Magruder Laser Vision is here with five eye care do’s and don’ts to follow while you’re traveling this summer.
Do: Double your pairs and pack your backups
If you wear glasses, bring two pairs on every trip! There’s nothing worse than having your glasses fall off and sink to the bottom of the ocean while you’re looking at fish. No one wants to spend a day in search of an ophthalmologist and very fast optician while on vacation, especially if you’re out of your native country. Similarly, if you wear contacts, bring an extra pair — and your glasses too.
Don’t: Use water to clean your contacts
Always travel with your contact lens case in your carry-on, and two bottles of contact lens solution. If one opens and spills, you have a backup. If your eyes feel uncomfortable, take your contacts out and put them in sterile contact lens solution in their case — not a cup (yes, the flight attendants have unknowingly thrown out cups with the contacts in them while the passenger slept). Never store your contacts in water — water isn’t sterile and in some countries, it may even have bacteria that can cause serious eye infections.
Do: Prepare for dry eyes
Leaving on a jet plane? Everyone’s eyes dry out on airplanes. Take your contacts out if you are going to sleep for several hours or bring over-the-counter drops to lubricate your eyes.
Don’t: Forget about UV protection
Long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of eye disease, including cataract, macular degeneration, growths on the eye, and a rare form of eye cancer. Even short-term exposure can damage the eyes. Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. Also, a hat can be more than just a fashion statement!
Do: Enjoy your travels!
To learn more about Eye Health, follow our blog or contact us for more information at 407-843-5665.
