Guide To Camping With Contact Lenses

Camping is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the great outdoors. However, if you are a contact lens wearer, you may have concerns about caring for your lenses while camping. In this guide, we will provide tips on how to camp with contact lenses and ensure that they stay clean and comfortable.

Pack Adequate Supplies

Before you embark on your camping trip, ensure you have all the supplies to care for your contact lenses. You will need to pack the following:

Travel-size bottle of contact lens solution

Contact lens case

Backup pair of glasses 

Hand sanitizer

Small mirror

Microfiber cleaning cloth

Use a Travel Contact Lens Case

A travel contact lens case is a convenient way to store all the above-needed accessories. A travel contact lens case is designed to hold your contact lenses and a travel-sized contact solution bottle. Some travel contact lens cases, such as Oplee™ Travel Contact Lens Case, even include a built-in mirror and storage for your eyeglass case. 

It's important to note that you should never transfer contact solution from a large bottle to a smaller one. Doing so is not safe and could lead to an eye infection. So use a travel contact lens case that works with standard travel-sized (2 fl oz) contact solution bottles produced by most contact solution manufacturers. 

Store Your Contact Lenses Properly

You must store your contact lenses properly in a clean contact lens case when you are not wearing them. Make sure the case is clean and dry before inserting your contact lenses. You can also bring a spare contact lens case should your primary one get lost or damaged.

Clean Your Contact Lenses Regularly

Even when you are camping, it's important to clean your contact lenses regularly to prevent infections and keep your eyes comfortable. Use a small amount of contact lens solution to clean your lenses gently, and then rinse them with more solution before putting them back in your eyes.

Use Hand Sanitizer Before Handling Your Lenses

You may not have access to running water or soap when camping, so bring hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean before handling your contact lenses. Always use hand sanitizer before handling your lenses to avoid transferring bacteria to your eyes. Make sure to use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. But after applying hand sanitizer, wait a few minutes for it to evaporate fully before touching your contact lenses, or else the alcohol could cause eye irritation.

Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses While Swimming

Swimming with contact lenses is not recommended, especially in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Bacteria and microorganisms present in the water can get trapped behind your lenses, leading to eye infections and other complications. Instead, wear prescription swim goggles to protect your eyes and still be able to see clearly.

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Camping involves spending a lot of time outdoors, and exposure to the sun can be harmful to your eyes. Make sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. This is especially important when camping at higher altitudes where the sun's rays can be more intense.

Have a Backup Plan

When camping, unexpected things can happen, and you may not always have access to clean water or your contact lens supplies. Therefore, it is essential to have a backup plan in case of an emergency. Consider bringing a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses, as well as extra cleaning supplies and a travel contact lens case.

Keep Your Contact Lenses Moist

Dry eyes can be a common problem when camping, especially if you are exposed to wind, sun, and dust. Use rewetting or lubricating eye drops to keep your contact lenses moist and comfortable. Avoid using regular eye drops or water, as these can damage your contact lenses.

In conclusion, camping with contact lenses can be a great experience with proper care and preparation. Make sure to pack all the necessary supplies, use a travel contact lens case, store your lenses properly, clean them regularly, use hand sanitizer before handling, avoid swimming with contact lenses, protect your eyes from the sun, have a backup plan, and keep your lenses moist. Following these tips, you can enjoy the great outdoors and keep your eyes healthy and comfortable while camping.