Holiday Travel Tips: Keeping Your Eyes Healthy on the Go

The holiday season often means traveling to visit family and friends or to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. While packing your bags and planning your itinerary, it’s essential to pay attention to eye care. Travel can pose several challenges to eye health, from dry air on flights to long hours on the road. Here are some vital tips to keep your eyes healthy during your holiday travels.

Preventing dry eyes during flights

Airplane cabins have low humidity levels, leading to dry eyes, especially on long flights. Here’s how to combat this common and uncomfortable issue:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during your flight to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration. This is especially important, as dehydration leads to the inadequate production of tears.
2. Use artificial tears: Pack a bottle of lubricating eye drops in your carry-on bag. Apply them periodically during the flight to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
3. Wear glasses instead of contacts: If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses for the duration of your flight. Contacts can exacerbate dryness in the low-humidity environment of an airplane cabin.
4. Close your eyes and rest: Take short naps or simply close your eyes for a few minutes to reduce the surface area exposed to the dry cabin air.

Eye care essentials to pack for your trip

Ensuring you have the right eye care products on hand can prevent discomfort and protect your vision while traveling. Here are some essentials to include in your travel bag:

1. Lubricating eye drops: These are crucial for preventing and relieving dry eyes, whether you’re on a plane or exploring your destination.
2. Prescription glasses and sunglasses: Always bring a spare pair of prescription glasses and high-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
3. Contact lens supplies: If you wear contacts, pack enough lenses, solution, and a case. Don’t forget a backup pair of glasses in case you need to remove your lenses.
4. Eye mask: An eye mask can help block out light during flights or in unfamiliar sleeping environments, helping you get better rest and reducing eye strain.

Tips for managing eye strain from long drives

Road trips can be fun but also taxing on your eyes, especially if you’re the driver. Here’s how to manage and minimize eye strain during long drives:

1. Take regular breaks: Stop every two hours (or so) to rest your eyes and give them a break from focusing on the road. Use this time to stretch and rehydrate.
2. Adjust your seat and mirrors: Ensure your seat is positioned comfortably and your mirrors are adjusted to reduce the need for constant head and eye movements.
3. Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This simple exercise helps reduce eye fatigue.
4. Wear polarized sunglasses: Polarized lenses can reduce glare from the road and other vehicles, making it easier on your eyes during daylight driving.

Staying well-rested while traveling

Maintaining overall health and well-being is crucial for keeping your eyes healthy while on the go. Here are some tips to help you stay well-rested:

1. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to eye strain and discomfort. Try to stick to your regular sleep schedule as much as possible and use sleep aids like an eye mask or earplugs if necessary.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote eye health. Snack on nuts, carrots, and citrus fruits during your trip to nourish your eyes.
3. Avoid excess screen time: Limit the use of digital devices, especially before bed, to prevent digital eye strain and ensure better sleep quality.

Put your eyes first this December

By following these holiday travel tips, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy throughout your journey. Prioritizing eye care while traveling ensures you can fully enjoy your holiday season, seeing every moment clearly and comfortably. And don’t forget: all of these suggestions are also applicable when you are close to home and not traveling.

Safe travels and happy holidays from our Better Vision New Jersey team!