Wear contact lenses? Don’t forget to do this before you travel

This story is part Try thatCNET’s collection of simple tips to improve your life, fast.

I sleep with my contact lenses on way more often than I care to admit, which leaves me with blurry vision and dry, sticky lenses that won’t budge in the morning. This is especially a problem on trips where I don’t feel like removing my contacts on a plane or in the car. That is, until my colleague told me about this huge time saver to delete contacts safely and easily.

It’s a simple fix, and I’ve even tried it at home to remedy not wanting to get out of bed to clean my contacts. It involves the same amount of work you normally would, but you do it up front. When traveling, this will save you from having to rummage through your luggage and make it easier to get your contacts out. Note that this method is for reusable contacts, not daily disposable lenses. Check it out below.

Take these 3 items before traveling with your contact lenses

If you wear contacts, you already know you need your contact lens case and solution. Also take a bottle of hand sanitizer so you can clean your hands before squeezing the contacts out of your eyes, especially as you’ll be touching surfaces on the plane or when stopping for a snack or coffee. gasoline on the road.

Here’s what to do

Just before you go on a trip, prepare your contact lens case by cleaning it. Then fill each side halfway with contact solution – or the amount you normally use to fill your case. Close the lids tightly to prevent any solution leakage and store the case in a Ziploc bag inside a backpack or purse where you will have easy access. You can fill multiple contact cases so you have a backup in case something goes wrong, and that means you won’t have to pack a huge bottle of contact solution.

Then, when it’s time to remove your contact lenses from your eyes, simply grab your case and place your contacts inside. First you’ll want to make sure your hands are as clean as possible. This may mean going to the bathroom or using hand sanitizer and waiting for the alcohol to evaporate (so you don’t sting yourself or burn your eyes).

This simple solution is smart because it saves time and keeps your eyes fresh.

What we advise you not to do with your contact lenses

When it’s time to delete your contacts, be careful. After all, you only have one pair of eyes. Here’s what we recommend.

Don’t: Remove your contact lenses during turbulence on the plane. Contact lens solution can spill, your contact lenses can fly off, and you can dig into your pupil.

Do this instead: Wait until the plane is stable to avoid poking your eye.

Don’t do this either: Remove your contact lenses while driving or if the road is bumpy.

Do this instead: Wait until you stop at a gas station to wash your hands and remove your contacts.

Do not do that : Take only one pair of contact lenses with you. Anything can happen when you remove your contacts, including if a lens rips or falls on the floor (ew).

Do this instead: Always bring an extra pair or two with you as a backup.

Do not do that : Sleep in your contacts. Eye doctors will tell you that it can cause an infection, or worse. (I admit that I need to follow my own advice more often.)

Do this instead: Place the solution-filled case next to your bed so you can easily remove your contacts without getting up, whether you’re traveling or at home in bed.

For more life advice, here how to make distilled water for free and how to cut a cake like a pro with dental floss.

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical or health advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.