Traveling with Contact Lenses: Essential Tips for the Globetrotting Woman
Traveling is an exhilarating experience, offering a chance to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. But for the modern woman who wears contact lenses, it also presents unique challenges. Ensuring that your eyes remain comfortable and your vision clear while on the move is crucial.
This guide offers essential tips for managing contact lenses care during your travels, ensuring that every adventure is seen with perfect clarity.
1. Preparation is Key
Before you set off on your journey, a bit of preparation can make all the difference:
- Stock Up: Ensure you have enough contact lenses for the duration of your trip, plus a few extras in case of loss or damage. You can actually order discount contacts online in case there are no nearby stores in your area.
- Prescription Backup: Always carry a copy of your prescription. This can be a lifesaver if you need to purchase new lenses while abroad.
- Check Expiry Dates: If you’re using lenses that have been sitting in your drawer for a while, check their expiry dates before packing.
2. Packing Essentials
Your packing list should include:
- Travel-sized Solution: While it’s tempting to bring a full-sized bottle, remember the liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage if you’re flying. Opt for travel-sized bottles or consider transferring some solution into smaller containers.
- Lens Case: Always have a spare case. They’re lightweight and can be a lifesaver if one gets contaminated or lost.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for cleaning your hands before handling your lenses, especially when clean water isn’t readily available.
3. On the Plane
The dry environment in an airplane cabin can be challenging for contact lens wearers:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and eyes hydrated.
- Consider Glasses: If it’s a long flight, consider wearing glasses to prevent your eyes from drying out. If you prefer to keep your contacts in, make sure to blink frequently and consider using lubricating eye drops.
4. Mind the Water
While it’s tempting to dive straight into the ocean or pool:
- Avoid Swimming with Contacts: There’s a risk of contamination from water, leading to infections. If you must swim with them, consider using daily disposables and discard them immediately after.
- Shower Carefully: Try to keep your eyes closed when showering to prevent water from getting into your eyes, which can lead to potential lens contamination.
Traveling with contact lenses doesn’t have to be a daunting experience.
5. Adjusting to New Climates
Different climates can affect how your contact lenses feel:
- Dry Climates: If you’re traveling to a desert or winter destination, the air can be dry. Carry lubricating eye drops to combat dryness.
- Humid Climates: Humidity can sometimes make lenses stick to your eyes. Blinking frequently and ensuring your lenses are clean can help.
6. Handling and Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is even more crucial when traveling:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. When soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
- Clean Your Lenses: Don’t skip your routine. Clean and disinfect your lenses every night.
7. Be Prepared for Time Zone Changes
If you’re traveling across multiple time zones:
- Adjust Your Lens Schedule: If you wear daily disposables for 12 hours a day and you’re facing a significant time change, plan when to insert and remove them to stick to your usual schedule.
8. Local Resources
- Know Where to Go: Research local optometrists or eye clinics at your destination. It’s good to know where to turn if you face any eye emergencies.
9. Navigating Altitude Changes
If your travels take you to destinations with significant altitude changes, like mountainous regions, it’s essential to be aware of how this might affect your eyes:
- Increased Dryness: Higher altitudes, especially in mountainous areas, tend to have drier air. This can exacerbate the feeling of dry eyes for contact lens wearers. Stay ahead by increasing the frequency of using lubricating eye drops and drinking more water to keep your body hydrated.
- Pressure Changes: Rapid changes in altitude, such as during a hike or mountain climb, can sometimes affect the fit of your contact lenses. If you feel any discomfort, consider giving your eyes a break and switching to glasses for a bit.
10. Cultural Considerations
When traveling to different countries, cultural norms and practices might influence your lens-wearing experience:
- Local Products: The contact lens solution available in one country might differ in formulation from what you’re used to. Always check the ingredients, especially if you have sensitive eyes or known allergies.
- Public Perception: In some cultures, wearing contact lenses, especially colored ones, might draw more attention. It’s always a good idea to research local customs and attitudes towards eye-wear to ensure you blend in comfortably and respectfully.
11. Backup Plan
No matter how well you plan, sometimes unexpected situations arise:
- Glasses on Standby: Always pack a pair of up-to-date prescription glasses. Whether you lose a contact lens or just need to give your eyes a break, having glasses can be a trip-saver.
- Daily Disposables: Even if you typically wear monthly or bi-weekly lenses, consider bringing a few daily disposables. They can be especially handy if you’re unsure about the cleanliness of your environment or if you just want a fresh pair for a particular day out.
Traveling with contact lenses doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. With a bit of preparation and by following these essential tips, the globetrotting woman can ensure that her eyes remain comfortable and her vision clear, no matter where her adventures take her. After all, the world is a beautiful place, and every moment deserves to be seen with perfect clarity. Safe travels!
