Whether you’re traveling just a few states away or clear across the ocean, your vision is precious. Your eyes make it possible to see the beauty around you and experience the wonder of a new place. Packing the right eyewear can prepare you for the unexpected and make your next trip more enjoyable.
Use this eye care travel guide before heading out on vacation. You’ll glean a few travel tips, plus you’ll learn what to do if something goes wrong with your vision or eyewear while you’re away from home.
Before leaving town for your next vacation, follow these simple travel tips to keep your eyes healthy and ensure you see your best while on the road.
If there’s one thing to not leave home without (besides your wallet, phone, and keys), it’s a trusty pair of sunglasses. No matter where you’re headed, sunglasses are an essential accessory to keep your eyes comfortable when driving or spending time outside. Check that the sunglasses you choose offer 100% UV protection.
If you’re headed to the beach or mountains, you may want to consider polarized sunglasses, as they can help reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and snow. Different sunglass lenses are better for different activities.
Whether you wear glasses or contacts, bringing a backup pair can be handy in case of life’s unexpected moments.
If you are a contact lens wearer, make sure to bring an extra pair or two of contacts. It’s wise to have a backup just in case you lose or damage one. Also, bring a spare pair of glasses, even if you wear contacts most of the time. You’ll probably want to wear your glasses if you have a long drive or an overnight flight, plus you may need your glasses if your eyes get irritated or infected while away.
If you’re a contact lens wearer, remember to bring your contact lens solution and case when traveling. Make sure you have enough contact solution for your entire trip, plus some extra. This is especially true if you’re traveling overseas or to a remote location, where the brand you use may not be available at local stores.
Remember, never clean your contact lenses with tap water. Microorganisms present in tap water can cause severe eye infections.
You may need to adapt to different climates when traveling. If you’re headed to a more arid climate than you’re accustomed to, your eyes may feel a bit dry and itchy. Even airplanes have drier air than your eyes might be used to.
It’s a good idea to bring a bottle of artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, which can help moisten your eyes and keep them comfortable. Put the bottle in your purse or personal item so you have easy access if needed for dry eyes during your flight.
Note: not all artificial tears are designed for contact lenses, so if you wear contacts, ask your eye doctor what eye drops they recommend.
If you use prescription eye drops or medication for glaucoma or another eye condition, fill your prescription before you leave on vacation. If you run out while away, it can be a big inconvenience to get them filled, especially if you’re traveling out of the country.
Wherever you’re heading for vacation, there’s a good chance you’ll be near the water. Whether you’ll be swimming in the ocean, a lake, a pool, or a hot tub, take steps to keep your eyes safe around the water. Avoid swimming in murky or dirty water, and wear goggles in the water to protect your eyes.
If you wear contacts, always remove them before jumping in the water, and even before showering or bathing.
If you’re headed to the mountains for a ski vacation, remember to pack your snow goggles. When skiing or snowboarding, goggles are important for several reasons:
UV protection (especially important when on the snow or water)
Eye comfort during cold, windy conditions
Eye protection in case of a fall or accident
Seeing the beauty of the world is truly a gift. Whether you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail, standing in front of the Parthenon, or watching the sun set on the beach, you’ll remember those views forever. Your vision is precious; take care of it, no matter where you are in the world.
This article previously appeared on VSP®, Delta Dental of Tennessee’s DeltaVision® partner.