Contact Lenses for Sports and Travel: Protection, Water and Packing

Yes, you can play sports and travel with contact lenses, with two conditions. Lenses don't protect against impact: according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), you need eye protection made for your sport. And when you travel, the hygiene rules stay the same, with backup glasses and spare lenses in your carry-on.

Can you play sports with contact lenses?

Yes. Many athletes prefer lenses because glasses can get in the way: the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) mentions glasses that steam up when coming in from the cold, or that are a nuisance in sports and dance.

The FDA still advises asking your eye care professional whether glasses or contact lenses suit your sport, to lower the chance of injury. Your optometrist takes your prescription, your eyes and your sport into account.

Do contact lenses protect your eyes during sports?

No. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the AAO say so in their joint statement on protective eyewear for young athletes: contact lenses offer no protection, and athletes who wear them should also wear the eye protection suited to their sport.

Regular glasses don't protect either. According to the AAO, they don't protect your eyes from impact or debris, and some can even shatter. Protective eyewear should be polycarbonate, which the joint statement calls the most shatter-resistant clear lens material.

What eye protection does each sport need?

The protection designed for your sport. The AAO explains that each sport has its own requirements, set by its governing body or by ASTM, a standards organization. For racket sports, basketball or baseball, the joint statement recommends sports eyewear that meets the ASTM F803 standard.

For hockey, the AAO says a child's face mask must be approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). For skiing, the AAO recommends protective glasses or goggles with UV protection, against sunburn of the eye and glare.

Can you swim or do water sports with contacts?

No, take them out first. The CDC says to remove your lenses before swimming or showering. According to the FDA, bacteria in pool water, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean can cause an eye infection.

The AAO sums it up: water and contacts don't mix. Our article on showering, swimming and hot tubs with contact lenses has the details.

What should you pack when you wear contact lenses?

A backup for everything. The CDC suggests packing a lens case, lenses, glasses and solution as backups, and having your prescription checked every year before you go. The AAO adds to bring an extra pair of lenses on top of your glasses.

Keep your case and two bottles of solution in your carry-on, the AAO advises: if one bottle spills, you have another. If you use prescription eye drops, bring extra unopened bottles, since the same products are not always available abroad.

Can you keep your contacts in on a plane?

Yes, but your eyes will dry out. According to the AAO, everyone's eyes dry out on airplanes. Take your lenses out before a nap, and bring the lubricating drops your optometrist recommends.

If your eyes feel uncomfortable, the AAO says to take your lenses out and store them in their case with sterile solution, never in a cup: flight attendants have thrown out cups with lenses in them without knowing. Our article on contact lenses and dry eyes goes further.

Can you sleep in your contacts while travelling?

No, no more than at home. The CDC says to take your lenses out before sleeping unless your eye care provider tells you otherwise, and to store them in fresh solution, never in water.

The CDC also says to follow your lens replacement schedule and to use only prescribed lenses. Our article can you sleep in your contact lenses? explains why.

What should you do if an eye acts up while you're away?

Take your lenses out and get it checked without waiting until you're home. The CDC says to remove your lenses and contact your eye care provider if you feel discomfort. The AAO advises not waiting until you get home to see a doctor: a small problem treated early stays small.

The AAO also notes that a change in vision, even without pain, can be serious and shouldn't wait until the end of your vacation.

When should you take your lenses out and call?

As soon as your eye turns very red or painful. The AAO says to remove your lenses and call your eye doctor right away if your eyes are very red, painful, watery or sensitive to light, if your vision turns blurry, or if you notice discharge.

Our article on a red eye with contact lenses explains what to do step by step.

Where can you get your lenses ready for sports or travel in Montréal?

At PrimeVision, 9520 Boulevard de l'Acadie, Suite 222, in Montréal (Ahuntsic), optometrists and a licensed optician work under one roof. The clinic fits silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses. Most trial lenses are available the same day when in stock, otherwise in 2 to 5 business days. For your backup pair of glasses, the shop has more than 4,000 frames across a wide range of prices. RAMQ covers eye exams for children under 18 and adults 65+.

Our contact lenses in Montréal page covers fittings and trial lenses. For an up-to-date prescription before you leave, book an eye exam. For a young athlete, see also our article can children wear contact lenses?

Sources

• Protective Eyewear for Young Athletes, joint statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2013.
• Safety Glasses: How to Prevent Blinding Eye Injuries, American Academy of Ophthalmology.
• Children's Eye Injuries: Prevention and Care, American Academy of Ophthalmology.
• Eye Care Tips for Travelers, American Academy of Ophthalmology.
• How to Take Care of Contact Lenses, American Academy of Ophthalmology.
• Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Everyday Eye Care, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Contacts for Children, Canadian Association of Optometrists.