Contact Lenses and Solution

For those who wear contact lenses, having a backup supply and the necessary care items in an emergency kit is a critical matter of sight and safety. Without your contacts, your vision could be severely impaired, making it difficult to navigate a dangerous environment, read instructions, or care for your family. Relying on being able to find a store for more solution or a replacement lens during a disaster is not a viable plan. You must be self-sufficient.

Your kit should contain at least one extra pair of disposable contact lenses, or a spare set of your prescribed non-disposable lenses. A travel-sized bottle of contact lens solution is a must-have, as is a clean contact lens case. It's crucial that you maintain strict hygiene, even in an emergency, to avoid a painful and dangerous eye infection. This means you should also pack hand sanitizer or have access to Moist Towelettes to clean your hands before handling your lenses. As a primary backup, you should always pack a current pair of Prescription Glasses. Glasses are a much lower-maintenance option in a disaster scenario, as they don't require solution or the same level of hygiene to use safely.

In an emergency, your ability to see clearly is directly linked to your ability to make safe decisions. Whether you are evacuating or sheltering in place, clear vision is essential. By packing your Contact Lenses and Solution, you are ensuring this critical sense is not compromised. Paired with your backup glasses, you create a redundant system for your vision needs, which is a core principle of effective emergency preparedness.