How to Travel with Contact Lenses?

Lenses have made life easier for millions of people. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and give you the freedom that prescription glasses sometimes can’t. Whether you’re heading to work, the gym, or off on a holiday, lenses can make your life more convenient.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, over 50 million people around the world wear contacts. It’s a popular choice because you can wear them everywhere from your daily routines to long-haul flights, beach holidays and more. However, travelling with contact lenses does need a bit of extra care.

For example, applying your lenses without washing and drying your hands can cause eye infections. If lenses aren’t cleaned or stored properly on the go, it can also lead to eye irritation or severe eye infection. The good news is, with a little care and planning, you can keep your eyes healthy and clear.

In this contact lenses travel guide, read our optician-recommended tips to have a hassle-free travel.

Optician-approved 6 tips for travelling with lenses

1. Preparation is the key

Start by making a list of all the things you need for your eyes. This includes lenses, solutions, lens case, eye drops, glasses, and sunglasses. Before your trip, make sure you have an up-to-date prescription with you. Visit an optometrist and get your eyes tested, especially if it’s been over a year since your last eye test.

According to the NHS, it’s recommended to have your eyes tested at least every two years or sooner, based on your optician’s advice.

An updated prescription can be very helpful when you’re travelling with contact lenses. Carry a physical copy or have it saved on your phone. If you lose your lenses or need a replacement abroad, having a prescription will save your time and efforts.

2. Pack extra lenses

Add a few extra pairs of contacts in your kit in case one gets lost or damaged. Daily disposable lenses are an excellent choice if you don’t like cleaning your lenses every day. Wear them and dispose of them after use. Dailies such as comfi Daily Disposable lower the risk of infection and are handy for both short and long trips.

On the contrary, if you don’t mind cleaning and are more economical, you can go for monthlies. Make sure to order UV-protected lenses if you’re travelling to a sunny destination.

3. Contact lens care

Keeping your lenses clean and storing them safely is one of the most important tips. Start by washing your hands with soap and water and dry them properly before touching your contacts.

If you’re using monthlies, two weeklies or extended wear lenses, only use fresh, sterile contact lens solution, such as comfi All-in-one solution to clean and store them. Carry an extra lens case too, just in case you lose one.

Top tip: Never top up old solutions or rinse lenses with any form of water as it can lead to infections.

4. Carry glasses

Even if you don’t usually wear glasses, take them with you on your trip. Sometimes, wearing contacts can make your eyes tired, irritated, or dry. Giving them a break by wearing glasses. They are also a great backup if you lose or break your lenses. Lastly, if you’re on an overnight journey, glasses are ideal, as it’s not recommended to sleep in lenses.

5. Add sunglasses

It’s a good idea to pair your lenses with sunglasses for extra protection. Even if your lenses have UV protection, wearing sunglasses gives your eyes more coverage and shields the delicate skin around them too. Always go for 100% UVA/B protected sunglasses and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while enjoying the sun. Make sure to choose a suitable pair, such as Le Specs Outta Love Toffee Tort Polarised sunglasses.

6. Flying with lenses

“Can you take contact lenses in hand luggage?” The answer is yes. You can carry lenses when travelling by air. According to the UK Government hand luggage restrictions, liquids of up to 100ml are allowed, provided they are packed in a clear plastic bag.

Always remember that the air inside the plane is very dry, which can make your eyes dry and lenses feeling uncomfortable. Carrying lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes fresh and moist throughout your trip. Eye drops, such as Hycosan & Optase Dry Eye Kit are designed to help you get relief from any dry eye symptom, eye irritation or discomfort.

Top travel tip: Do not wear lenses while sleeping or swimming. Alastair Lockwood, Eye Health Advisor, Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon at Feel Good Contacts strongly advises against sleeping or swimming in lenses. She explains that wearing lenses overnight or in water can significantly raise the risk of eye discomfort and serious eye infections.

It’s always a smart idea to pack your lenses and solution in your main suitcase, but always carry a small supply in your hand luggage too - just in case there's an issue mid-flight or your bags are delayed after landing. Happy travelling!

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.