Eye doctors caution against wearing contact lenses on long flights

Medical professionals advise travelers to consider wearing glasses rather than contact lenses on long or overnight flights. Dr. Priya M. Mathews, director of cornea and ocular surface disease at the Center for Sight, said short domestic trips are generally safe for healthy eyes, provided the wearer does not plan to sleep. "If your eyes are healthy, the flight is short to moderate in length, and you do not plan to sleep during the flight, it is generally OK to wear contact lenses," she told the outlet.

She warned that the dry, pressurised cabin environment can exacerbate dry-eye symptoms, leading to gritty, red or painful eyes. Prolonged exposure may increase the risk of micro-tears on the cornea and, in rare cases, temporary vision loss. Dr. Arjan Hura, a cataract and anterior segment surgeon, added that sleeping in contacts significantly raises the chance of infection and recommended glasses for anyone with red, irritated or light-sensitive eyes.

Both doctors suggest maintaining strict hygiene if contacts are worn: wash hands, use fresh contact-lens solution, avoid tap water, and consider artificial tears or switching to a fresh pair. They also advise carrying a backup pair of glasses and using travel-size solution containers to prevent contamination. If proper hygiene cannot be ensured on board, switching to glasses is the safer option.