Disclaimer: This is simply my personal strategy for handling contact lenses in the field based on my own experience; It should not be considered individualized medical advice or a substitute for the guidance of your ophthalmologist.
I have been wearing soft contact lenses almost every day since sixth grade. I hate how glasses rub against the bridge of my nose while I sweat, and wearing contact lenses has never bothered me enough to undergo refractive eye surgery.
I plan to wear soft contact lenses on the trail, but the trail presents cleaning challenges. I believe hikers can safely wear contact lenses in the backcountry, but a disciplined hand hygiene regimen is essential.
WHY I HAVE CHOSEN DAILY LENSES
Modern soft contact lenses come in a few varieties: daily disposables (1-day, single use); biweekly or monthly replacement lenses (cleaned every night, reusable); and extended wear lenses (continuous wear, replaced every 7-30 days).
——–
I see pros and cons of all types of lenses:
Monthly replacement lenses
Advantages
More economical
Less packaging waste
Less glasses to carry
Offered in a wide range of fits/prescriptions
Cons
Requires excellent nightly cleansing habits to remove protein and lipid buildup.
Must carry cleaning solution and case (case should be allowed to dry between uses; replace case every 1 to 3 months)
It carries a higher risk of infection if hygiene fails or if it is used too much.
daily lenses
Advantages
Fresh and sterilized pair every day.
Reduction of protein/lipid accumulation.
Less risk of contamination
No cleaning solution/case needed
Easily replaced if a lens goes bad
More comfortable in dry climates (like the CT!)
Cons
more expensive
Generates waste to be packaged.
More lenses to bring in advance
Prolonged wear
I have no experience using or prescribing these lenses. However, even in clean environments, there is an inherent risk of infection when a foreign body is kept on the ocular surface for days or weeks. I don’t think extended wear lenses are a viable solution for the trail.
——–
I have treated terrible superficial infections caused by poor lens hygiene; The ocular surface rarely returns to normal in moderate and severe cases.
While I’m on the road, I want to start each day with a new, sterilized pair of lenses, to give myself the best possible chance of avoiding infection. Therefore, I opt to wear daily contact lenses while traveling, specifically the UV-blocking Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day. (I love that they block UV rays too!). I will carry the amount of lenses needed, plus an extra day, until I get to my resupply stops.
My favorite goal for the trail.
MY HAND SANITIZER STRATEGY
- Prepare a new, expandable paper towel. (I am using Towel holder.)
- Wash visible residue on hands with biodegradable soap and filtered water. (I have chosen Dr. Bronner’s Soap.)
- Remove excess water from hands with a paper towel.
- Open contact lens cases.
- Sanitize your hands with a contact lens-safe hand sanitizer. (I have chosen Manual preparation for Vibrant Vue contact lenses.)
- Insert or remove contact lenses.
- Pack up the contact lens wrappers.
I have published a Video of my hand disinfection protocol on Instagram.
WHEN TO STOP USING CONTACT LENSES
Signs of possible inflammation or infection include:
- red eyes
- Pain
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- White spots on the cornea (outermost transparent layer of the eye)
- Discharge
If any of these symptoms occur, switch to glasses and seek care from an ophthalmologist (optometrist or ophthalmologist) as soon as possible. Optometrists are more commonly available in small mountain towns and can diagnose and treat certain serious eye diseases. If the eye disorder is moderate to severe or the diagnosis is unclear, referral to an ophthalmologist is warranted.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
General eye health
- Sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB blocking should be considered essential for the trail. They protect the eye against sun damage, which can accelerate eye diseases such as pterygium, cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Lubricating eye drops may be helpful, especially if you are prone to dry eye symptoms (foreign body sensation, crusting of the eyelids, burning eyes). Do not use Visinewhich masks the irritation instead of treating it. Instead, opt for brands like Systane, Refresh, Soothe, and iVizia.
- Never wash your contact lenses with unfiltered water or use your saliva.
Preservative-free artificial tears come in small vials; I carry 2 vials in my first aid kit.
Get rid of contacts for glasses
If glasses don’t bother you as much as they do me, consider simplifying your regimen by packing regular prescription glasses.
Thanks for reading,
Britt
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!
For more information, visit the About page of this site.
