Your contact lenses may be the last thing you want to think about when traveling, but they're a critical part of your life and shouldn't be an afterthought. To avoid getting caught in a remote part of the world with dry eyes or worse yet, without your lenses, you just simply need to plan a little while packing. A few minutes of preparation may pay off big-time while you're on your journey. 

Here are some tips for traveling with your contact lenses and keeping your vision in the clear:

Packing

Contact Lenses

1. When packing your bag for your trip, don't forget to bring an extra pair or two of contact lenses with you. If you end up losing or damaging the pair you're wearing, you don't want to be stuck with no way to see.

If you're going on an extended trip, such as for a month or more, consider bringing at least one extra pair for each week that you'll be gone. This is especially important if you're traveling to a remote area, such as during a safari or backpacking excursion. 

2. Don't forget to bring your contact lens prescription, which may come in handy if find yourself empty-handed and needing an emergency pair. 

3. If you have a pair of glasses in addition to the contact lenses, pack those as well. 

Contact Lens Accessories

1. Be sure to bring enough contact lens solution along. If you're traveling by airplane, check the regulations to see how much liquid you can carry in your checked baggage and on your carry-on. Plan carefully and transfer the solution to travel-size bottles if need be before arriving at the airport to avoid problems. If possible, try to keep all of your contact lenses and accessories in your carry-on so that they don't get lost en-route.

2. Bring eye drops with you to avoid dry eyes on your trip. The air in airplane cabins can be especially dry, so make sure to have some on-hand during the flight.

Contact Lens Care 

1. Remove your contact lenses regularly, even if you have a busy travel schedule. It may be tempting to keep your lenses in longer than usual when you're jet-lagged, but doing so can leave you at risk for eye pain and even infection. Maintain your regular contact lens schedule as much as possible.

2. If you don't want to deal with carrying contact lens solution and cases, or worry about damaging your permanent pairs while traveling, consider using disposable lenses while traveling. You'll have a fresh pair to put in each day. 

Contact an optometrist at an office like Hudson Vision Source for more advice on how to travel with contact lenses.