Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful on your eyes. Changes in altitude, climate, and time zones, as well as long hours of screen time, can all lead to eye strain and fatigue. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips for protecting your eyes and keeping your eyes healthy no matter where you go!
1. Wear sunglasses
When traveling, especially if you’re headed to a sunny destination, it’s important to wear sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they can also help reduce eye strain and glare when driving or sightseeing. Look for sunglasses with 100% UV protection and polarized lenses for the best results.
2. Take frequent breaks
When you’re traveling, it’s important to take breaks to rest your eyes. If you’re flying or driving, take breaks every hour or so to stretch your legs and give your eyes a break from the screen. If you’re exploring a new city, take breaks throughout the day to rest your eyes and avoid eye strain.
3. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, including your eye health. Dehydration can cause dry eyes, which can lead to discomfort and even vision problems. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your eyes hydrated and healthy.
4. Adjust to different environments
When you’re traveling to a new destination, it’s always good to be aware of how your surroundings can impact your eyes. For example, if you’re traveling to a dry climate, you may notice your eyes feeling a little drier than usual. And if you’re going to a high-altitude destination, the change in air pressure can affect your vision. With a little preparation, you can easily adjust to these changes. Consider bringing along some lubricating eye drops and make sure to take frequent breaks to rest your eyes.
5. Get regular eye exams
Before you travel, it’s a good idea to get a comprehensive eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy and your prescription is up to date. This is especially important if you wear contact lenses or have a pre-existing eye condition. Your eye doctor can also provide personalized recommendations for maintaining healthy vision on the go.
6. Treat dry eye before you travel
If you suffer from dry eyes, traveling can be even more challenging. At Louisiana Eye Care, we now offer an exciting new treatment for dry eye syndrome called OptiLight. OptiLight is a non-invasive, painless treatment that uses light therapy to treat dry eye symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
The meibomian glands are tiny glands in the eyelids that produce oils to prevent your tears from drying up too quickly. MGD happens when these glands get clogged and are unable to create a healthy tear film to keep the eyes properly lubricated. The OptiLight device uses a combination of heat and light therapy to help unclog the meibomian glands and relieve discomfort. By addressing your dry eye symptoms before you travel, you can enjoy your trip without the discomfort and irritation of dry eyes.
At Louisiana Eye Care, we believe that maintaining healthy vision on the go is crucial for a fun and safe trip. By following these tips and treating dry eye symptoms ahead of time, you can keep your eyes healthy and comfortable during your travels. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how you can keep your eyes healthy while traveling.
