Some tips when traveling with glasses or contact lenses
Spare glasses required!
It's best to pack a spare pair of glasses in the car, as some countries require a spare. In France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal, for example, you risk a fine if you don't have a spare pair, even if you wear contact lenses. Sometimes you even need to present a spare pair and a prescription from your ophthalmologist or optician. So, it's definitely wise to have an eye exam before your trip and save the prescription digitally. This way, you'll also have the necessary information at hand for your local optician if you break your glasses while on vacation.
Don't forget the kids!
Are your children going on vacation with you? Then it's a good idea to provide them with high-quality sunglasses with adequate UV protection to protect them from permanent eye damage. Their eyes are extra sensitive to harmful blue light and UV radiation.
Long car ride ahead?
If you drive at night, night vision glasses are definitely recommended. These filters out bright light rays (from oncoming headlights, for example). This gives you optimal contrast perception and reduces eye fatigue. Polarized lenses are also useful. They block light reflections (from oncoming traffic, for example) and glare on the road (from water and snow, for example). With polarized driving glasses, you'll have a pleasant and safe drive.
For the sporty holidaymakers
If you're planning an active vacation, custom sports glasses are definitely a must-have. For example, prescription swimming goggles or custom running or cycling glasses that keep sweat out of your eyes when training in warmer climates.
Additional travel tips for contact lens wearers
Traveling with your contact lenses? As comfortable as your contact lenses are at home, they can become a real eyesore on vacation. Hotel air conditioning, chlorinated swimming pools, questionable water quality, and sand are the main causes of dry, itchy, and stinging eyes. That's why it's best to bring a spare pair of glasses when traveling so you can switch between them as needed. However, these tips can help you avoid many contact lens-related discomforts:
Better not to wear contact lenses on the plane
The dry air and the specific air circulation in the cabin can make traveling with contact lenses very unpleasant. Removing your lenses in the confined space of your seat or the lavatory is also anything but easy, especially during turbulence.
If you are going on a flight with contact lenses
Then be sure to pack some contact lens solution in your carry-on. But pay attention to the permitted amount of solution (100 ml max.) and the packaging instructions! To avoid eye irritation, it's also best to turn off the ventilation above your seat.
Be careful with lenses on the beach
Those pearly white grains of sand are lovely. Until they get between your contact lenses and your eyeball. So, it's best not to change your lenses on the beach. And definitely wear decent sunglasses!
Tempting, isn’t it, that water?
Think before you leap when it comes to water. Chlorine-rich swimming water and salty seawater are a no-go for contact lens wearers. Unless you're using goggles, of course. Also, think twice before rinsing your lenses with tap water, as it's not always as clean. Always choose contact lens solution and wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes!
Spare glasses and spare lenses!
Bring a spare pair of glasses and plenty of spare lenses when traveling. Pack extra daily lenses and contact lens solution in your luggage and carry-on. This way, you'll have a solution if your luggage gets lost or stolen, or if your contact lens solution runs out.
What else is there to see on your trip?
Are you planning a whale, dolphin, or bird watching trip, and is the scenery at your destination breathtaking? With a good pair of binoculars in hand, you'll enjoy it even more!
But first....
Before you leave for your trip with your glasses or contact lenses, pop into one of our Oogwereld stores. This way, you can rest assured you have everything you need to fully enjoy your vacation. See you soon!
