Jerusalem, with its ancient cobblestone streets, dusty summer winds, and varying climate conditions, presents unique challenges for contact lens wearers. Whether you're planning to explore the Old City's narrow pathways or venture into modern West Jerusalem, proper contact lens care is essential to enjoy your travel experience comfortably and safely.
Understanding Jerusalem's Climate and Its Effect on Contact Lenses
Jerusalem experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, sometimes rainy winters. During summer months (June-September), temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), while winter evenings might drop to near freezing. This climate variety affects your eyes and contact lenses in several ways.
The city's dry air, especially during hamsin (hot desert wind) conditions, can cause your contacts to dry out faster than usual. Additionally, the dust that sometimes fills the air – particularly in spring and during construction periods – can irritate your eyes and potentially damage your lenses if proper care isn't taken.
Essential Contact Lens Care Items to Pack
When preparing for your Jerusalem trip, ensuring you have the right supplies for contact lens care should be high on your priority list. The last thing you want is to run out of solution in the middle of your tour of the Western Wall!
Beyond the basics, I recommend bringing these items which proved invaluable during my recent visit:
- A hard-shell contact lens case (Jerusalem's bustling markets and crowded sites mean your bag might get bumped)
- At least two bottles of your preferred solution (the hot climate means you'll likely use more than usual)
- Preservative-free eye drops approved for use with contacts (Jerusalem's dry air can be challenging)
- A pair of quality sunglasses (UV protection is crucial, especially when visiting open areas like the Mount of Olives)
- Your prescription glasses as backup (particularly important when visiting religious sites where you might need to remove contacts due to extended visits)
- A small mirror for emergency lens removal or adjustment
- Contact lens tweezers if you have difficulty handling your lenses
While most common brands of contact lens solution are available in Jerusalem pharmacies (particularly in the city center and tourist areas), prices tend to be higher than what you might be used to at home. Specific brands or specialized solutions might be harder to find, so bring enough supplies to last your entire trip.
Daily Contact Lens Routine While Exploring the City
Maintaining your lens care routine while sightseeing requires some adaptation. Jerusalem demands a lot of walking – often on uneven surfaces and in varying conditions – which makes consistent lens care challenging but absolutely necessary.
Start your day by inserting lenses with freshly washed hands. Though this sounds basic, finding a clean place to do this in hotel bathrooms that might be smaller than you're used to can be tricky. Consider bringing sanitizing wipes for surfaces where you'll place your lens case.
Throughout the day, carry a small bottle of preservative-free rewetting drops. The combination of physical exertion from climbing the city's many hills, exposure to air conditioning in museums and restaurants, and outdoor heat can quickly dry out your lenses. I found myself using drops much more frequently in Jerusalem than at home.
If taking a taxi in Jerusalem between sites, use that quiet moment to apply rewetting drops. Most taxi drivers are familiar with tourists' needs and won't mind a brief pause for eye care. Speaking of transportation, a taxi in Jerusalem is often the most convenient way to travel between distant attractions while protecting your eyes from dust and excessive sun exposure.
Handling Religious Site Visits with Contacts
Jerusalem's religious significance means you'll likely spend hours in sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Compound, or the Western Wall. These visits present unique challenges for contact lens wearers.
Many religious sites have limited access to restrooms, and those available may not be ideal for contact lens handling. If you anticipate a long visit (some sites can take 3-4 hours to properly explore), consider either:
- Wearing daily disposables for that particular day
- Using rewetting drops liberally before entering
- Switching to glasses for extended sacred site visits
Additionally, some religious sites require modest dress that might include head coverings. If you're someone who touches your eyes frequently, be mindful of maintaining clean hands after adjusting scarves or head coverings.
Swimming and Contact Lenses in Jerusalem
While not the first thing associated with Jerusalem, the city and its surroundings do offer swimming opportunities – from hotel pools to the nearby Dead Sea. Never swim while wearing regular contact lenses.
If you plan to visit the Dead Sea (approximately an hour's drive from Jerusalem), this rule becomes even more critical. The extremely high salt content will damage contacts and potentially harm your eyes. For such excursions, consider prescription swimming goggles or daily disposable lenses that you'll discard immediately after swimming.
Emergency Eye Care Options in Jerusalem
Despite your best efforts, eye emergencies can happen. Knowing where to seek help is crucial. Jerusalem has excellent medical facilities, including:
Hadassah Medical Center (Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus locations) offers comprehensive eye care and emergency services. The tourist-oriented clinics in the city center can address minor eye issues and provide referrals if needed.
Most hotel concierges can direct you to the nearest pharmacy or arrange a taxi in Jerusalem to an appropriate medical facility. Always carry your contact lens prescription and information about your eye care regimen to facilitate treatment.
Adapting to Jerusalem's Unique Environments
Jerusalem offers diverse experiences – from the modern, air-conditioned Mamilla Mall to the ancient, sometimes dusty archaeological sites. This environmental variety requires adaptation in your contact lens care.
When transitioning between Jerusalem's microclimates (like entering an air-conditioned museum from the hot street), give your eyes a moment to adjust before applying rewetting drops. The sudden temperature change can cause lens discomfort that settles naturally after a few minutes.
For visits to areas like the City of David archaeological site or similar dusty locations, consider wearing glasses instead of contacts. If contacts are necessary, pack a small bottle of saline solution to rinse dust particles that might get under your lens in emergencies.
Jerusalem's beauty is worth experiencing with the clearest vision possible. With proper preparation and care, your contact lenses can help you fully appreciate everything from the intricate details of ancient architecture to the sweeping panoramic views from the Mount of Olives. Just remember that a little extra attention to eye care will ensure your memories of this extraordinary city remain crystal clear.