Discover tips for wearing contacts during flights! Learn how to combat dry air and prevent discomfort with our expert advice. Fly comfy!
Frequent flyers know that air travel can be tough, with cramped seats and lengthy security checks. However, those who wear glasses or contact lenses face additional challenges that can make flying even less comfortable. In this article, we’ll dive into the specific issues that affect glasses and contact lens wearers and offer practical solutions to ensure a more comfortable flight experience.
Understanding the Risks for Glasses and Contact Lens Wearers
Dry Cabin Air
One of the biggest complaints from air travelers is the dry cabin air, which significantly affects those wearing contact lenses. The low humidity in airplane cabins can cause the tears in your eyes to evaporate faster, leading to discomfort and irritation. For glasses wearers, this dryness can also make wearing your specs feel uncomfortable as it can exacerbate existing vision issues.
Pressure Changes
Flying involves rapid changes in air pressure, which can have a direct impact on your sinuses and eyes. Contact lens wearers might feel discomfort or even pain due to pressure differences behind the lenses. Those wearing glasses could experience vision changes or discomfort due to their frames pressing against their face.
Increased Risk of Eye Infections
The confined space of an airplane, combined with recirculated air, increases the exposure to airborne pathogens. For contact lens wearers, the extended use during flights and limited access to hygiene facilities can lead to a higher risk of bacterial or fungal infections.
Tips for a More Comfortable Flight from Clearly
Stay Hydrated
Combat the dry air by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Use lubricating eye drops, specially formulated for contact lens wearers, to help alleviate eye dryness.
Limit Contact Lens Wear
To reduce dryness and discomfort, wear your glasses instead of contact lenses, especially on long flights. If you prefer contacts, ensure you practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses and carry a spare pair.
Protect Your Eyes
Use sunglasses with UV protection during the flight and in airports to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can penetrate airplane windows.
Keep It Hygienic
Emphasize hygiene if you choose to wear contact lenses. Always handle your lenses with clean hands and bring a travel-sized bottle of contact lens solution to clean your lenses during the flight.
Make Yourself Comfortable
Choose lightweight and comfortable frames for your glasses to avoid discomfort from pressure points during long flights. Adjust your glasses to ensure they fit well on your nose and ears and consider lenses with an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare.
Take Regular Breaks
Regardless of whether you wear contacts or glasses, it’s important to take regular breaks to rest your eyes during long flights. Close your eyes periodically, blink often, and perform simple eye exercises to improve circulation and moisture retention.
About Clearly:
Clearly is a leading retailer of contact lenses and prescription eyeglasses, offering a wide range of styles from over a hundred brands. Dedicated to providing affordable, accessible eyewear for all, Clearly stands as the largest online eyeglasses seller worldwide.