You want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible when travelling by plane, but experts say there’s one thing you should never wear – as you could get an infection
If you’re planning a holiday, you might want to pack this item in your suitcase instead of wearing it on the flight.
Travelling by plane isn’t exactly the most comfortable experience in the world, so most of us will wear our cosiest clothes and sling a travel pillow around our necks to make sitting down for hours a little more bearable. But according to the experts, there’s one thing you should never wear on a flight – and it’s bad news for those of us with vision problems.
Apparently, you could put yourself at an increased risk of an eye infection if you wear contact lenses on a plane. This is because the cabin is made up of recirculated air, which when coupled with your fellow passengers potentially carrying airborne pathogens is a recipe for disaster.
The experts at Canadian glasses and contact lens company Clearly said: “Extended use of contact lenses during flights, combined with reduced access to proper hygiene facilities, can create an environment conducive to bacterial or fungal growth.”
While this news might make you want to ditch your contact lenses for a pair of glasses during your flight, it turns out that glasses-wearers aren’t free from struggles on a plane either, Wales Online reports.
The dry air in the cabin is something else that can make contact lenses feel uncomfortable because the low humidity can lead to the evaporation of tears – but swapping to glasses can be equally as irritating. The experts added: “Additionally, dry eyes can exacerbate existing vision problems and make wearing glasses uncomfortable.”
What’s more pressure changes as an aircraft ascends or descends can affect the eyes and sinuses. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort or even pain due to pressure building up behind the lenses, while those who wear glasses may also notice changes in vision or discomfort as their frames press against their temples or noses.
But there are some things you can do to keep your eyes safe from harm on your next flight. The Clearly experts recommend not wearing contact lenses on flights and sticking to glasses instead, especially if you’re on a long-haul flight, as this will help to minimise the risk of dryness and discomfort.
You should also take steps to ensure you stay hydrated as this will help you combat the dry cabin air, while using “lubricating eye drops” can also help alleviate dryness. And where possible, taking regular breaks from both glasses and contacts can also help prevent eye strain. The experts said: “Close your eyes periodically, blink frequently, and perform simple eye exercises to promote circulation and moisture retention.”
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at yourmirror@trinitymirror.com.
