of your trip.
- Your glasses
- Your sunglasses (prescription and non-prescription)
- Your contact lens prescription details
Traveling can be made much easier if you have daily lenses, but if that's not an option for you then you'll just need to be a little more prepared.
Preparing for Different Travel Scenarios
There are a few things to keep in mind about eye care while traveling, including:
- Make sure you understand TSA regulations on contact solution bottle sizes
- Give your eyes a break if you can tell you are straining to see
- Wear sunglasses whenever you are outside to protect your eyes from the elements and harmful UV rays
- Be careful not to let your eyes dry out (artificial tears are your friend!)
- DO NOT sleep with your contacts in unless prescribed by your optometrist
- Don't swim with your contacts in (water-borne bacteria can wreak havoc with your contacts), and opt for prescription goggles instead
- Always make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes
Are you in need of prescription contact lenses, glasses, sunglasses, or goggles before an upcoming trip? Schedule an appointment with us and we'll get you what you need!