Is Wearing Contact Lenses Safe During Long Travel? Tips to Avoid Infections

Whether you are catching a long-haul flight or settling in for an overnight bus journey, comfort is usually the top priority. For those who rely on contact lenses, the big question often arises: is it better to stick with your lenses or switch to glasses? While lenses offer convenience, the dry, recycled air of cabins and the lack of proper hygiene on the road can turn a simple trip into a nightmare for your eyes.

Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant - Internal Medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, suggests that while travel doesn't have to be a dealbreaker for lens wearers, it does require a bit of extra caution to avoid irritation or eye infections. Continue reading to know what she shared with us.

Is it Safe to Wear Contact Lenses During Long Journeys?

During an exclusive conversation with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Pillai explains that it is generally safe to wear contact lenses during long journeys if you follow proper eye care habits.

However, she warns that long travel by flight, bus, or car can make your eyes dry and uncomfortable because of air conditioning, low humidity, dust, and lack of sleep.

Due to the travel exhaustion, especially in public transport or in rural and remote areas, it becomes nearly impossible to keep the necessary hygiene and care that using contact lenses requires. And this can result in any serious eye infection.

Highlighting this, Dr Pillai suggests that it is important to keep your hands clean before touching your lenses. "Carry lens solution and a clean case, avoid sleeping with lenses unless they are prescribed for overnight use, and use lubricating eye drops if your eyes feel dry," she adds.

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The Risks of Falling Asleep in Lenses While Travelling

It is tempting to catch a few winks during a long commute, but sleeping in your lenses can be risky. According to Dr Pillai, "Falling asleep in contact lenses while travelling by bus or plane can increase the risk of eye dryness, redness, irritation, blurred vision, and serious infections. When you sleep with lenses, your eyes get less oxygen."

She further explains that the dry air inside buses and aeroplanes makes the lenses tighter on the surface of the eye. This can cause swelling of the cornea and create small scratches that allow germs to enter, which may lead to painful conditions like corneal ulcers that need medical treatment.

To be safe, it is always better to remove your lenses before even a short nap.

When to Remove Your Lenses Immediately

You should never ignore even minor eye discomfort while travelling. Dr Pillai lists the red flag symptoms that mean a traveller should remove their lenses immediately:

• Sudden eye pain or severe burning.
• Strong redness and excessive watering.
• Thick yellow or green discharge.
• Blurred or reduced vision.
• Sensitivity to light or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye.
• Swelling of the eyelids.

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"If the discomfort continues even after removing the lenses, it is important to avoid wearing them again and seek medical help quickly to prevent serious damage to the eye," she advises.

The Danger of Poor Hand Hygiene

Hygiene is often the first thing to suffer during travel. Hands easily collect germs from bus seats, aeroplane trays, luggage handles, and public washrooms.

Dr Pillai warns, "When a person touches their contact lenses or eyes without properly washing or sanitising their hands, bacteria, viruses, or fungi can directly transfer onto the lens surface. This creates a warm and moist space where germs can grow quickly, leading to redness, pain, discharge, and serious infections like corneal ulcers."

Should You Switch to Daily Disposables or Glasses?

For trips longer than eight hours, switching your routine might be the best move. Dr Pillai notes, "Daily disposables reduce the risk of infection since you use a fresh pair each day and do not need to store or clean them during travel. Glasses completely remove the risk of lens-related irritation, especially if you may sleep during the journey."

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Tips to Avoid Eye Infections While Travelling

To keep your vision clear and pain-free, Dr Pillai recommends these five essential steps:

• Always wash or disinfect your hands before touching your eyes or lenses.
• Carry a clean lens case and fresh solution; never "top up" or reuse old liquid.
• Avoid sleeping with your lenses during the journey.
• Use lubricating eye drops to combat the dryness caused by air conditioning.
• Remove your lenses immediately if you notice any pain, redness, or blurred vision.

Bottomline

While contact lenses are a great travel companion, they do require a bit of extra effort when you’re on the move. By prioritising hygiene and listening to your eyes, you can ensure your journey is memorable for the right reasons, rather than a trip to the doctor.