If you live in South Africa and rely on serum eye drops, also known as autologous eye drops, traveling isn't as simple as tossing a bottle into your bag and heading out the door.
Serum eye drops are made from your own blood serum and are very sensitive to temperature and storage conditions. They must be kept cool to stay safe for use and effective, which can be a real challenge when you're on the move. But worry not! Here's all you need to know to travel with serum eye drops.
The Challenge of Traveling with Serum Eye Drops
First off, as said above, serum eye drops are super sensitive to temperature changes and need to be kept cool, even when you're traveling!
Autologous serum eye drops storage temperatures
Here's how serum eye drops are typically stored:
- Refrigeration: Most serum eye drops need to be kept refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C when not in use. Refrigeration helps preserve the integrity of the serum and prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Freezing: Some serum eye drops can be stored in the freezer to extend their shelf life. Users usually thaw a small batch for use over a few days while keeping the rest frozen. Each batch or vial is typically used for about a week once thawed and then disposed of, to ensure sterility.
- Avoiding Light Exposure: Exposure to light can degrade the serum, so it's essential to keep the vials or bottles in a dark place or in an opaque container that blocks light.
- Sterile Containers: Serum eye drops are dispensed in sterile containers that are sealed to prevent contamination. Once opened, a container should be used within a prescribed time frame to ensure it remains safe to use.
These are general storage guidelines. But each patient may receive specific storage instructions based on the formulation and preparation of their serum eye drops, so it's important to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacy.
How to travel with serum eye drops
Keeping your Serum Eye Drops Cool on the Go
So, how do you keep your drops refrigerated when traveling? Using a medical-grade portable refrigerator, like the ones from 4AllFamily. These compact, travel-friendly mini fridges are specifically designed for medications and are highly reliable.
Some models, like the Voyager Travel Fridge or the Explorer Travel Cooler work with USB power and can be plugged into a car cigarette lighter or a portable power bank. Others, like the Nomad Portable Cooling Cases, offer off-grid refrigeration thanks to innovative and performant Biogel cold packs that keep your serum eye drops refrigerated for up to 26 hours!
For more compact cooling on the go, our RxCoolers Mini is the perfect fit! It's a sleek, portable mini fridge that keeps your insulin and meds perfectly chilled, whether you're commuting or traveling. For longer adventures, try the RxCoolers Max that offers powerful dual cooling (USB + cold pack) to keep your medication safe.
Should you have any doubts about choosing a compatible cooler for traveling with your serum eye drops, don't hesitate to reach out and contact our support team. We're here to help!
Navigating Airport Security with Serum Eye Drops
Then, another challenge when traveling with serum eye drops is when it comes to getting through security without losing your cool (or your drops!). Again, it's all about being prepared.
You're allowed to fly with serum eye drops and to pack them in your carry-on. Actually, you SHOULD pack them in your carry-on luggage, never in the hold where temperatures can be extreme and could seriously damage them, without mentioning the risks of baggage loss or delay…
In South Africa, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) follows similar guidelines to international regulations. Medically necessary liquids, including eye drops, are generally permitted in quantities greater than the standard 100 ml liquid limit—as long as they are declared at security checkpoints.
While it’s not strictly required, carrying a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription can help avoid delays or confusion during security screening, especially if you're also carrying a portable medical fridge or cooling case.
Related article: Packing Tips for Air Travel with Eye Drops!
We hope this guide has answered your questions about traveling with serum eye drops. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to leave us a comment below. We'll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible! Safe Travels!
