Tips for Traveling with Contact Lenses

• Joined June 14th, 2025
• City NY
• Country CA
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<p>Contact lenses are convenient and flexible when traveling. With a bit of planning, you can keep your vision clear no matter where you roam. Below are practical tips to keep your eyes comfortable and your contacts safe, whether you&rsquo;re flying across Canada or <a href="https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/how-to-plan-a-canadian-bucket-list-road-trip/">road-tripping</a> in the mountains.</p> <h2>Travel Tips for People Who Wear Contact Lenses</h2> <p>Before your trip, take a moment to prepare your <a href="https://www.clearly.ca/en-ca/contact-lenses">contact lenses</a> and accessories. Make sure your prescription is up to date and that your contacts fit comfortably. If your vision is blurry or lenses feel scratchy, have an eye exam and get a new prescription before you leave. Then gather what you&rsquo;ll need for the journey: extra lenses, cleaning solution, eye drops, and a pair of glasses. Having everything ready and in order means you can enjoy the scenery with a clear vision and no lens drama.</p> <h3><strong>Before the Trip</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Update your prescription and stock up on supplies.</strong> Confirm your contact lens prescription is current before you depart. If needed, get an exam and order fresh lenses. Then buy enough lenses and contact solutions for the entire trip, plus extras. Pack spare lenses in a separate case and bring an extra bottle of solution. Experts advise carrying backup supplies in case of travel delays or mishaps Having extras means a lost or damaged lens won&rsquo;t ruin your trip.</li> <li><strong>Consider daily disposable lenses.</strong> If you normally wear weekly or monthly lenses, try one-day disposable contacts for your trip. You&rsquo;ll open a fresh pair each morning and toss them at night. This eliminates the need to carry cleaning solutions and a case for every day. Daily disposables mean fewer supplies to carry and less maintenance while traveling, which can make your trip easier.</li> <li><strong>Assemble a contact lens travel kit.</strong> Put together a compact kit with just the essentials: a travel-sized bottle of lens solution (100 mL or smaller), your current lens case, and a small vial of preservative-free rewetting drops. Keep everything in a clear pouch so you can easily pull it out at airport security. Also, pack a microfiber cloth for any quick lens adjustments on the go. Having a dedicated pouch keeps your lens items organized and ready to use.</li> <li><strong>Practice good hygiene.</strong> Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses. This simple step removes dirt and germs that can irritate your eyes. Never rinse or store your contacts in tap water, lake water, or shower water &ndash; it can carry bacteria or parasites. Instead, use only your prescribed lens solution. In unfamiliar places, use only bottled or distilled water for washing hands, and never touch your lenses with unclean hands. These steps greatly reduce the risk of eye infections while you travel.<br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Plan for the environment.</strong> Think about where you&rsquo;re going and pack accordingly. If you&rsquo;ll be in a very dry place (like a plane cabin or a high-altitude destination), stock up on lubricating eye drops. If you&rsquo;re headed to a sunny or high-glare spot, bring a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <h3><strong>During the Trip</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Keep your kit in your carry-on.</strong> Always carry your lenses, solution, case, and glasses in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage. In Canada, contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid, so you can bring more than the normal 100 mL limit. Just declare it at security. By keeping your kit under the seat or in the seat pocket, you&rsquo;ll have quick access to it at the airport and on the plane. This way, even if your checked luggage is delayed, your vision needs are covered.</li> <li><strong>Combat dry eyes with drops and hydration.</strong> Airplane cabins and high altitudes can be very dry and irritate your eyes. Use preservative-free rewetting drops regularly to keep your eyes moist. Air travel can make contact lens wearers uncomfortable by drying out the eyes. Also, drink plenty of water on your trip. Staying hydrated helps your eyes produce natural tears, which keep your lenses comfortable.</li> <li><strong>Stick to your lens care routine on the road.</strong> Even away from home, maintain good lens hygiene. Wash your hands before inserting or removing your lenses, and use fresh solution in your case every time. Never reuse a solution from the previous day. Clean your lens case with a fresh solution and let it dry after each use. By staying diligent, you&rsquo;ll avoid building up bacteria or protein deposits in the case that could harm your eyes.</li> <li><strong>Avoid water contact with lenses.</strong> Tap water, pool water, and even lake water can harbor dangerous germs. Never swim or shower with your contacts in. If water splashes into your eyes, remove your lenses immediately and rinse them with a clean solution (if available), or switch to glasses until you&rsquo;re sure your eyes are clear. Keeping water off your lenses greatly reduces the risk of a serious eye infection from bacteria or parasites.</li> <li><strong>Have a backup plan.</strong> Keep at least one pair of spare glasses within easy reach. Accidents can happen, and having glasses means you won&rsquo;t be left unable to see if a lens fails. Store your backup glasses in an obvious place - like your carry-on pocket or beside your bed - so you can grab them quickly. With your backup glasses on, you can keep going and enjoy the trip without worrying about your eyes.</li> </ul> <p>With these tips in mind, you can travel confidently and keep your contact lens routine smooth. A little preparation means clear vision no matter where you go. Safe travels and happy adventures with clear eyesight.</p>