Optometrists Advise Against Contact Lenses on Flights
Dry cabin air and extended wear can lead to severe eye injuries for long-haul passengers.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Business Travel
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Optometrist Valerie Kattouf warns travelers that wearing contact lenses during long-haul flights poses significant health risks. Low cabin humidity can dry out lenses, potentially damaging the cornea when they are removed or worn for extended periods.
Why it matters
Extended contact lens wear combined with dry cabin air can cause severe complications, including corneal ulcers. Travelers who fall asleep while wearing lenses are at an increased risk for eye irritation and lasting damage.
Low humidity levels in aircraft cabins rapidly deplete moisture from contact lenses. Removing these dehydrated lenses can scratch the corneal epithelium, leading to severe vision issues.
The players
Valerie Kattouf
An optometrist based in Illinois who provides clinical guidance on ocular health.
The details
One traveler recently suffered a permanent corneal scar after wearing contact lenses throughout a 24-hour travel period that included an 11-hour flight. The patient experienced blurred vision and light sensitivity, ultimately requiring weeks of treatment with medicated eye drops.
Timeline
The patient experienced vision loss over the course of an 11-hour flight.
The total travel duration for the affected patient spanned 24 hours.
Travel Outlook
This warning aligns with broader medical observations regarding how low cabin humidity during long-haul travel exacerbates eye dryness. It highlights a common health vulnerability for frequent flyers who ignore standard lens-care protocols.
Travelers should remove contact lenses before boarding long-haul flights or if they plan to sleep during the journey. Bringing a pair of eyeglasses is the most effective way to avoid potential corneal damage and infection.
The takeaway
Prioritize your ocular health by switching to glasses during long transit periods. Protecting your vision prevents the risks associated with dry cabin air and potential corneal injury.
Further reading
For more travel safety tips, visit our Business Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Beltway Report.
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Do you wear glasses instead of contact lenses on long flights to protect your eye health?
