July and August are popular months for travel, and Island Eye Surgicenter wants to make sure your eyes stay healthy and safe while you’re away from home. If you have a trip planned, take some time to read our team’s best travel eye care tips.
Bring a Pair and a Spare
Breaking glasses or losing contact lenses can happen anywhere and seriously compromise your trip. Be prepared for anything by packing an extra pair of glasses or contacts (and extra contact lens solution). This is especially important if you are going to a remote location where it would be difficult to fill your prescription.
Also — don’t forget to pack your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays and the reflection off the water.
Consider Your Climate
Be aware of the climate of the area to which you are traveling and consider whether the conditions could give you an allergic eye reaction. If you suspect the climate will irritate your eyes, bring allergy medication with you or familiarize yourself with a local pharmacy or drugstore.
Keep Your Eyes Lubricated during Your Flight
Airplane cabins are notorious for drying out eyes. Pack a small bottle of eye drops in your carry-on bag (keep in mind the TSA guidelines for liquid measurements), and be sure to remove your contacts if you plan to sleep on your flight. When you wake up, do not wash your contacts in water from the airplane bathroom (it could transmit bacteria); instead, pack contact solution in your carry-on where it is easily accessible. Up your water intake on days you’re planning to fly; and if you’re drinking alcohol, be sure to consume even more water, as alcohol can be dehydrating.
Seek Medical Attention in an Emergency
Should you develop a serious visual symptom or emergency — such as a scratched cornea, sudden vision loss or flashes — don’t delay seeking medical attention in your area. Trying to treat it yourself (or worse, ignoring the symptom) and continuing with your trip could cause the problem to worsen over time. Know how to get ahold of a local emergency room or ophthalmologist wherever you travel.
Contact Island Eye Surgicenter
If you have questions about eye care during travel (or at home!), feel free to contact the team at Island Eye Surgicenter. Call us today at (516) 877-2400 or (516) 877-1560 or send us an email.
