Tips for wearing contact lenses at festivals
Summer is about to start – or so they say, and with it comes the summer music season. There are almost 750 UK festivals planned across the UK in 2016, and the Association of Optometrists (AOP) has issued advice for festival goers who wear contact lenses on to how to care for their eyes whilst attending a festival, especially if they plan to stay over and camp.
Ceri Smith-Jaynes, optometrist and AOP spokesperson, said: “Festival season is hotting up and it’s time to start thinking about contact lenses and eye care. With a little preparation, basic awareness and the right kit, contact lenses can be used easily and safely at festivals. Simple steps will help ensure eye infections and even more serious corneal infections – which can cause pain and scarring of the eye, permanently impairing vision – are avoided.”
Commenting on the need to keep contact lenses clean from bacteria, Ms Smith-Jaynes said: “Festival goers are likely to have a limited supply of running water, but unless you want to leave a festival early to see your optometrist, make sure you never touch your contacts, or eyes, with dirty hands. A tent is probably the best place to change lenses rather than in the festival’s public washing area, due to increased risk of infection. Use anti-bacterial wipes or gel and remember to always carry some with you, in case you need to remove your contacts mid set.
“Make sure you prepare for unusual circumstances by ensuring you have access to clean lenses; daily disposable users should bring a few spare changes. And, if you’re not using disposables, it’s a good idea to bring two storage cases, one for when you are out and about and one for back at your tent. Remember, never be tempted to store contact lenses in anything other than the sterile contact lens solution recommended by your optometrist.”
Beyond keeping contact lenses clean, a weekend of partying also creates other challenges. Ms Smith-Jaynes added: “Dehydration can play a big role in eye irritation, especially for users of contact lenses. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, around five to seven small bottles a day, and consider contact lens rewetting drops – most festivals will allow small sealed bottles into the arena. It’s also essential, unless your contacts are specifically designed for overnight use, to take them out before going to sleep, even if it is just for a few hours. Your optometrist can advise if ‘extended wear lenses’, which can be slept in, are suitable for your eyes.”
Ms Smith-Jaynes continued: “Some festivals will throw up situations, for example swimming in a lake or taking a dip in a hot tub, that run high risks of your contact lenses coming into contact with the water born microorganism Acanthamoeba, a nasty little organism which can get trapped between your contact lens and eye and cause a serious infection. Most contact lens users will be aware of this but it can be easy to forget when on holiday. If an activity seems risky think ‘Would I do this at home?’ and, if not, either take your lenses out or avoid it. It’s always better to be safe, especially when you have an event to enjoy and you’re away from home.
“Finally if you are concerned about any discomfort on your return home, visit your local optometrist who should be your first port of call if you have any eye concerns. They can assess the problem and, if necessary, refer you to the right place for treatment. However if you have a red and painful eye, that needs immediate medical attention and you should visit the medical facilities at the festival.”
The AOP has advised on seven festival essentials for contact lens wearers:
1. Antibacterial gel or wipes to clean hands
2. A small mirror to help put contact lenses in correctly
3. Contact lens solution and two contact lens cases (if you are not using daily disposables)
4. Contact lens rewetting drops, to help keep your eyes lubricated
5. A bottle of drinking water to keep you hydrated
6. Spare lenses in case you rip or lose your supply
7. Your glasses, just in case