When it comes time to travel, those of us with glasses or contacts have a little more to think about when packing our bags. The following suggestions should help enjoy a hassle-free trip.

Eyeglasses

  • Pack an extra pair of glasses. Store an extra pair in a hard cover case in your carry on, in case something should happen to your primary pair of eyeglasses. There are few easier ways to ruin a trip than breaking your only pair of glasses.
  • Pack supplies. If you wear glasses, you should also pack a small screwdriver to tighten loose screws along with a lens cleaning cloth to keep the lenses clean.
  • Carry eyeglasses with you. Keep them in your carry-on in case you’d prefer to wear them instead of contact lenses. The recycled air on a plane can dry out your contact lenses, so eyeglasses are preferable if you’re going to try to get some sleep.

Contact Lenses

  • Pack travel size contact lens solution. Be sure to pack lens solution in your carry on but remember to keep it within the 3 fluid ounces maximum permitted on airplanes. For local trips in the U.S., it may be easy enough to buy a new container of solution when your plane lands.
  • Bring hand sanitizer: If you wear contact lenses, you may not always have access to soap and water to clean your hands. Hand sanitizer will prevent bacteria getting into your eyes when you put lenses on or take them off. If you don’t have hand sanitizer or access to sanitary water, wash your hands with bottled water before handling your contacts. (eyecare)
  • Use daily wear lenses. Daily wear lenses are ideal for vacations, so you won’t have to worry about packing solutions and containers. But be sure to bring enough daily wear lenses for your trip.
  • Bring extra lenses. If you don’t wear daily wear lenses, pack an extra pair of regular contacts for your trip.
  • Bring eyeglasses too. If you also have a pair of eyeglasses, you may be more comfortable wearing them on the plane, especially if you’re on a redeye flight.

If wearing contacts or glasses, it’s always a good idea to keep a copy of your prescription with you, in the event you need to purchase prescription lenses. Even without eyewear, you’ll still be able to buy proper contacts and glasses. If you’re traveling some place sunny, near water, in the mountains or in the snow, you’ll also need a pair of regular or prescription sunglasses.

If you have questions about preparing for an upcoming trip, you can call our eye care specialists at 877-871-1684.

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