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How to Travel with Contacts

Traveling with Contacts

Enjoy your vacation and eliminate the extra worries of traveling by knowing how to properly transport your contact lenses. Be aware of what to do and what not to do if you plan on wearing contacts for your next trip.

  1. Double Check Your Prescriptions
    Before you leave, make sure your contacts and glasses prescriptions are up to date. You’ll need both because you may have to switch between contacts and glasses throughout your trip.
  2. Bring All of Your Contacts Accessories
    You will need your contact lens case and contact lens solutions to properly care for your contacts the same as you normally would at home. Don’t rely on buying products at your destination since you may not find the correct types and be stuck without the right cleaning supplies.
  3. Take Extra Pairs of Contacts
    You can never predict if you’ll lose, drop, or damage your contacts. Always bring extra pairs just in case.
  4. Don’t Leave Your Eyeglasses Behind
    If your eyes get irritated or you run out of contacts, you’ll need your eyeglasses as a backup. During long flights, you should also wear your glasses because the dry air in the plane can make wearing contacts uncomfortable.
  5. Pack Your Contacts, Eyeglasses, and Accessories in Your Personal Bag
    Unfortunately, your checked luggage could get lost. It’s important to keep all your contacts, glasses, and accessories with you. You never know when you might need to do a quick adjustment in the airport or airplane bathrooms.
  6. Be Aware of the Travel Security Rules
    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits the amount of liquid allowed in carry-on bags. While flying, any liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less and in a quart-sized plastic bag. Since contact lens solutions are considered a medical necessity, you are allowed to bring more than that, so you don’t necessarily need a travel size contact solution. You will just need to declare that you have these larger amounts of liquids to the security officers before inspection. However, if you don’t feel like lugging around big bottles, you can bring a travel size contact solution for your carry on and leave the rest in your checked luggage.
  7. Don’t Wear Contacts in Water
    Contacts and water do not do well together. Before diving into the pool or ocean waves, either remove your contacts or wear swimming goggles. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is a risk of eye infection from bacteria in swimming pool water, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean. If you accidentally leave your contacts in, throw them away and open a new pair.
  8. Protect Yourself from the Sun
    Even if your contact lenses are equipped with UV protection, you should still wear sunglasses while wearing contacts to properly shield your eyes from the sun. Our sister site, DiscountGlasses.com, offers plenty of stylish and affordable sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.

You should be comfortable and have fun while on vacation, not irritated and stressed about contacts and glasses. Don’t let your eye health be at risk and prepare what to bring ahead of time.

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