Tips for Traveling with Contact Lenses
Are you counting down the days until your vacation starts? Whether you're traveling near or far this summer, your contact lenses are probably one of the top items on your packing list. These tips will help you avoid any contact lens-related mishaps during your trip.
Don't Put Your Contacts in Checked Luggage
Imagine arriving at your destination and discovering that your checked luggage (and your contact lenses) never left the airport or were mistakenly routed to another city. Unfortunately, checked luggage can be lost or delayed, even if you're traveling a fairly short distance. In 2023, nearly six of every 1,000 bags were mishandled, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Avoid this happening to you by keeping your contact lenses in carry-on luggage when traveling by air, train, or bus.
Check TSA Requirements Before Flying
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits liquids in carry-on luggage to 3.4 ounces, but doesn't set any limitations for checked luggage. You can bring contact lens solution over 3.4 ounces in your carry-on luggage if you declare it at the TSA checkpoint. Large bottles of contact lens solution will be subjected to additional screening.
Buying travel-size solution is the best option, as you don't have to declare your lens solution at the TSA checkpoint if the bottle weighs 3.4 ounces or less. Both contact lenses and contact lens solution are considered liquids and must be put in a quartz-sized bag with any other small liquids you plan to bring on the plane.
Use Your Rewetting Drops During Flights
The air inside the plane becomes drier as time goes on. According to the American Optometric Association, dry air, reduced oxygen availability, and reduced humidity and atmospheric pressure can cause contact lens discomfort, particularly in flights lasting three hours or longer.
Applying rewetting drops throughout the flight will help you avoid discomfort. Make sure you bring your eyeglasses on the plane with you in case the rewetting solution doesn't help.
Pack a Contact Lens Care Bag
You'll be less likely to forget something if you place lens cases, solution, rewetting drops, and other contact lens supplies in the same bag. Use a small bag that zippers or closes securely.
Bring Extras
Packing extra lenses is a good idea if you wear disposable contact lenses. No matter how careful you are, you never know when you'll drop, tear, or lose a lens. Bring a few extra contact lens cases too, just in case you lose one. Extras are particularly important if you'll be camping or spending time far from civilization during your trip.
Don't Forget Your Eyeglasses
It's easy to forget about packing your glasses when you spend most of your time wearing contacts. If your lenses become uncomfortable or you want to relax and read in bed at the end of the day, you'll be glad you remembered your eyeglasses. Pack your glasses in a sturdy case in your carry-on to prevent damage during the trip.
Keep Your Contact Lenses Away from the Water
Are you tempted to wear your contact lenses at the beach or pool? Optometrists recommend removing contact lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Water can easily become trapped under your lenses, increasing your risk of a serious infection that could threaten your vision.
Prescription goggles available from your eye doctor offer clear vision and keep water out of your eyes. Can't imagine reading on the beach without your contacts and favorite sunglasses? Take a look at the large selection of frames available for prescription sunglasses the next time you visit our office.
Add a Copy of Your Prescription
Lost contact lenses or eyeglasses don't have to ruin your trip. When you carry your prescriptions with you, it's much easier to replace your contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Need a new prescription for contact lenses or eyeglasses before your trip? Contact our office to schedule your appointment.
Sources:
Bureau of Transportation Statistics: Baggage Mishandled by Marketing U.S. Air Carriers
https://www.bts.gov/content/mishandled-baggage-reports-filed-passengers-largest-us-air-carriersa
Transportation Security Administration: Contact Lenses
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/contact-lenses
American Optometric Association: Environments
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/environments?sso=y
All About Vision: Traveling with Your Contact Lenses? These 9 Tips Will Help, 8/23/2019