Eye Experts Warn Against Contact Lenses on Flights
Ophthalmologists warn that dry cabin air and low oxygen levels on long-haul flights can cause serious eye infections and discomfort for contact lens wearers, especially those who sleep during flight. Experts recommend switching to glasses o
Eye care specialists are warning contact lens wearers, particularly on long-haul flights, of significant risks including dry eyes and serious infections. Ophthalmologists caution those wearing contact lenses during air travel, especially on long-distance flights, because cabin air is dry with lower oxygen levels than normal, which can cause dry eyes, irritation, and increased risk of eye infections.
On long-haul flights such as intercontinental travel, the dry cabin conditions can cause both eyes and lenses to lose moisture, resulting in discomfort, a foreign body sensation, redness, irritation, or eye pain. Cabin pressure adjustments further reduce oxygen supply to the eyes, and when combined with dryness, may increase the risk of microscopic corneal abrasions or cause lenses to stick to the eye surface, potentially leading to infection—especially in crowded enclosed spaces with many passengers.
Experts note that if these conditions are severe and go untreated, they can cause temporary vision impairment and, in rare cases, permanent vision loss. Dr. Arjun Hura, a corneal and anterior segment surgeon from the Maloney-Shamie-Hura Vision Institute, recommends not sleeping while wearing contact lenses on planes due to significantly increased infection risk. Those with existing red eyes, irritation, light sensitivity, or existing eye infections should wear eyeglasses instead.
For travelers who must wear contact lenses during flights, experts recommend maintaining clean hands before touching lenses, using approved contact lens solution, replacing solution with fresh solution each time, using clean cases, and avoiding rinsing lenses with tap water to reduce infection risk. Additionally, apply artificial tears when experiencing dry eyes, replace contacts with fresh pairs when necessary, or temporarily discontinue wear if unusual symptoms appear to prevent serious eye health complications.
Short-haul flights are safer—avoid sleeping on the plane.
Wearing contact lenses on flights is acceptable for short to medium-haul flights if passengers have healthy eyes and do not plan to sleep during the flight.
