Eye Care Tips While You're on Vacation
The warm spring and summer months are ideal for traveling. Vacations are a great way to unwind, escape daily responsibilities, and see other parts of the country or world. While a holiday is a break from many day-to-day tasks, eye care responsibilities remain constant, especially for individuals with vision impairment.
Optometrists at GW Eye Associates, who serve La Jolla, Carmel Valley, and San Diego, CA, offer eye care tips while you’re on vacation that help travelers enjoy their vacation while prioritizing eye health and preparing for potential eye emergencies.
Pack an Extra Pair of Glasses or Contact Lenses
Bringing extra glasses or contact lenses on vacation is always a good idea. No matter how organized a person is, things can get lost when traveling. Accidents also happen. Many people hike, swim, or do other adventurous activities on vacation that can easily lead to a broken pair of glasses. A backup lets people enjoy their holiday with clear vision, even if an accident occurs.
Pack Contact Lens Solution and a Case
People should always bring the essentials for contact lens care when traveling. Dirty contact lenses can introduce debris or bacteria to the eye and cause an eye injury or infection. When removing contact lenses, place them in a case and soak them in a sterile contact lens solution. Contact lens supplies may not be readily available in other locations, so pack enough for the trip. Be sure to never rinse the eyes or clean contact lenses with water because it can contain bacteria.
Stock Up on Eye Prescriptions
Anyone who uses prescription eye drops should stock up before leaving on vacation. If possible, bring a new, unopened bottle as a backup. An extra supply is vital when traveling out of the country because a prescription offered in the United States may not be available elsewhere.
Pack Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential accessory when traveling. Most people choose a pair of sunglasses that look good, but they should consider their effectiveness as well. Sunglasses should have lenses that block out 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Individuals with light sensitivity should select a pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses. Polarized lenses reduce glare and filter out sunlight reflection on surfaces like the water.
Prepare for Dry Eyes
When flying to your vacation destination, be prepared for dry eyes. The air circulating on airplanes can remove moisture and make the eyes feel dry and itchy. We recommend bringing a TSA-approved bottle of artificial tears on the plane to apply as needed.
Care for the Eyes When Swimming
Many vacations involve swimming. Eye care is essential when getting into the ocean, a freshwater lake, or the hotel pool. Bacteria, salt, and chemicals can all irritate the eyes. People should remove contact lenses before swimming. After swimming, we advise using eye drops to flush the eyes of any irritants before inserting clean contact lenses.
Do Not Ignore Changes in Vision or Signs of Eye Irritation
Most individuals enjoy a vacation without any eye injuries or emergencies. However, if an injury occurs or someone notices changes in vision while on a trip, prompt care is necessary. Eye problems are easiest to treat in their early stages. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has a Find an Ophthalmologist tool that connects travelers to international members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Contact GW Eye Associates
If you are preparing to travel and need to stock up on an eye prescription or are past due on a comprehensive eye exam, we invite you to schedule an appointment at GW Eye Associates before you leave for your vacation. Contact our office online to find out how we can help.
