I’ve worn contacts for years, and I have a great program to follow when I’m at home to make sure I look after my vision. But, that regular breaks down when I’m traveling, and more than once I’ve snoozed in my contacts. This results in blurry vision, thick glasses, and dry eyes when I wake up. Sleeping in glasses that aren’t intended for over use also dramatically increases the risk of an eye disease and could lead to corneal injury or even vision loss.

When trying to remove my contact lenses while traveling on a plane or car, this can be a major issue. Thankfully, one of my coworkers gave me valuable time-saving advice on how to safely and effortlessly remove my contacts. The secret is to plan things in advance so you don’t feel sleepy or overworked. Although these are too good to ignore, you should be aware that these are for disposable contacts and not disposable contacts every day.

Read more: An Optometrist Explains 13 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Contact Lenses.

4 items to take on trips if you use contacts

Contact lens case

This is essential when traveling anywhere. The last thing you want to risk when you’re out is having your contact lenses dry out or stay in your eyes for too long.

Solution for contact lenses

It’s equally crucial to pack your solution. Contacts are not inexpensive, and ruined contacts can be a major hassle. Not to mention, replacing items will cost you money.

Hand sanitizer bottle

You can use a bottle of hand sanitizer to clean your hands before pinching the contacts out of your eyes if you’re in a pinch and can’t wash your hands before taking off your contacts. especially when you’ll be touching surfaces on the plane or when stopping for a snack or gas on the way. You still may have some residual alcohol on your fingers even after the sanitizer has dried, so if you have the option to wash your hands with soap and water, I suggest doing that.

A pair of glasses

Dr. Mika Moy, clinical professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California Berkeley, told me that “even the most comfortable contact lenses can become dry and irritable, especially on those long-haul flights.” Wear glasses on airplanes for better comfort and so you don’t have to worry about taking a nap while your lenses are on, she said. When you arrive at your destination, you can re-enter your contacts.

Read more: 10 Eye Protection Tips You Should Know Before Spring and Summer.

How to prepare contact lenses for travel

Before heading on a trip, clean your contact lens case thoroughly. Fill each side of your case with contact lens solution or the amount you normally use to fill it up about halfway. To prevent leaks, tightly close the lids and store the case in a Ziploc bag inside a backpack or purse where you can access them quickly. You can use multiple contact cases so that you can have a backup in case something goes wrong and won’t need to pack a lot of solution in a big bottle.

Just grab your case and put your contacts inside when it’s time to take your contact lenses off of your eyes. Make sure you keep your hands as tidy as you can. This quick fix is clever because it saves time and keeps your eyes fresh.

Read more: Yes, You Can Save Money on Travel Despite Inflation.

Dos and don’ts for wearing contact lenses

Be cautious when removing your contacts. After all, you only have one eye set. Give these advice a try.

❌ Don’t do this: Remove your contact lenses during turbulence on the airplane. Solution for contact lenses may spill, your contact could go flying and you might jab yourself in the pupil.

Instead, do this: Wait until the plane is steady to avoid glaring at you. Wear your glasses on the plane to avoid your contacts drying out, or alternatively, wear your contacts on the plane.

Avoid wearing contact lenses while driving or on bumpy roads.

Instead, wait until you stop at a gas station to wash your hands and take your contacts off.

Do not do this: Only bring one pair of contact lenses along. You want to avoid ripping or dropping a lens onto the floor when handling your contacts.

Instead, do as follows:   Always have a backup pair of contacts with you. You might also want to bring one-day disposable lenses. When traveling,” You can avoid needing solutions or cases at all if you wear one-day disposable contact lenses,” Moy said. Because they are only used once and do not need to be disinfected at all, one-day lenses are typically more comfortable and healthier for the eyes.

Don’t do this: When you have red eyes, put contacts in.

Do this in place of wearing glasses in case you get sick while traveling.

Do not do this: Sleep in your contacts. According to eye doctors, it can lead to infection and even lead to permanent vision loss. ( I must admit that I need to take this advice. )

Instead, use the solution in a case next to your bed so you can quickly remove your contacts, whether you’re traveling or tucked into bed.

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