Why Your Eyes May Feel Worse on Your Summer Vacation

Summer often means travel and vacations. Typically, your vacation is supposed to leave you feeling recharged. So why do you notice that your eyes feel more tired, irritated, and dry when you're traveling? 

If you experience tired, dry eyes during or after travel, you're not alone. Various travel-related factors can leave your eyes feeling less than refreshed after vacation.

The good news is that there are several things you can do to protect your eyes while you're traveling so that you can enjoy your vacation without eye irritation. 

Continue reading for why you may experience eye discomfort on your summer vacation and tips to reduce eye fatigue, dry eyes, and irritation. 
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Why could a vacation be hard on the eyes?

Various factors associated with summer vacations can trigger eye irritation, such as: 

Air travel: Air cabins are very low in humidity, which can cause the tear film to evaporate more quickly. This can leave your eyes feeling gritty, dry, and tired. Individuals who wear contact lenses may feel the symptoms even more. 

Increased alcohol: When you're on vacation, your routine may vary from your everyday life. This may mean a few more alcoholic drinks, which can increase the risk of dehydration. If your body does not get enough hydration, your tear production can suffer. The result is dry, irritated eyes.

Pool time: If you are like many travelers, relaxing poolside is a popular vacation activity. But chlorine in swimming pools can cause redness, irritate the eyes, and increase dryness. 

Time spent in the sun: The bright light from the sun can make you squint, which can make the muscles around your head contract. The eye muscles also cause the pupils to constrict. The continuous strain and squinting can make your eyes feel tired. Additionally, the hot weather can contribute to dehydration and reduced tears.

Increased screen time: It might be surprising, but a vacation may lead to increased screen time. It's common to spend time booking activities, scrolling social media, and researching activities when you're on vacation. Long flights and travel can also lead to excessive scrolling. Too much screen time can cause digital eye strain leading to eye fatigue. 
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Summer vacation travel tips

You can keep your eyes healthy and feeling good by taking certain steps while traveling. Consider the following suggestions:

• If you're traveling by air, consider using lubricating eye drops before boarding. If you're a contact lens wearer, wearing glasses instead may help reduce discomfort. 
• Wear sunglasses that provide 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays to prevent damage. 
• Stay well hydrated, preferably by drinking water consistently. This not only supports overall health and reduces the risk of dehydration but can also support tear production. 
• Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, even while on vacation. Sleep allows your body to recover, including resting your eyes. 
• Adjust the air vents in your hotel room to prevent the air conditioner blowing directly at your face. 
• Do not swim with contact lenses and consider wearing swim goggles to protect your eyes from pool chemicals. 

Your summer vacation is a time to unwind, have fun, and recharge. Taking a few precautions can help protect your eyes and let you enjoy your time without discomfort. 

We hope the above information helps you enjoy your summer travels with refreshed eyes.

Remember, one of the best ways to maintain good eye health is through regular comprehensive eye exams. 
If you would like to schedule an eye appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.
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