Before traveling, we load up on different ways to care for our bodies. We carry vitamins, prepare medication, and even handle skin concerns with sunscreen and more. However, do we care enough for our eyes as we enjoy our travels? The answer is likely no.
Travel can be a problem for people’s eyes, as it forces you to concentrate and look around even more. You also expose yourself to the elements with much less rest than usual. Here are seven tips to keep your eyes healthy when traveling, whether on a commute or vacation.
Pack Eye Drops And Other Eye Health Medication
While traveling, you may not have a chance to jump into the medicine cabinet and scope out the eye drops you may need. Make sure to pack them, though! Maximize your eye care with eye drops that will care for problems such as dry eye and allergies.
You will want to ensure that you bring along medications that ease dry eyes and other things that worsen your sight when you fly. You may also wish to consult your doctor about local allergy triggers. Then, stock up on eye drops.
Eye medication does not stop at eye drops, and eye wash solutions. You would also want to carry vitamins and supplements that can help keep your eye health covered. These include supplements with vitamin A, E, C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and even Omega-3.
Wear Sunglasses
Our eyes are not designed to see sunlight. Sunlight can be very harmful, as it can cause other issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration. The best way to protect your eyes from UV light is through sunglasses.
When choosing the perfect pair of shades, you would want to look into its lenses and frame. Lenses should be made of plastic, glass, or minerals. Plastic and glass tops can block some UV radiation from entering the lens. A mineral-coated pair, however, can block out more of the sun’s rays.
When shopping for a pair that will protect the lens, make sure that it blocks out 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, ensure the frames are wide enough to block side light while using polarized lenses.
Wearing sunglasses when visiting a new place is a great way to protect your eyes from increased glare. It also saves you from dust, pollution, and other eye irritants.
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to disregard drinking that much water, especially when traveling to familiar places. When you are in a new locale, you must keep yourself hydrated. By now, you already know that dehydration can lead to dry skin, which can adversely affect your skin’s health.
As you travel and work, your body will likely become dehydrated. Dehydration can disrupt the function of your tear film, which is essential to keeping your eyes in their best condition. That is why you want to ensure you stay hydrated as much as possible.
Water, of course, should be your go-to drink. It hydrates the body and keeps engine parts running. Do not sleep with a bottle of water as you may spill it when flying. Instead, consider carrying a water bottle with you. Aside from drinking, try to eat foods with water content.
Get Enough Sleep
You may be too excited to sleep as you gear up for a new trek. You may also want to read more as you get off the plane after a long flight. Traveling can be stressful for those who are not used to it, and that stress can distract you, making it challenging to rest and get more shut-eye.
You may feel fatigued when you reach your destination, and perhaps you may feel the urge to do more things and see more sights. It’s important to let yourself relax, regardless of where you are going. Just like your body, your eyesight needs just as much love.
Sleep is one of the things that can preserve your vision. It can help you maintain your general health, too. You must get 7 to 9 hours of restful, uninterrupted sleep at night. Going to bed simultaneously will also help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated when you wake up.
Apply Warm Compress On Your Eyes At The End Of The Day
Your eyes are sensitive, and while there is no harm in using them a lot while traveling, you should also consider giving them some time off from seeing the world. Your peepers need time to repair themselves. By simply applying a warm compress to your face, you can help them rejuvenate after a long day.
A warm compress can help soothe tired eyes and open them. Cold compresses are great when you’re feeling puffy, but a warm, damp cloth works wonders for easing discomfort. The warmth can also relieve tension and refresh your state of mind.
Using this technique will help you alleviate any strain or mental fatigue you may have experienced over the day. It’s a relaxing way to soothe the eyes and open them.
Maintain A Good Diet
When traveling, you may find that you are eating differently. This is fine, as long as you maintain a balanced diet. Avoid junk food as much as possible. Junk food is known to spike glucose levels, which can lead to problems for the eyes and other body parts.
Take fresh fruits or vegetables with you. These are great snacks that can give you a much-needed energy boost. They are also jam-packed with nutrients that can support your general body functions and help promote better vision.
Don’t Wear Contacts For Long Trips
There is nothing wrong with wearing contacts, but you should not wear them for extended periods. Even if your contacts are FDA-approved, prolonged wear can cause damage over time.
Contacts are not suitable for situations like underwater and dusty conditions. Also, keep in mind that the contact lenses are sitting on the surface of your corneas. It is filled with nerve endings, and if there is a scratch, itch, or cause to blink, the contacts may irritate the cornea, leading to irritation and infection. You can cause irreversible damage even if you are not allergic to them.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of yourself and looking after your eye health when you are on a trip is essential. Caring for your eyes is vital, and there’s so much you can do to care for them. Taking care of your eyes using these tips can make your trip more enjoyable and much more memorable.
