The reason for this is that Singapore, like Australia and some other countries, has agreed to limit the size of containers of liquids, aerosols and gels (Lags) that may be taken on aircraft to 100ml (as well as limit the total quantity of all Lags by requiring that they fit inside a 1l plastic bag). This is to deny a potential terrorist access to a sufficient quantity of fluids to produce a significant explosion on board.

However, the Australian government website places contact lens solution on a shortlist of medical items that are exempt from both restrictions. I am unaware what exemptions are applied by other countries.

I appreciate the concern of Singapore authorities to protect the travelling public from terrorist threats. I am a beneficiary of that concern. I am also grateful to the many airport staff I interacted with. Without exception, they conducted themselves with courtesy and professionalism. The problem is policy.

On the first occasion, I felt ambushed. On the second, I was prepared with Australian government documents regarding the exemptions and arrived four hours before take-off and asked to see the most senior official available. My persistence in explaining the situation to seven officials over a period of three hours and submitting the contact lens solution to examination was eventually successful. How many other travellers have given up, and quietly avoid Singapore, is anyone's guess.

The solution appropriate to my gas-permeable lenses is sold only in 120ml bottles. It cannot be transferred to another container without losing its essential sterility in the process. To close the eyes with lenses in place for a long period causes dryness and blurriness and could lead to eye damage if a lens sticks to the eye. Lenses, once removed, should be cleaned and soaked in the solution. Re-insertion in the eye should be preceded by re-wetting with fresh solution from the original sterile container.

Sight is essential to a traveller. To deny access to the power of sight to those who suffer such a handicap is as heartless as refusing wheelchair access to those who need it.

George Campbell
New South Wales
Australia