Traveling may be a lot of fun, whether you’re going somewhere for spring break or for a summer vacation and while you can skip an eye exam the woodlands during traveling, you will need to do some things for eye protection. 

Even if eye health isn’t at the top of your to-do list while packing for a vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind.   

Even if it’s only for a few days, traveling can be an exhilarating experience. These can help you keep your eyes safe when traveling, from dry airports to damaging UV radiation and varied weather conditions.  

1st Reminder:  

Be consistent in your eye care regimen. When we travel, our daily routines and habits might be thrown out the window. The healthy behaviors that maintain your eyes in good shape should be kept in mind despite how rare you go on vacation. If you use contact lenses, for example, be sure to take good care of your eyes and still do what you normally do even prior to traveling: avoid wearing your contacts longer than the usual; do not forget to remove your eye makeup every night; and undereye regimens and other forms of eye care should also not be neglected.  

2nd Reminder: 

Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated. In order to avoid dry eyes, it is necessary to maintain your eyes always moist. While on vacation, remember to keep your daily water intake at the recommended amount, which is 12 cups a day. If you drink alcohol, you will need to drink even more than what is recommended to avoid eye dehydration.  

3rd Reminder: 

When necessary, use eye protection. Don’t overlook the importance of protecting your eyes even for a short period of time in the sun. Wear eye protection especially if you will be engaging in some activities or sports that can potentially result in an eye injury. For example, do not skip wearing goggles if you’re going skiing.  

4th Reminder: 

Take a look at how much time you spend in the sun. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun while on vacation, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance and prepare the needed protection. The eyes might get irritated and dry if they are exposed to too much sunlight. Make sure to use sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection close to 100%. Even around the eyes should be protected from the sun’s rays. 

5th Reminder: 

Make sure your eyes are constantly free of dirt and other irritants to avoid irritation and bacteria. When you’re on the road, it’s easy to let your eye care routine fall by the wayside and relax. Always remember to always wash your face with soap and water before going to bed and remove any eye cosmetics as eye infections and damage can result from sleeping on eye make-up of any sort.  

6th Reminder: 

Finally, never leave home without a spare pair of glasses or contacts. Many hazards accompany travel, including the danger of damaging your eyesight. There is nothing worse than being left in an unknown place without your glasses after an accident. Prepare for dry eyes by bringing eye drops and other needed medications. Do not let your eyes disturb you on your next enjoyable outing.