If you're going on a vacation soon, be sure to think about how you will take care of your contacts. Traveling with contact lenses presents some challenges that you might not have considered if you haven't traveled with them before. A little planning in advance will make your trip much easier, so consider the following tips on keeping your lenses in great shape while you travel.

Do:

Know how much liquid you can have.

You should bring eye drops with you in case of eye irritation, as well as lens solution for cleaning your contact lenses. For travel within the United States, you can carry a quart-sized bag of travel-sized containers that are each 3.4 ounces or less. If you're traveling abroad, research any requirements for the countries you plan to visit.

Consider disposables.

If you're going on a long trip and can't bring enough contact solution, you could buy it at your destination. However, many people prefer to switch to daily single-use contact lenses for the duration of the trip, since they're more convenient to replace if lost or damaged and they don't need to be cleaned. Your optometrist can help you find a brand that will work for you.

Don't:

Sleep with contacts in.

It's common to sleep on long flights or to take a nap when you arrive in a different time zone. If you do fall asleep somewhere unfamiliar, it's easy to forget your bedtime routine. Unless your lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear, don't fall asleep without taking them out first.

Leave your glasses home.

Even if you intend to wear contacts the whole time, you should take your glasses as an emergency backup. This way, if your lenses get lost or damaged, you won't have to replace them in an unfamiliar place away from your usual vision care provider. If your eyes get irritated for any reason on your trip, glasses will help you avoid making it worse.

For new contact lenses before your trip, visit Wing Eyecare in Oxford, OH. Serving Butler County for over 100 years, this locally owned and operated clinic offers a vast selection of quality frames as well as daily disposable contact lenses. Schedule an exam online or call (513) 523-2020 today for a full list of services.