Four Contact Lens Safety Tips for Campervan Holidays

According to research by Mintel, one in five British adults have gone on a camping or caravan holiday since 2020, with around 4.5 million trying it for the first time that year. With affordability being the main draw, there’s been a significant rise in families opting for this type of holiday, too. If you wear contact lenses, how can you ensure your camping holiday goes without a glitch?

Planning a campervan trip is all about embracing the freedom of the open road. Then you can enjoy the beauty of the countryside without sacrificing comfort. For contact lens wearers, however, this blend of adventure and convenience presents some unique challenges. Take, for instance, our campervan journey through the Scottish Highlands. Unforeseen winter campsite closures left us reliant on the campervan’s minimal hygiene facilities. If you’re among the 4 million people in the UK who rely on contact lenses to see clearly, it’s crucial to be prepared. Proper contact lens care is essential for preventing infections on the road. Here are four essential safety tips to keep your eyes healthy during your next campervan adventure.

Prioritise hand hygiene

Keeping your hands clean is critical when handling contact lenses. If you know you’ll have a reliable supply of clean water throughout your trip, pack antibacterial soap and enough paper towels to last. Washing and thoroughly drying your hands before inserting or removing your lenses is essential. Damp hands can harbour harmful microbes. In one case, a Leicestershire woman contracted a serious infection from an amoeba present in tap water due to improper hand drying.

If clean water isn’t readily available, always have antibacterial wipes, hand sanitiser, or rubbing alcohol like those by Hexeal on hand. These backups will ensure you can clean your hands before handling your lenses. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria or other germs that could lead to infections. 

Opt for daily contacts

Daily disposable contact lenses offer a convenient and hygienic option for campervan holidays. Research has shown that those who wear reusable soft lenses, such as monthlies, have 3.8 times the risk of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). This is a serious corneal infection. Being on the road with minimal hygiene facilities increases the risk of such infections. This is due to protein buildup on reusable lenses.

Daily contact lenses, however, are designed to be worn once and discarded, minimising the chance of contamination. If you’re considering daily disposables for your trip, Lenstore carries a wide selection, including 1Day Acuvue Moist lenses, various toric contacts for astigmatism, and UV-blocking lenses. Best of all, these contacts can be shipped quickly to your doorstep for hassle-free preparation.

Pack extra contacts and backup glasses

Always be prepared with more contact lenses than you think you’ll need. Packing extra daily contact lenses ensures you’ll have fresh ones ready in case the lenses you’re wearing become uncomfortable or get lost. Although it’s rare for a contact lens to fall out, it’s better to be safe than sorry. For a two-day trip, it’s wise to pack at least four days’ worth of dailies—two pairs for each day and two extra pairs for emergencies.

In addition to extra contacts, bring along a pair of backup glasses. If anything happens to your contact lens supply, having glasses guarantees you’ll still have clear vision throughout your trip. This is essential to keep your holiday stress-free.

Shield your eyes from the sun

While some contact lenses come with UV-blocking technology, they only protect the part of your eye that’s covered by the lens. According to ophthalmologist Dr. Claudia Perez Straziota, areas such as your eyelids, conjunctiva, and the skin surrounding your eyes remain exposed to harmful UV rays. Prolonged UV exposure can increase the risk of serious conditions. These include growths on the eye, ocular melanoma, and skin cancers around the eyes. To safeguard your eyes, wear sunglasses certified to block 100% of UV rays. A great option is Oakley’s Gascan sunglasses. These not only provide full UV protection but are also polarised to reduce glare, enhancing clarity as you drive. 

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your contact lens routine stays safe and comfortable. It allows you to focus on the excitement of your campervan holiday.