Summer is here, and almost all of us are looking forward to a relaxing vacation. Here is what you need to remember while you’re traveling this summer, in order to protect your eyes.
Carry your glasses and contact lenses, and a spare
If you wear glasses, make sure you carry two pairs of glasses on every trip. Similarly, if you wear contact lenses, bring an extra pair — and your glasses. If you wear daily disposable lenses, make sure you carry enough to last you the entire trip, and also for an extra week. Very often, getting replacement spectacles or lenses when on vacation, can be expensive and time consuming. And sometimes, not possible.
See your doctor before you travel
In case your eyes feel uncomfortable before you travel, make sure you see your doctor before you embark on your vacation. Don’t wait until you get home.
Similarly, if your eyes don’t feel too good while on vacation, see an eye doctor there. Do not wait to see your doctor until you are back home.
All eye injuries, however trivial, must be attended to, because they can become sight threatening if ignored.
If you feel any changes in your vision, make sure you see a local eye doctor immediately.
Immediate treatment of any eye problem will make sure it isn’t aggravated, and your eyes will therefore be safe.
You will have dry eyes
Air travel is synonymous with dry eyes. Make sure you remove your contact lenses if you are going to sleep for several hours on the plane, or better still, avoid lenses altogether and wear your spectacles.
Carry over-the-counter lubricating drops to moisturize your eyes. Try and find a preservative free formulation, because they are gentle on your eyes.
Also, make sure you drink lots of water on the aircraft, and during your holiday, to remain hydrated.
Contact lens care
Make sure your contact lens case is packed in your carry-on luggage, along with two bottles of contact lens solution. Also, make sure you are carrying a pair of glasses so you can easily remove your lenses if required.
If your eyes feel uncomfortable, make sure you immediately take out your contacts and store them in the sterile case.
Do NOT use water to store your lenses, this one thing can save serious eye infections.
Stock up on prescription drops.
Make sure you carry enough prescription eye drops for the duration of your vacation. In fact, its good practice to actually carry an extra unopened bottle of the medication with you. The same drops may not be available at your destination, and the spare will be invaluable in case you lose them.
Also, carry your eye drops in your hand baggage.
Carry your prescription along, including a list of your prescribed medication, as well as the power of your glasses/ contact lenses.
Keep Your Eyes Clean
Just because you are on vacation, you can’t ignore the basic rules of eye care. Make sure you remove your eye makeup as always, before you sleep.
Carry a hand sanitizer so as to prevent eye infections.
Do not splash water in your eyes. In case something falls in your eyes, gently bathe your eyes with clean drinking water, and seek medical attention.
Wear Proper Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun. This is true on beaches, ski slopes and everywhere else as well. Make sure that your sunglasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Remember the colour of the sunglasses is not representative of their ability to block UV rays.
Happy holidays!
