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When traveling, you probably aren’t thinking too much about your eye health unless something happens. However, regardless of whether you have 20-20 vision or you need your contact lenses or glasses in order to see clearly, it’s important to practice eye care while traveling. The last thing you want is for something to happen when you’re not home and to end up in a situation.
Here are some of our top eye care tips for traveling.
#1. See The Eye Doctor Beforehand
If you have some nagging eye problems, whether it’s an itch, irritation, or new blurriness, it may be tempting to put off seeing the eye doctor until after you come back from your trip. However, the last thing that you want is for the problem to worsen while you’re supposed to be enjoying your vacation. See your eye doctor beforehand. They’ll be able to help you have a more enjoyable trip by providing you with the eye care you need.
#2. See An Eye Doctor As Needed
When you’re away from home and you start experiencing eye problems, you may think that it’s best to wait until you get home to have it taken care of. However, this could cause an easily treatable issue to escalate. If you start experiencing eye problems, it’s best to contact an eye doctor in the area. That way, they can provide you with treatment and you can get proper eye care, rather than have your trip disrupted by an issue.
#3. Use High-Quality Sunglasses With 100% UV Protection
Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that can be damaged by UV rays. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are an essential eye care measure, not just while traveling, but all the time.
While it may be tempting to just buy whatever sunglasses seem stylish, be very careful to check and see whether or not they provide UV protection. If they don’t, they could end up causing more harm than good. This is because they can cause your pupil to expand, leading to more UV radiation damaging your eyes.
#4. Use Swimming Goggles
You probably know that you shouldn’t open your eyes underwater if you aren’t wearing swimming goggles. This is because exposure to chlorine, salt water, and different chemicals, bacterias, and potential diseases can cause all sorts of eye problems. Wearing swimming goggles is part of eye care that allows you to safely enjoy underwater sights.
It’s especially important to use swimming goggles if you wear contact lenses. Not only can the water hurt your eyes and impact your contact lenses, your contacts may decide that it’s time to be free and go on an underwater adventure of their own, without you.
#5. Protect The Skin Around Your Eyes
It’s easy to neglect the delicate skin around your eyes. However, just like the rest of your skin, it needs hydration and protection from the sun. Make sure that you’re using a hydrating eye cream with UV protection during the day, and something extra nourishing at night.
#6. Stay Hydrated
Such a boring tip, we know, but you hear it all the time because it’s so very important. While traveling, there are so many fun drinks to try, from alcoholic beverages to new types of sodas or coffees or juices or what have you. Make sure that you’re drinking enough water between all your tasty beverages, though. This helps to prevent dry eyes, and is just generally good for you.
#7. Bring Backup Contacts And Glasses
All of the above eye care tips for traveling apply to anyone, regardless of whether or not you use corrective lenses. However, if you use contacts or glasses, it’s important to ensure that you’re packing backup pairs with you.
While you may not think that you need them, the last thing that you want is for something to happen to your contacts or glasses while you’re traveling, and then you’re stuck with blurry vision and trying to find someone who can fill your prescription fast. If you wear contacts, it’s a good idea to bring glasses with you even if you never normally wear them. As the age-old saying goes, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
#8. Take Steps To Avoid Eye Strain
Whether from driving for long distances or accidentally wearing your contact lenses for 12+ hours straight, an essential part of eye care while traveling is taking preventative measures against eye strain. This includes putting your contacts in their sterile case with contact lens solution while flying so that you don’t accidentally fall asleep with them in and taking breaks as needed.
Are You Traveling This Summer?
Wolcott Optical is here to help! We can provide you with prescription sunglasses that allow you to enjoy the world without sun glare. We can also provide you with backup pairs of contacts or glasses, so you’re prepared while traveling. Contact us today to learn more about the eye glasses and contact lenses we provide.
