Pack your glasses as well as your contact lenses. If a lens tears or your eyes become irritated, you need a way to remove your contacts and still see. Before you leave, check your supplies and decide how you will handle lenses away from your usual bathroom setup.
Check your bag before departure
Keep these supplies where you can reach them during the journey:
- Your current glasses and a protective case.
- Enough of your prescribed lenses for the trip, with a backup supply.
- A contact-lens case and the correct care solution if you use reusable lenses.
- Your prescription or lens details in case you need to contact your eye-care office.
Check what you have before departure. If you need help with your prescription or lens order, leave time to contact the office rather than assuming a replacement will be available on the day you travel.
CDC includes glasses, contacts, and contact-lens solution in its travel packing guidance. Make your own list fit the lenses you actually wear; someone using daily disposables has different supplies from someone using reusable lenses.
Keep your care routine when the schedule changes
CDC recommends washing and drying hands before handling lenses, keeping lenses away from water, and using fresh disinfecting solution rather than adding it to old solution. Remove contacts before swimming or showering. Avoid sleeping in lenses unless your eye-care provider has specifically instructed you to do so. Follow your prescribed replacement schedule. CDC contact-lens care guidance.
For a late arrival, put your glasses and care supplies together so you can remove your lenses before bed. For a swimming day, plan to leave your contacts out. Do not improvise with tap water if you run out of the correct solution.
Ask about comfort before departure
If your contacts already feel uncomfortable, do not make the trip your first attempt at fixing the problem. Note when the discomfort happens and bring your lens information to an appointment. For irritation, remove the lenses, leave them out, and contact your eye-care professional right away. The FDA explains these warning signs and next steps.
Lakeview Eye Care’s contact lens fittings include evaluation and guidance for new and existing wearers. Contact the Syracuse office before your trip if you need help choosing the right visit. Allow time for the office to explain the next steps rather than assuming a particular lens will be available immediately.
This article provides general education and does not replace advice from your eye-care professional.
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Related care at Lakeview Eye Care
If this topic sounds familiar, learn more about contact lens fittings.
Planning a trip? Start with your lens questions.
Contact Lakeview Eye Care before your trip for help with a contact lens visit or prescription question.