Eye Experts Warn Contact Lens Wearers of Risks During Flights
As vacation season peaks, many travelers opt to wear contact lenses instead of glasses on flights. However, eye specialists caution that this choice can pose risks, especially on longer flights. Dr. Freya Matheus, head of the Cornea and External Eye Diseases Department at the Center for Sight in Florida, explains that wearing contacts on short flights of two to three hours is generally safe if the eyes are healthy and the wearer does not plan to sleep. The main concern arises during long-haul flights, where the dry cabin air and lower cabin pressure reduce oxygen supply to the eyes, causing dryness, irritation, redness, and discomfort. This environment can cause contact lenses to adhere to the cornea, potentially leading to tiny corneal abrasions and increasing the risk of infections. In rare cases, these complications may result in temporary or permanent vision loss.
Dr. Arjan Hora, a cataract and anterior eye segment surgeon, strongly advises against sleeping with contact lenses on during flights due to the significantly increased risk of eye infections. He also recommends avoiding contacts if the eyes are already red, irritated, light-sensitive, or infected. For those who wear lenses during flights and experience dryness, maintaining strict hygiene is crucial: wash hands before handling lenses, use fresh solution every time, store lenses in clean cases, and never rinse lenses with tap water. Using artificial tears, replacing lenses as needed, or removing them for several hours can help reduce discomfort.
Both experts emphasize carrying a spare pair of glasses in case of lens discomfort, loss, or solution depletion. Dr. Hora warns against transferring lens solution into other containers to save space, as this can contaminate the solution and increase infection risk. Instead, travelers should use travel-sized packaging designed for lens solutions. These precautions aim to prevent eye damage and infections during air travel, especially on extended flights.
