Contact Lenses and Travel: What You Need to Know

Whether you're heading interstate for a weekend or embarking on an international adventure, travelling with contact lenses requires a little extra planning. From carry-on liquid rules to time zone changes affecting your wearing schedule, this complete checklist covers everything you need to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy on the road.

Before You Leave: Pre-Travel Checklist

✅ Visit Your Optometrist

If your prescription is due for renewal or you're planning an extended trip, book an eye exam before you go. Running out of lenses overseas with an expired prescription can be a real headache.

✅ Pack More Lenses Than You Think You'll Need

Always bring extra lenses — at least a week's worth beyond what you plan to use. Lenses can tear, get lost, or become contaminated. If you wear monthlies or 2-weeklies, consider switching to dailies for the trip to eliminate the need for solution and a lens case.

✅ Carry a Copy of Your Prescription

Keep a digital and physical copy of your contact lens prescription. If you lose your lenses abroad, a local optometrist or pharmacy may be able to help — but only if you have your prescription details.

✅ Pack Your Glasses

Always travel with a current pair of glasses as a backup. Long-haul flights, dusty environments, and unfamiliar water sources can all make lens wear uncomfortable or inadvisable.

✅ Check Airline Liquid Rules

Contact lens solution is classified as a liquid under aviation security rules. In Australia and most international destinations, liquids in carry-on baggage must be in containers of 100ml or less, stored in a single clear resealable bag. Decant your solution into a travel-sized bottle, or purchase travel-sized solution before you fly. Full-sized bottles can go in your checked luggage.

At the Airport & On the Plane

✅ Remove Lenses Before Long-Haul Flights

Aircraft cabins have very low humidity — often as low as 10–20% — which can cause contact lenses to dry out and become uncomfortable. For flights over 4–5 hours, consider removing your lenses and wearing glasses instead. If you must wear lenses, use preservative-free lubricating eye drops frequently throughout the flight.

✅ Never Sleep in Your Lenses on a Plane

It's tempting to doze off on a long flight, but sleeping in standard contact lenses — even for a short nap — significantly increases the risk of eye irritation and infection. Remove them before you sleep.

✅ Keep Rewetting Drops in Your Hand Luggage

Preservative-free rewetting drops (under 100ml) are a must-have in your carry-on. They'll keep your eyes comfortable in the dry cabin air.

During Your Trip

✅ Adjust Your Wearing Schedule for Time Zones

If you're crossing multiple time zones, your body clock will be disrupted — and so might your lens-wearing routine. Aim to follow local time as quickly as possible, and don't exceed your daily wearing limit regardless of time zone confusion.

✅ Never Swim or Shower in Your Lenses

This is important at home, but even more so when travelling. Pools, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, and even hotel showers can harbour microorganisms — including Acanthamoeba — that can cause serious eye infections. Always remove lenses before water activities.

✅ Be Careful in Dusty or Windy Environments

Desert destinations, beach environments, and outdoor adventures can expose your eyes to dust, sand, and wind. Wrap-around sunglasses offer great protection. If your eyes become irritated, remove your lenses and switch to glasses until conditions improve.

✅ Use Bottled or Purified Water Only

Never rinse your lenses or lens case with tap water, especially in countries where water quality may be uncertain. Always use sterile contact lens solution.

✅ Store Solution and Cases Safely

Keep your lens case and solution away from extreme heat (e.g., don't leave them in a hot car or in direct sunlight). Heat can degrade solution effectiveness and warp lens cases.

Destination-Specific Tips

• Beach holidays: Switch to daily disposables to avoid sand and saltwater contamination. Wear UV-blocking lenses or sunglasses for added protection.
• Skiing & snow trips: Cold, dry air and UV reflection from snow can be harsh on eyes. Use rewetting drops frequently and wear UV-protective goggles over your lenses.
• Tropical destinations: High humidity can feel comfortable, but increased exposure to water activities raises infection risk. Be vigilant about removing lenses before swimming.
• Long road trips: Air conditioning in cars dries out the air. Take regular breaks, blink consciously, and use rewetting drops as needed.

Your Travel Lens Kit: What to Pack

• ✅ Contact lenses (extra supply)
• ✅ Travel-sized lens solution (under 100ml for carry-on)
• ✅ Spare lens case
• ✅ Preservative-free rewetting drops
• ✅ Backup glasses
• ✅ Copy of your prescription
• ✅ Sunglasses with UV protection
• ✅ Lint-free towel or tissues

Stock Up Before You Go

Don't leave your lens supply to chance. At Anzlens, you can stock up on your favourite lenses with fast delivery across Australia before your next trip. Browse our full range of daily, 2-weekly, and monthly lenses — and travel with confidence.