How to Care for Your Eyes and Vision While Traveling

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Traveling is the best way to explore stunning sights, try thrilling activities, and immerse yourself in a whole new culture.

The travel bug has only gotten more intense now that it’s much easier to take a trip.

In the first three months of 2024 alone, around 285 million tourists traveled internationally, 20% up from the number of travelers in the same period of 2023.

Traveling can be exciting, and you may be eager to pack your bags and hop on a flight as soon as possible, but you may be overlooking crucial parts of your well-being: your eyes and vision.

In the flurry of preparing for your trip, you may not be thinking hard about how to keep your eyes in the best condition or if you’re adding the right care items to your packing list.

Staying on top of your eye care routine can help you maximize your travel experience, allowing you to explore with ease and comfort.

Here’s how to care for your eyes and vision while traveling:

Pack the Right Eyewear

If you need vision correction or protection, bringing the right eyewear is a must.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but you may be tempted to leave some of your eyewear at home to save space and weight in your bag.

For instance, if you use contact lenses every day, bringing glasses may seem unnecessary, but you may need your specs in certain situations or emergencies.

A pair of shades with 100% UVA and UVB protection is also non-negotiable, as they keep your eyes protected from the sun’s UV rays that can damage your eye health.

However, if you’re worried about overpacking, you can find eyewear that combines certain vision needs for more convenience.

Reading sunglasses can offer optimal visual clarity for close objects or text and sun protection in one convenient pair, making it easier to pack for your trip.

The Conrad Reading Sunglasses and The Cecily Bifocal Reading Sunglasses from Readers.com showcase that readers can still look chic, allowing you to elevate your travel style while catering to your vision needs.

For contact lenses, you may consider daily contacts for enhanced hygiene and convenience while traveling, increasing safety and comfort.

Bring Eye Care Essentials

Aside from your eyewear, other eye care and eyewear essentials can help you stay prepared for any environmental conditions or emergencies.

Packing essentials is a must for staying safe while traveling abroad; the unpredictability and unfamiliarity can catch you off guard, so it pays to prepare.

For glasses and sunglasses, you can bring spare pairs or a repair kit in case they get damaged or lost in transit or while doing your travel activities.

If you wear contact lenses, contact lens solution is essential for cleaning and disinfecting them if you don’t wear dailies.

Weather conditions at your destination, and even the airplane cabin, can cause your eyes to dry and become uncomfortable.

Packing eye drops can lubricate your eyes to prevent pain and discomfort while traveling.

The Systane Complete Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops can hydrate your eyes safely, allowing you to enjoy your trip and soak in all the sights without irritation.

Practice Healthy Habits

While traveling, you may become more lax with your health habits, but these are essential for healthy eyes and vision.

Not drinking enough water can contribute to dry eyes, increasing discomfort, especially when wearing contact lenses.

Staying hydrated can help lubricate the eyes naturally while helping you stay refreshed on the go.

You can carry a reusable water bottle with you for easy hydration no matter where you go.

Getting enough sleep also nourishes the eyes, alleviating strain from a whole day of sightseeing, adventurous activities, and exposure to UV and harsh light.

Essential nutrients are replenished and toxins are flushed out, giving you healthy and rested eyes ready for a new day of exploring your destination.

Give your eyes a break regularly to prevent strain and discomfort.

Leave your contact lenses at your hotel and wear glasses for more relaxed days on your itinerary.

When using digital devices, blink frequently or follow the 20-20-20 rule, where you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Doing so can prevent eye strain from screen time and blue light exposure.

By sticking to these healthy habits, you can keep your eyes healthy and vision comfortable throughout your trip and beyond.