Camping and Exploring the Outdoors with Contact Lenses: A Quick Guide

The British Contact Lens Association estimates that more than four million people in the UK wear contact lenses to correct their vision, with many viewing them as a convenient alternative to glasses.

Contact lenses are particularly beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts, as they offer clear vision without having to worry about fogging up, slipping off, or smudging. However, camping and exploring the outdoors with contact lenses requires special care to avoid issues such as infection and discomfort.

Anyone who knows me well will know I am as blind as a bat. I started wearing glasses at the age of 5 and lenses at the age of 11. They have given me a freedom to enjoy outdoor pursuits and sports that I love for many years – but…. they always take a bit of extra work when camping, hiking or going feral. The last thing you ever want in those circumstances is an eye infection. You learn from your mistakes! I think most contact lens wearers have made them at some point.

A trend report from Optician Online reveals that monthly replaced lenses are the most widely prescribed reusable lens options. Unfortunately, studies show that wearing reusable contact lenses increases the odds of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a rare type of corneal infection, if handled improperly.

For outdoor adventurers who are also contact lens wearers, such issues can be prevented with the right care strategies. So, in this article, we’ll list some practical tips on camping with contact lenses to ensure both comfort and eye safety.

Maintain proper contact lens hygiene

Hygiene is of utmost importance when it comes to contact lens care. This becomes even more critical in a camping environment where your hands will inevitably to come into contact with dirt, insects, and other potential contaminants. As we discussed in a previous post, some glamping accommodations, like the Garden Hut in the South Downs, are equipped with bathroom facilities with clean, running water. In these setups, eye infections can be easily avoided by washing your hands before handling your lenses to prevent the introduction of harmful bacteria to your eyes.

If washing your hands is not an option, use an alcohol-based sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol to disinfect them, such as the MediKings Hand Sanitiser available on Amazon. After applying the sanitiser, wait a few minutes for the alcohol to evaporate fully before touching your contact lenses, or else it could cause eye irritation.

Opt for daily lenses

Daily disposable contact lenses are a game-changer for campers. Since they are used once and discarded, they eliminate the need for cleaning solutions and storage cases, minimising the possibility of contamination. Putting in a fresh, sterile pair of lenses each day also lowers the chance of eye infections because there is no build up of bacteria or debris from previous use. Fortunately, ensuring you have an adequate supply of daily contact lenses for your camping trip is much easier when you visit retailer Lenstore. Through their website, you can buy contact lenses that are conveniently shipped to your doorstep. Their wide selection of daily contacts includes Dailies AquaComfort Plus, Acuvue Oasys 1 Day toric lenses for astigmatism, 1 Day Acuvue Moist Multifocals, and more, guaranteeing you can find lenses suited to your specific needs.

Avoid swimming or showering with contacts

Experts strongly advise against swimming or showering with contact lenses. As reported by Bath Echo, an increase in corneal infections among contact lens wearers was recorded in the city due to bacteria, fungi, and parasites present in the water. These contaminants can enter the cornea through tiny injuries and cause painful and long-lasting inflammation. So, always remove your contact lenses before showering or swimming in pools, rivers, and lakes. If you require vision correction while in the water, consider wearing goggles like the Surf Swimming Goggles from Sutton Swimwear. These goggles can be fitted with your prescription to provide clear vision while also protecting your eyes from potential contaminants.

Wear adequate eye protection

In a camping setting, where you are outdoors for most of the day, unprotected exposure to UV rays can lead to eye problems like photokeratitis, cataracts, and even melanoma of the

eyes. While some contact lenses come with UV filters, they don’t cover the entire eye, necessitating additional protection. To safeguard your sight, wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV defence. One option to consider is the Sylas model by Oakley. These sunglasses have polarised lenses ideal for use under bright light conditions and feature impact protection to withstand all manner of outdoor activities.