Flying or heading on holiday? Travelling with contacts just got easier with this contact lens travel guide from Malaya Optical covers lens safety tips, beach and mountain care, in-flight advice, and how to build your travel kit.
Planning your next getaway? Whether you’re catching sunrise in Bali, hiking Mount Kinabalu, or attending a conference overseas, your contact lenses need to travel smart just like you.
As optometrists at Malaya Optical, we often help frequent travelers avoid the most common lens-related hiccups: dry eyes in-flight, missing solutions, unexpected infections, or worse, running out of lenses abroad.
With the right guidance, your vision stays crystal clear from takeoff to touchdown.
Air Travel & Contact Lenses: Your In-Flight Game Plan
Dry airplane cabins and long-haul naps don’t play well with contact lenses.
Tips for flying with contacts:
- Wear glasses for long flights to give your eyes a break (and avoid sleeping in lenses).
- Bring rewetting drops, preferably preservative-free.
- Pack all lenses and solution in your carry-on to avoid lost luggage dilemmas.
- Follow airport liquid restrictions: lens solution bottles must be under 100ml and packed in a clear zip-lock bag.
Bonus tip: Traveling with daily disposables is ideal. They’re hygienic, compact, and don’t require carrying bulky bottles.
Beach? Mountains? Urban Adventures? Lens Care by Destination
Where you’re headed changes how you care for your lenses. Here’s a quick destination breakdown:
Beach Travel
- Never swim or snorkel in lenses unless you’re wearing watertight goggles.
- Avoid sand in your eyes and carry saline to rinse if needed.
- Bring backup glasses for windy beach days.
Highlands & Dry Climates
- High altitude + low humidity can dry out lenses faster.
- Use hydrating drops and avoid over wear while trekking.
- Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are essential, even if your lenses have UV-blocking properties.
Cities & Urban Trips
- Pollution and long AC exposure may irritate eyes.
- Strict hygiene is key: wash hands before touching lenses, and never rinse cases with tap water.
Build Your Contact Lens Travel Kit
Every contact lens wearer should pack a dedicated travel kit. Here’s what we recommend:
- Extra contact lenses (more than your trip duration)
- A backup pair of glasses
- TSA-friendly lens solution (≤100ml)
- Clean, sturdy lens case
- Rewetting drops
- Small hand sanitizer + travel mirror
- Your latest prescription (just in case)
You can stock up on your travel essentials at shop.malayaoptical.com
What If You Lose Your Lenses While Traveling?
Losing your contacts doesn’t mean losing your vision. Stay calm and follow these steps:
- Switch to your backup glasses immediately.
- Head to a local optician or pharmacy, many carry popular soft lens brands.
- Refer to your prescription or lens box for exact brand and power.
- Reach out to Malaya Optical for assistance during office hours:
Damansara Uptown: +6012-622 1101
Kuala Lumpur: +6017-361 3715
Subang Jaya: +6012-602 2809
Note: Most standard spherical lenses are in stock at our branches.
For astigmatism (toric) or multifocal lenses, please expect some ordering time.
Ortho-K: The Secret Weapon for Travel Freedom
Want the freedom to travel without daytime lenses or glasses?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) could be your perfect companion.
This non-surgical, overnight lens gently reshapes the cornea while you sleep, so you wake up with clear, glasses-free vision all day.
Ask our optometrists if Ortho-K is right for your travel lifestyle.
Plan Ahead. Pack Smart. Travel Confidently.
Whether you’re heading on a beach holiday, backpacking, or flying for work, your eyes deserve just as much preparation as your passport.
Before your trip, visit Malaya Optical for a lens check-up, supply refill, or expert travel advice tailored to your eyes.
Book a pre-travel consultation
Visit us in Damansara Uptown, Subang Jaya, or Jalan Imbi
Or shop essentials anytime at shop.malayaoptical.com