2025-01-12
Contact Lenses for Air Travel: Tips for Comfortable Wear During Flights
As an optometrist with years of experience fitting and advising patients on contact lens wear, I often get asked about travelling with contacts, especially when it comes to flying. It's a perfectly viable option for the vast majority, but cabin air presents unique challenges. This isn't just about preventing discomfort; it’s about maintaining eye health during a potentially drying experience. Here's a detailed look at what you need to know, going beyond the standard advice.
Why Does Cabin Air Cause Dry Eyes?
Most people don’t realize just how dry cabin air is. Humidity levels in airplane cabins typically range from 10-20%, significantly lower than the 30-60% considered comfortable for our eyes. This extreme dryness happens because the air circulated in the cabin is sourced from the upper atmosphere, where the air is naturally very dry. The recirculated air, while filtered, still carries very little moisture. This low humidity draws moisture from your eyes, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even potentially temporary vision changes.
Contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible because lenses create a barrier, reducing the natural replenishment of the tear film. Your eyes are essentially ‘breathing’ through a reduced surface area. This isn’t an immediate problem for everyone, but prolonged exposure exacerbates the issue. Think of it like this: even people who don't wear lenses often experience dry eyes on flights, but for us, the impact is magnified.
What Type of Contact Lenses Are Best for Flying?
Not all lenses are created equal when it comes to air travel. Here’s a breakdown:
- Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: These are generally the best option. They allow significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea than traditional hydrogel lenses. Oxygen permeability is key; drier eyes mean less oxygen is naturally available. The higher the Dk/t value (a measure of oxygen transmissibility – look for values above 100), the better.
- Daily Disposables: I often recommend these for long flights. The convenience is great, but more importantly, you’re wearing a fresh, clean lens that hasn't accumulated deposits throughout the day. This minimizes irritation. While slightly more expensive per lens, the comfort benefit is often worth it, particularly if you’re prone to dryness.
- Hydrogel Lenses: If you wear traditional hydrogel lenses, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about hydration (more on that below). Consider switching to daily disposables for the duration of your trip if possible.
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These are less affected by dryness than soft lenses, but still require careful management. Ensure a proper fit and carry ample wetting/re-wetting drops specifically designed for RGP lenses.
A note on extended-wear lenses: While some lenses are approved for extended wear, I generally advise against wearing them during long flights. The dry cabin environment increases the risk of complications, even with lenses designed for continuous wear. It's better to be conservative.
How Often Should I Blink & What About Rewetting Drops?
This is crucial. Consciously blink more frequently – aim for a full, deliberate blink every 3-4 seconds. It sounds simple, but many of us reduce our blink rate when concentrating (like reading or looking at a screen), and that’s especially true during a flight. Think of blinking as 'resetting' the tear film over the lens.
Rewetting drops are your best friend. But not all drops are equal!
- Preservative-Free Drops: These are essential, especially if you're using drops frequently. Preservatives, while necessary in multi-dose bottles, can irritate the eyes over time. Individual vials of preservative-free drops are ideal.
- Hyaluronic Acid Drops: These are fantastic for air travel. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of tears and helps retain moisture. They create a more viscous, longer-lasting layer of hydration.
- Avoid “Get the Red Out” Drops: These drops temporarily constrict blood vessels, which can worsen dryness in the long run and mask underlying issues.
I recommend applying rewetting drops every 1-2 hours, before your eyes start feeling dry. Don't wait for discomfort to set in; be proactive. Carry enough drops for the entire duration of your flight, and perhaps a little extra for delays.
What If I Experience Discomfort Mid-Flight?
Even with precautions, discomfort can happen. Here's what to do:
- Increase Blink Rate: Start with deliberate, full blinks.
- Apply Rewetting Drops: Use preservative-free hyaluronic acid drops liberally.
- Close Your Eyes: Give your eyes a break. Close them for a few minutes to allow the tear film to recover.
- Adjust Air Vent: Direct the overhead air vent away from your face. A direct blast of dry air will only exacerbate the problem.
- Consider Glasses: If discomfort persists despite these measures, don’t hesitate to remove your lenses and switch to glasses for the remainder of the flight. This is the safest option.
Important: If you experience severe pain, redness, blurred vision, or light sensitivity, remove your lenses immediately and consult a flight attendant. These could be signs of a more serious issue.
Practical Tips & What Most People Don't Realize
Here are a few often-overlooked points:
- Hydrate! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Dehydration contributes to dry eyes. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can further dehydrate you.
- Carry Your Glasses: This seems obvious, but it’s surprising how many people travel without a backup pair. Even if you normally have excellent vision with contacts, a backup pair of glasses is essential for emergencies.
- Lens Case & Solution: Bring a travel-sized lens case and a sufficient supply of sterile solution, even if you're only using daily disposables (for emergency rinsing). TSA regulations allow these in carry-on baggage.
- Avoid Reading/Screen Time: Prolonged near work reduces blink rate. If possible, take breaks from reading or using electronic devices.
- Pre-Flight Checkup: If it's been a while since your last eye exam, schedule one before your trip, especially if you're experiencing any eye discomfort. I’ve seen patients with underlying corneal issues that were aggravated by flight conditions – an early diagnosis can prevent problems.
For those in and around Okotoks and Calgary, remember that Alberta's dry climate can contribute to dry eye issues even before you get on a plane. Being proactive about eye health is always a good idea.
Flying with contact lenses can be comfortable and safe with proper preparation. By understanding the challenges of cabin air and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy your trip without compromising your eye health.