Eye emergencies can be frightening, especially when you’re far from home. Accidents and injuries can make it hard to navigate a new city. Some conditions can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated appropriately. Here are some tips to consider when traveling for the holidays!
Always bring backup glasses with you when you travel in case you run out of contact lenses or if your current glasses break.
Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV exposure when traveling. Consider closing your window shade when on the airplane since UV radiation is higher when flying at higher altitudes. High UV exposure can cause cataracts, pterygiums and even some cancers of the eyelids!
Take out your contacts if you are going to sleep for several hours and bring artificial tears to lubricate your eyes.
Always travel with your contact lens case in your carry-on, and two bottles of contact lens solution. If one bottle opens and spills, you’ll have a backup. Never store your contacts in water- water isn’t sterile, and in some countries it may even have bacteria that can cause serious eye infections.
Even better, consider switching to daily disposable contact lenses to make traveling easy. These lenses are disposed of every night, so there is no need to pack bottles of contact lens solution.
If you need eye drops for allergies, glaucoma, or dry eye, be sure to bring them with you – and pack extras.
If you are having any issues with your vision or eyes – Immediate treatment can prevent more serious complications.
Just because it isn’t painful doesn’t mean it isn’t serious. Vision changes can be a sign of other health problems. When we travel, we change our eating and drinking habits. Blurred vision can indicate a hypertensive crisis, a stroke or out-of-control diabetes.
Remember to be safe, enjoy your travels, and protect your eyes!
