Travel-Friendly Tips for Sclerals Over Thanksgiving

Travel-Friendly Tips for Sclerals Over Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving travel is a beautiful paradox—equal parts heartwarming reunion and logistical marathon. Between the crowded airports, unpredictable weather, and endless layers of luggage and leftovers, maintaining perfect vision might not top your to-do list. But for scleral lens wearers, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping those eyes clear, calm, and holiday-ready.

Whether you’re flying home for a family feast or road-tripping to a friend’s cozy cabin, your lenses deserve the same care and planning as your travel itinerary. Here’s how to make your scleral routine as smooth as your pumpkin pie filling.

1. Pack a “Scleral Survival Kit”

Before you zip that suitcase, assemble a mini lens kit that travels wherever you do. Include:
 

• Saline solution (preservative-free)—and pack extra! Holiday stores may not stock your brand.

• Lens inserter/remover tools—ideally in a small, clean container.

• Travel-size mirror—hotel bathrooms don’t always cooperate.

• Backup glasses—because delays (and dropped lenses) happen.

Tuck everything in a transparent, resealable pouch so TSA can wave you through without fuss.
 

2. Keep It Clean, Even on the Go

Between mashed potatoes and family reunions, hygiene can take a back seat—but not for your eyes. Always wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing your lenses. If water isn’t handy, use alcohol-free wipes designed for sensitive skin.

Avoid topping off saline or reusing solution, no matter how tempting it seems at Aunt Carol’s guest bathroom. Remember, “fresh fill, happy cornea.”

3. Don’t Nap in Transit (with Lenses In)

That cozy car nap or airplane snooze? Tempting—but scleral lenses need oxygen. Sleeping in them, even for a short while, can cause dryness and fogging later. Instead, use lubricating drops (preservative-free, of course) and keep your case nearby for quick removal if your eyes start to feel tight or cloudy.

4. Manage Humidity and Air Travel

Cabin air can be notoriously dry. A simple fix? Apply a few drops before boarding and mid-flight to maintain comfort. If you use an eye mask on the plane, choose one that doesn’t press against your eyes. A little space makes a big difference.

5. Give Thanks (and Give Your Eyes a Break)

Between travel, reunions, and late-night leftovers, your eyes work hard. Take short lens-free breaks when you can, and hydrate well. Thanksgiving may be a feast for the senses, but your eyes will thank you for mindful care.

In Short

Traveling with scleral lenses doesn’t have to feel like a delicate science experiment. With a bit of planning and a dash of optometric wisdom, you’ll breeze through Thanksgiving with clear, comfortable vision—and maybe even impress your relatives with your well-packed lens kit.

Contact our office in Irvine or Newport Beach at (949)-854-7122 or (949) 476-2870 to book an appointment.