Summer Vacation Eye Tips

Whether you are packing up the car, heading to the airport, or setting sail, summer is often a busy time of year for vacations. While your eye health may not be your first thought, it is important to keep several things in mind to prevent eye problems and promote healthy vision as you travel this summer. Keep reading below for more information on summer vacation and eye health. 

How can summer travel impact eye health? 

Summer travel can affect the eyes in a few different ways, including:

Infection: If you are heading to a river, lake, or ocean and plan to go swimming, the water can contaminate your eyes and lead to an eye infection.

Improper contact lens care: In some cases, traveling may lead to shortcuts when you care for your contacts. Between a busy travel schedule and being in an unfamiliar location, you may not stick to your contact care routine as well as you do at home. This can lead to inflammation of the cornea, called keratitis.

Dry eyes: If you are traveling by plane, the enclosed air can lead to dry eyes. Also, if your destination has a drier climate than you are used to, it may also mean an increase in dry eyes. 
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Summer travel eye tips

You don’t want an eye infection or eye problems interfering with your summer vacation. Taking a few easy precautions can reduce your risk of eye injuries and infections this summer travel season. Consider the following suggestions:

Wash your hands often: It may seem like common sense, but be sure to wash your hands frequently. On your travels, you might be touching surfaces, such as airplane tray tables, elevator buttons, and handrails, that hundreds of other people have touched. Inadvertently rubbing your eyes can transmit germs you may have picked up from these surfaces into your eyes and get you sick. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sick.

Be aware of local health risks: Depending on where you are traveling, there may be a higher risk of certain types of bacteria, increased levels of pollutants, or advised safety precautions. For instance, you might be advised to only use bottled water for all your needs.

Stick to your regular contact care: Don’t skip your normal contact lens routine. Use products you use at home to avoid irritation from new solutions.

Talk to your eye doctor if you recently had eye surgery: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if you have had any type of eye surgery, it is best to talk with your doctor before you fly. Usually, air pressure in the cabin is regulated. So, flying does not cause a significant change in eye pressure. But there may be some instances, where flying affects your recovery, such as if you had retinal surgery.

Bring backup prescription eye drops: If you use prescription eye drops, it is advisable to bring an extra bottle. Certain prescription eye drops may not be refillable in other countries. You also never know when your luggage may be delayed. So, be sure to pack prescriptions in your carry-on bag. 

Wear eye protection: If you are doing certain types of activities, such as riding on the sand dunes, make sure to use eye protection. Blowing sand can get into the eyes and lead to a scratched cornea. Also, wear swim goggles when swimming to prevent infection and eye irritation. Lastly, remember your sunglasses and sunscreen.

By taking a few precautions, you can decrease your risk of eye problems as you head out on your summer travels. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.