Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to wear contact lenses while flying on a plane? Many people have this question because they want to make sure their eyes stay comfortable and healthy during their journey. In this blog, we’ll explore whether wearing contacts on a plane is safe and share helpful tips to ensure a smooth experience. So, let’s dive in and find out more about this common concern among travelers!
Table of Contents
Can I Wear Contacts On A Plane?
Wearing contacts on a plane is a common question among travelers. Let’s break it down in simple terms –
- Wearing contacts on a plane is usually fine as long as you take some precautions and keep your eyes comfortable.
- When you wear contacts on a plane, there are a few things to consider, firstly the air in planes can be dry, which might make your eyes feel uncomfortable so it’s good to bring lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist.
- If your eyes start to feel dry or irritated during the flight, you can use your eye drops to help.
- Remember to clean your hands before touching your contacts to avoid any risk of infection.
Understanding Contact Lenses and Air Travel
When it comes to wearing contact lenses during air travel, it’s essential to know a few things –
- Types of Contact Lenses: There are different types of contact lenses, like soft ones and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses are flexible and comfortable, while RGP lenses provide clear vision but may take time to get used to.
- Common Concerns: Many people worry about their contact lenses during flights. They may feel their eyes getting dry or uncomfortable due to changes in cabin pressure. It’s important to be aware of these concerns and take steps to address them.
By understanding these basics, you can better prepare for wearing contact lenses while traveling by plane.
Are there any Safety and Hygiene Concerns about Contact on a Plane?
Traveling by plane can be a thrilling adventure, but for those who wear contact lenses, it also brings some safety and hygiene concerns. Let’s dive into these to understand what you should watch out for and how to keep your eyes safe and healthy while flying.
- Dry Air and Its Effects: Airplane cabins are known for their low humidity levels, which can make your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable.
- Increased Risk of Infections: When your eyes are dry, they produce fewer tears and with fewer tears, there’s a higher chance for bacteria to stick around, leading to infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis.
- Proper Storage and Care: Don’t just pop them into any container or let them sit out in the open but give your contacts a clean, safe bed to rest in until you need them again.
- Avoid Sleeping with Contacts: Sleeping in contact, especially in the dry cabin air, can deprive your eyes of oxygen, making them more prone to infections and discomfort.
- Emergency Situations: If you need to remove your contacts quickly due to discomfort or irritation, having a backup plan is essential.
Tips for Contact Lens Wearers During Air Travel
With a few simple tips, you can keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear during your flight. Here’s how:
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your whole body hydrated, including your eyes so, sip on water throughout your flight.
- Follow Your Eye Care Routine: Stick to your regular eye care routine even while flying.
- Opt for Daily Disposable Lenses: If you usually wear monthly or bi-weekly lenses, consider switching to daily disposables for your trip.
- Blink Often: It sounds simple, but blinking is essential when you’re wearing contacts as blinking spreads tears across your eyes, keeping them moist.
- Take a Break: Bring a pair of glasses and switch to them during the flight.
- Keep Your Eyes Clean: If your eyes feel itchy or dry, use your rewetting drops instead of rubbing your eyes can also dislodge your contacts.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Contact Lenses
Let’s clear up some misunderstandings so you can travel with peace of mind:
Myth 1: Contact Lenses Can Get Stuck Behind Your Eye
One of the most common fears is that a contact lens might slip behind your eye and get lost. This simply isn’t true. Your eye has a membrane that connects your eye to your eyelid, making it impossible for anything to get behind your eye. So, if your lens feels like it’s disappeared, it’s probably just shifted out of place. With clean hands, gently move it back or remove it if necessary.
Myth 2: You Should Never Sleep in Contact Lenses
While it’s generally true that you shouldn’t sleep in most types of contact lenses, there are some designed for extended wear, even overnight. However, it’s always best to follow your eye doctor’s advice. Sleeping in lenses that aren’t meant for overnight use can increase the risk of eye infections and other problems. If you must nap during your flight, consider removing your contacts first or using rewetting drops to keep your eyes moist.
Myth 3: Contacts Will Pop Out During the Flight
Some people worry that changes in cabin pressure might cause their contacts to pop out. In reality, cabin pressure on a plane doesn’t affect your lenses. The main issue during flights is dryness due to low humidity. This can make your lenses feel less secure, but they won’t pop out unless they’re already too dry or not fitted properly. Keep your eyes moist with drops, and your lenses should stay in place.
Myth 4: Contacts Will Cause Severe Dryness on a Plane
It’s true that airplane cabins have low humidity, which can make your eyes feel dry. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear contacts at all. Using lubricating eye drops and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help manage dryness. You might also consider using daily disposable lenses, which tend to be more comfortable in dry conditions.
Myth 5: Contact Lenses Are Always Uncomfortable on Planes
Not everyone finds contacts uncomfortable during flights. Many people wear them without any issues by taking a few extra steps to care for their eyes. If you find your lenses uncomfortable, try these tips: use rewetting drops, take short breaks from wearing them, and make sure your lenses are clean and properly fitted.
Final Words
Traveling with contacts can be tricky due to dry airplane cabins, but it’s manageable with preparation. Stay hydrated to keep your eyes moist and bring rewetting drops to prevent dryness. Consider using daily disposable lenses for convenience and cleanliness. If contacts become uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to switch to glasses during the flight. Ultimately, choose what works best for you—whether it’s contacts, glasses, or a combination of both. Take care of your eyes, follow these tips, and enjoy your flight. Safe travels!
Happy travels from Travel Teasers!😇
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