Summer is finally here and you know what that means–family vacations, impromptu getaways, and fun trips!

Just like you, we couldn’t be more excited. But we also want to make sure that when you leave on vacation, you continue practicing the good habits that keep your eyes healthy! Follow these tips to protect your peepers, even while traveling.

Schedule An Eye Exam Before Leaving Town
You’ve bought airline tickets, booked a hotel and planned your itinerary–your vacation is scheduled! But is your eye exam? If you are someone who requires vision correction, then you know that a vacation would not be nearly as enjoyable if you couldn’t see clearly!

If your prescription has expired or you’re due for an eye exam, you should schedule it before your trip
Prescriptions can change without you even noticing, so it’s important to make sure it’s up-to-date before leaving home.

With a current prescription, you’ll be able to get glasses or contacts in case of an emergency. And, of course, you’ll be able to take in all the new sights and attractions on vacation with clear, crisp vision!

Remember Your Eyes When Packing
Whether you wear glasses or contacts, always pack a spare pair of specs. An extra pair will come in handy if your eyes need a break from contacts or you happen to lose or break your glasses. If you prefer contact lenses, always take a backup pair, especially if you’re traveling to a place where it may be difficult to find a replacement. A few years back when I was practicing in Flagstaff, AZ, a patient shared a frustrating experience. Apparently, on his first day on a 7-day cruise, he leaned over the side of the ship and his glasses fell into the water far below. Without a spare backup pair, his cruise was less than ideal.

Quick tip: Take a photo of your prescription on your smartphone! That way, even if you lose your luggage or you’re just in a pinch, you’ll be able to get the eyewear that you need to have fun and enjoy.

Are you flying to your vacation destination? Make sure to pack artificial tears or rewetting drops. Cabin pressure and low humidity on airplanes can cause dry, irritated eyes. If you’re flying for several hours, those eye drops will definitely come in handy and make the flight more comfortable. They’ll also help after a long day of driving if you’re on a road trip, or just doing fun things like swimming, golfing, or hiking!

Don’t Leave Your Shades Behind
Sunglasses are a must-have on your packing list. Your eyes need protection whether you’re going to the mountains of the Swiss Alps or the beaches of Mexico, so don’t forget them! Remember to buy sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays or some that are labeled UV 400. We recommend wearing bigger or wraparound style frames as well as a wide-brimmed hat to provide maximum coverage!

Bon Voyage!

We hope these tips will help you protect your eyes, even when you’re traveling. A little time and planning to make sure your eyewear and vision needs are taken care of before embarking on your trip will allow you have a fun and worry-free vacation! We wish all of our amazing patients a safe and wonderful summer!

Thank you for the trust you place in our practice!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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