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Optometrist Warns: Long Flights, Contact Lenses Risky
11 Oct
Summary
- Wearing contact lenses on long flights increases dry-eye symptoms.
- Dry air and sleeping in contacts can damage the cornea.
- Switching to glasses or using artificial tears is recommended.
Traveling on long-haul flights while wearing contact lenses poses a significant risk to eye health, according to an optometrist. The low humidity within airplane cabins dries out contact lenses, leading to discomfort, a gritty sensation, and intermittent blurred vision. This dryness can become severe enough to cause damage to the eye's surface.
A concerning case involved a traveler who wore her contacts throughout an 11-hour flight from Greece, continuing to wear them for approximately 24 hours, including during swimming and showering. Shortly after returning home, she experienced pain, light sensitivity, and a significant worsening of her vision, ultimately diagnosed as a corneal ulcer.
This condition required weeks of treatment and resulted in a small scar that continues to affect her vision. To mitigate these risks, experts advise travelers to opt for prescription glasses during long flights. Alternatively, those who prefer contacts can switch to glasses before sleeping or during the journey. Single-use artificial tears can also provide necessary lubrication.
