Travelling with Contact Lenses: Packing and Care Tips

Travelling with contact lenses can be a breeze if one knows what they need to bring and practice during their travel. Here are some important tips when travelling with contact lenses.

Travelling With Contact Lenses: Bringing A Backup Pair

One of the main packing tips concerning traveling with contact lenses is that one should always pack a backup pair. Wearing contact lenses might be convenient and comfortable, yet there is always a chance of their tearing, getting lost, or becoming unsuitable to wear due to environmental conditions such as dryness or dust. This will ensure your preparedness for any unexpected situations. If you wear daily contacts, bring extra in case one might need replacing. 

If using monthlies or two-weeks, be sure to take an extra pair along, plus solution to keep them clean and stored properly. Along with extra lenses, bring an extra lens case. Having an extra case with you allows you to switch lenses in case one breaks or falls out and provides a safe place for storing them until such time as you are able to clean them. The strategy helps avoid disrupting your daily routine.

On the other hand, taking a trip, especially out of the country, with an extra set becomes even more important because it is no easy task finding the proper lenses or an optometrist wherever you may happen to be. Similarly, back in your locality, this can also include sudden allergic reactions or irritated eyes where your contacts might cause discomfort. 

Of course, it keeps you prepared and gives you peace of mind while you travel, eliminating any problems with the eyes that may hinder fun. Always plan ahead, and you will be assured of a much more enjoyable trip that is stress-free.

Travelling With Contact Lenses: Pack A Contact Lens Travel Kit

Packing a small contact lens travel kit is one of the most important steps in ensuring your contact lenses stay clean and comfortable while you are on the go. A compact kit helps you stay organised and ensures everything you need for proper lens care while traveling. 

The first things to include are a contact lens case, a small bottle of multi-purpose lens solution, and an eye drop in travel size to maintain good eye moisture. Many multi-purpose solutions also come in appropriate TSA-approved sizes, which makes it easy to carry on without having to deal with airport security issues. If you will be away for an extended period of time, it is better to bring a couple more pairs of contact lenses, whether daily disposables or replacements of the planned replacement schedule for your extended wear lenses. 

Plus, a pair of back-up glasses would be a good idea if your lenses become too uncomfortable or when your eyes just need a rest. For added convenience, use a waterproof, spill-proof case to avoid any leaks and make sure the case is cleaned regularly to avoid bacterial buildup. A small, protective pouch to keep your kit organised can also help keep everything in place and prevent any unnecessary spills. 

Packed well in advance, a travel kit will keep your contact lenses in great condition and leave you carefree during travels. These things with you mean going on your trip free from the thought of forgotten or misplaced contact lens care supplies.

Travelling With Contact Lenses: Using A Protective Case

Protective cases are an easy and important way to safeguard your lenses and their accessories when traveling with contact lenses. A good-quality, travel-friendly case is a must for your lenses to protect them from damage, contamination, and accidental leakage. 

You will want a compact case that is solid and holds your contact lenses and lens solution in place, so it can easily be placed in your bag without the risk of spillage or loss. Most travel cases are designed to fit within a toiletry kit or small pouch, which offers convenient organisation for all of your lens-related items.

It is also important to keep your lens cases clean throughout your trip. Unsightly bacteria and dirt build up in unhygienic cases, which may cause eye infections. To avoid this, clean the case regularly with contact lens solution — not water, and let it air-dry before placing your lenses in it. If possible, consider using disposable cases during your trip and replace them after every few weeks.

For added protection, some have special features, including airtight seals to help in preventing leakage of your lens solution while traveling. Some include even a built-in mirror for convenience on the go. Take these extra precautions and find yourself a good protective case that will make the lenses safe, clean, and accessible wherever your travels might take you.

Travelling With Contact Lenses: Replacing Your Lens Case

One of the most important and often overlooked contact lens care tips when traveling is to change your case regularly. While this may sound like a minute detail, if not well taken care of, a lens case is really one of the best grounds for bacteria and germs to breed. 

Even when washed regularly, after some time a lens case will always collect microscopic debris, oils, and bacteria that may lead to eye infections or irritation. This makes one more prone to acquiring it while traveling as one is always on the go with little or no appropriate clean environment for sanitising the case.

Ideally, you should replace your lens case every 3 months or earlier if you notice any signs of wear, such as cracks, discolouration, or not being able to close properly. It’s also a good idea to carry an extra lens case with you on travel, especially on a long trip. If flying, secure the new case and place it in your carry-on luggage to avoid any mishaps with leakage or damage.

Also, always keep the contact lens case clean and dry. Never reuse solution. Every time you use the case, pour out all the existing solution in it. You may also have to periodically clean it with warm water and let it air-dry completely before reusing. By following these few but very crucial steps, you will be safeguarding your eyes from any undue risk that would ensure an uncomplicated and comfortable travel experience with your contact lenses.

Travelling With Contact Lenses: Avoid Over-Wearing Lenses

The most essential thing in regard to traveling with contact lenses is not over-wearing them, as it may cause discomfort and possible serious eye health complications. Over-wearing contact lenses, whether daily, biweekly, or monthly, can lead to dryness, irritation, and even infection, especially if you find yourself in highly air-conditioned places, on very long flights, or in dusty and polluted areas. 

All these conditions will dry the lenses and hence make them less comfortable to wear, predisposing the eye to strains. If you are going into a different time zone, it becomes even important to adjust the way you wear your lenses not to wear them beyond what is recommended. Such can happen with your lenses in different climates than what they usually set, especially the dry and arid regions. Your eyes may need more moisture and extra care.

Having an extra pair of glasses will prevent you from feeling like you need to overwear them when it is not necessary to wear contacts. For longer wear, follow your manufacturer’s guidelines and replace them when necessary. If you can’t afford to give your eyes the rest while traveling, you may want to consider making a switch to daily disposable lenses for convenience that can’t just be affordable but also beneficial in keeping your eyes in health while on the go. 

By being watchful of your lens-wearing schedule, you will be able to keep your eyes comfortable and irritation-free throughout your travel.

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