Glasses and contact lenses are a minor burden in day-to-day life, but at a festival, they’re a right pain in the arse. Here are some tips for wearing contact lenses at a festival from a contact lens wearer and festivalgoer of over 20 years!
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The Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses at a Music Festival
It’s unhygienic – you’ll be exposed to more bacteria over the weekend of a music festival. Hand sanitizer alone doesn’t get rid of the visible dirt that coats everything you own at a music festival!
Also, there’s a strong chance you may forget that you’re wearing them and fall asleep in them!
If you’re wearing reusable lenses, there’s also a chance that you may lose them – so how exactly do you manage contact lenses at a festival?!
Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses at A Festival
Here are some top tips for wearing contact lenses from a festival veteran (and long-term contact lens wearer!)
1. Keep Your Hands Clean
Pack plenty of cleansing wipes, specifically ones safe for use around your eyes. These can help clean your hands and face before you touch your lenses.
2. Have a pre-bedtime Ritual
Yes – people to actually want to sleep at festivals!
No matter how entranced you are by the festival magic, don’t forget to take your lenses out at night. If you’re worried you might forget, set a reminder on your phone.
See also: Music Festival Skincare Survival Guide
3. Pack Spares
Don’t let a lost lens ruin your vibe. Carry plenty of spare lenses so you can pop a new pair in and get back to the groove if needed.
Fortunately, they don’t take up much space in your backpack so it’s simple enough to pack plenty of extras.
4. Daily Disposables are Your Friend
Consider switching to daily disposable lenses for the festival duration. They’re a tad more expensive, but you won’t have to worry about cleaning them or keeping track of a case.
5. Get a Proper Camping Mirror – Don’t Use your Phone!
Mirrors are essential for most contact lens wearers – however most festivals prohibit glass, so what are you supposed to do!?
Well – non-glass (acrylic) mirrors exist for this purpose.
Non-glass camping mirrors provide an ideal option for those who want to enjoy their outdoor activities without worrying about the fragility of a glass mirror.
6. Use Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Pack a good quality lubricating eye drop for your dry eyes. This can help to rehydrate your eyes after a long day of sun, wind, and dancing, reducing any discomfort from wearing your lenses.
Festivals can be dry and dusty places in warm weather, so it’s best to be prepared for the discomfort of dry eyes.
7. Bring Some Backup Glasses
As much as you’d love to keep them home, bring your glasses as a backup. Your eyes might need a break, and glasses can be a sight for sore eyes! Consider getting a pair of prescription sunnies to wear during the day to give your eyes a break from continuously wearing lenses.
8. Don’t Forget About Sun Protection
Sunscreen isn’t just for your skin – your eyes need protection too. A stylish pair of UV-protective sunglasses will guard your eyes against harmful sun rays.
Conclusion/Summary
Wearing contact lenses at a music festival can be challenging, but with the right tips, you can ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Prioritise hygiene by keeping your hands clean with cleansing wipes and establishing a pre-bedtime ritual to remove your lenses.
With these tips, you can enjoy the festival to the fullest while keeping your eyes happy and healthy.
