Can You Wear Contact Lenses on a Long Flight?
Sitting on a plane for eight, ten, or even fifteen hours is a long time to have contacts in, especially when you're dealing with dry cabin air and possibly trying to get some sleep.
So, can you wear contact lenses on a long flight?
Yes! You can absolutely wear contact lenses on a long flight. However, airplane cabins tend to have very low humidity, which can make your contacts feel dry, irritated, or uncomfortable after several hours.
For shorter flights, you might not notice much of a difference. However, if you're flying for eight, ten, or even fifteen hours, your eyes might start feeling pretty uncomfortable.
Here's what you should know about wearing contacts on long flights, how to keep your eyes comfortable, and when switching to glasses might be a better idea.
Why Do Contact Lenses Feel Dry on Airplanes?
One of the biggest reasons contact lenses feel dry on airplanes is the lack of humidity. Airplane cabins typically have much lower humidity levels than most indoor environments. This can cause moisture to evaporate from the tear film covering your eyes more quickly.
When you're wearing contacts, that moisture is especially important because it helps keep your lenses comfortable. Plus, there are a few other things happening during a long flight that can make dryness worse.
For example, you might spend several hours watching movies, scrolling through your phone, or working on your laptop. When you're focused on a screen, you naturally blink less frequently, which can make your eyes feel even drier. Air vents blowing directly toward your face can also contribute to dryness. By the time you land, your contacts might feel noticeably less comfortable than they did when you first boarded.
Is It Safe to Wear Contacts on a Long Flight?
Generally, yes. Wearing contact lenses on a long flight is safe for most people, assuming you're following your eye doctor's recommended wearing schedule. However, there are a few things worth considering.
First, you don't want to wear your contacts longer than recommended just because you're traveling. If your eye doctor has advised you to limit how many hours you wear your lenses, that recommendation still applies when you're flying.
Second, you should avoid sleeping in your contacts unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed them for overnight wear. Even if you're only planning to take a short nap in your contacts, sleeping in lenses that aren't approved for overnight wear increases your risk of eye infections.
Finally, if your eyes are already feeling irritated before your flight, wearing glasses might be the more comfortable option.
Should You Wear Contacts or Glasses on a Long Flight?
Honestly, this really comes down to how long your flight is and how your eyes typically respond to wearing contacts.
If you're taking a two-hour flight and your contacts normally feel comfortable throughout the day, there's probably no reason you need to switch to glasses.
However, if you're getting on a twelve-hour overnight flight, glasses might make your life a little easier. You won't have to worry about your contacts drying out while you're sleeping, and you can give your eyes a break during the flight.
A good compromise is to wear your contacts to the airport and switch to glasses before settling in for a long flight, especially if you're planning to sleep.
You can always put in a fresh pair of contacts after you land, assuming your eyes feel comfortable and you're able to wash and dry your hands properly.
Are Daily Contact Lenses Better for Long Flights?
For some people, daily disposable contact lenses can be a convenient option when traveling.
With daily contacts, you wear a fresh pair each day and throw them away when you're finished. There's no need to bring a contact lens case or cleaning solution for those lenses.
This can be especially helpful when you're traveling internationally or spending a lot of time in airports.
For example, if you're wearing daily contacts during a flight and decide you'd rather switch to glasses, you can simply remove and discard your lenses.
However, daily contacts aren't automatically more comfortable on airplanes. Different lenses use different materials and moisture technologies, and what works well for one person might not work as well for someone else.
If you frequently experience dry eyes while traveling, your eye doctor can help you determine whether a different contact lens material or brand might be more comfortable.
How to Keep Your Contact Lenses Comfortable During a Long Flight
If you prefer wearing contacts while flying, there are a few things you can do to help keep your eyes comfortable.
1. Bring contact lens-friendly eye drops.
Lubricating or rewetting drops specifically labeled as compatible with your contact lenses can help relieve dryness during your flight. Avoid using regular eye drops unless they're approved for use with your particular lenses.
2. Avoid sleeping in your contacts.
If you're planning to sleep, remove your contacts beforehand. This is especially important on overnight flights, when you might accidentally fall asleep for several hours.
3. Keep your glasses in your carry-on.
Even if you don't think you'll need them, having a backup pair of glasses is always a good idea. If your contacts start feeling uncomfortable, you'll have another option.
4. Avoid pointing the air vent directly at your face.
Constant airflow can make your eyes feel drier, especially when you're already sitting in a low-humidity environment.
5. Take breaks from your screen.
If you're watching movies or working on your laptop for several hours, try to blink regularly and look away from the screen occasionally.
6. Pack extra contact lenses.
Whether you wear daily, biweekly, or monthly contact lenses, bringing an extra pair is always smart when traveling. You never know when a lens might tear, fall out, or become uncomfortable.
Can You Sleep in Contact Lenses on an Airplane?
It's tempting, especially when you're on an overnight flight and just want to get some sleep.
However, you generally shouldn't sleep in your contact lenses unless your eye doctor has specifically approved them for overnight wear.
When you sleep, your eyes receive less oxygen, and wearing contacts can further reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your corneas.
Sleeping in contacts also increases your risk of developing an eye infection, including microbial keratitis. Even a short nap can increase that risk. If you accidentally fall asleep wearing contacts, don't panic. If your lenses feel dry or stuck when you wake up, use compatible lubricating drops and allow them to move freely before gently removing them. Never force a lens off your eye.
If you experience significant pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurry vision, remove your lenses if possible and seek prompt medical attention.
What Should You Pack for Your Contact Lenses When Flying?
If you're traveling with contact lenses, keeping a few essentials in your carry-on can make the entire experience easier.
Here's what I'd recommend bringing:
- An extra pair of contact lenses
- Your prescription glasses
- Contact lens-compatible lubricating drops
- A clean contact lens case if you wear reusable lenses
- Travel-sized contact lens solution if needed
- A copy of your contact lens prescription
- Make sure your contact lens supplies are easily accessible rather than packed in your checked luggage.
If you wear reusable lenses, always use fresh disinfecting solution in your case. Never store your contacts in water or saliva, and avoid handling your lenses unless you've thoroughly washed and dried your hands.
FAQ
Can you wear contact lenses on a 10-hour flight?
Yes, you can wear contacts on a 10-hour flight as long as you're following your prescribed wearing schedule and your eyes remain comfortable. However, the dry cabin air may make your lenses feel uncomfortable after several hours. Bringing glasses is a good idea, especially if you plan to sleep.
Can flying damage your contact lenses?
Flying itself doesn't normally damage contact lenses. However, the low humidity inside airplane cabins can contribute to dryness and make your lenses feel less comfortable.
Should I take my contacts out before flying?
Not necessarily. If your contacts feel comfortable and you don't plan on sleeping, you can generally wear them during your flight. However, removing them before a long overnight flight may be a better option.
Can I use eye drops while wearing contacts on a plane?
Yes, but make sure you're using eye drops specifically labeled as safe for use with your contact lenses. Not every type of eye drop is compatible with contacts.
Can I put my contacts back in after landing?
Yes, assuming your eyes feel comfortable and you're able to follow proper contact lens hygiene. If you're wearing daily disposable lenses, use a fresh pair rather than reusing the ones you removed earlier.
Why are my eyes blurry after a long flight?
Dry eyes can temporarily cause blurry or fluctuating vision, especially after several hours in a low-humidity environment. However, persistent blurry vision, pain, redness, or light sensitivity can indicate a more serious problem. Remove your contacts and seek prompt evaluation by an eye care professional if these symptoms occur.