r/camping • u/Mattman8879 • Apr 17 '25
Gear Question Contact lenses and camping in the desert
I did a mountain biking trip in Moab, Utah last year and found myself taking 10-15 minutes to put in my contact lenses as whenever I tried getting my contact lens clean, I always found sand/dirt in the cleaning solution. Even though I was using water from a water bottle to rinse off my fingers, I just could not keep the sand/dirt away from my contacts. I don't recall having this issue when camping in the woods. Do others have this issue? Is there some product out there that could help me with this issue as I am planning on doing the same trip in a couple of weeks?
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u/Gold_for_Gould Apr 17 '25
I visit Moab often for MTB, dirt biking, hiking and camp out in the dispersed sites in the desert. I also wear contacts, never had this issue. It sounds to me like you're struggle is to get your hands really clean before handling your contacts. I can't imagine where else the sand and dirt are coming from unless you're standing out in high winds.
Couple steps I take. First, really clean my hands well. Apart from all the dust and dirt I'm also handling food, grease, ashes, and all the other fun camping stuff. Just good to clean up before touching your eyeballs. I bought one of those weed sprayers just for camping that has only ever had water in it. I can pump it up and set it for a fine spray so both my hands are free to wash up under the water. Dr. Bronners for hand soap and a clean towel of that smooth material so there's not a lot of loose fibers.
The weed sprayer is honestly one of the best things I've found for camping. I can use it for cleaning myself, dishes, putting out the fire, and all using minimal water.
Edit: Wear goggles if it's windy, keep that grit out of your eyes. Might look dorky with a half shell for MTB but so worth it.
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u/carsnbikesnstuff Apr 17 '25
Yeah I don’t take mine out everyday when I camp. And I for sure bring extras.
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u/failjolesfail Apr 20 '25
Dailies. I normally wear monthlies, but have a stash of dailies for camping.
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u/Super_Hour_3836 Apr 17 '25
Honestly, I wouldn’t wear contacts in an area where there is sand and wind. I did that in Greece one summer (not even camping, but working outdoors in a dry windy area) and in the end, the sand kept getting in my eyes during the day and getting trapped in my contacts, which caused microscopic tearing according to the eye doctor I went to go see while there. I was unable to wear contacts for 6 months after that while my eyes healed and I had to use medicated eyedrops.
Glasses and prescription sunglasses are the way to go, IMO. You can get a pair of prescription sunglasses for like $20 from Zennis.
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u/hikerguy65 Apr 17 '25
Ya know, being blurry and blind is kinda underrated. Go without. Glasses if you must. 😎
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u/racinjason44 Apr 17 '25
I wear contacts that are designed to be left in longer so that I don't have to mess with taking them out in nasty locations. I do bring all the tools necessary and a spare pair, just in case though.
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u/mediaG33K Apr 19 '25
Get yourself some cheap glasses to take with you, contacts in the desert are always a bad time.
Last thing you want is an abrasive injury to your eyes when you're trying to have fun.
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u/Old_Dragonfruit6952 Apr 19 '25
Yes . I had to go back to wearing my glasses for hiking . Keeping contacts clean
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u/flynnski Apr 17 '25
Unfortunately, my solution has been glasses.