How to Manage Your Eye Health Away From Home?

Before you go

• Schedule an eye exam: Visit your doctor for a comprehensive eye exam before your trip. This will help ensure you have an up-to-date prescription on file and your doctor can assess any underlying issues that could become problematic during travel.
• Prescription copy: Keep a photo or digital image or copy of your glasses and contact lens prescriptions on your phone. This makes it easier to get a replacement if needed. If live with underlying or more serious eye issues, you may also keep a general referral order from your eye doctor in case anything urgent materializes while you’re away.
• Extra supplies: Make sure you have enough of all your eye care essentials to last the entire trip, plus extras in case of delays or emergencies. This includes:
  • Prescription medications: Don’t assume you can get your specific eye drops or other medications filled in another country. Pack extra, unopened bottles.
  • Contact lenses: Bring more lenses than you think you’ll need. Daily disposables can be a convenient option for travel. Pack at least 2 travel-sized bottles of contact lens solution.
• Pack backups: Always bring a backup pair of glasses, even if you primarily wear contacts. This can be helpful if your contacts become irritating or if you lose or damage them.

When traveling

• Beware of dry eyes: Air travel, dry climates, and changes in temperature can all cause dry eyes. Keep lubricating eye drops (also called artificial tears) with you and use them as needed. If you’re on a long flight, consider taking out your contact lenses and wearing your glasses.
• Prioritize eye hygiene: Travel often means touching more public surfaces. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling your contacts. If you’re in a place without access to clean running water, a small bottle of hand sanitizer is essential.
• Avoid tap water for contacts: Do not use tap water to rinse or store your contact lenses. It can contain bacteria that can cause serious eye infections. Always use sterile contact lens solution.
• Protect your eyes from the sun: Pack sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. A wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection. This is especially important at higher altitudes or in destinations with strong sunlight.
• Manage eyestrain: When you’re using digital devices, remember the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

In case of emergency

• Don’t ignore symptoms: Persistent eye pain, redness, blurry vision, or a sudden change in your vision (like new floaters or flashes) can be warnings about eye health issues that may need prompt medical care. Don’t wait until you get home. Seek immediate medical attention from a local eye care professional.
• Know where to find help: Before you travel, research eye clinics or hospitals at your destination. You can check with your eye insurance health plan, or use a tool like the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s “Find an Ophthalmologist” search to find a member nearby. This will save valuable time if you have an eye emergency.

The takeaway

Your eye health is important even when you’re traveling away from home.

Work with your eye care team to examine your eyes before traveling, and to identify any underlying or potential issues that migh become concerning while you’re away. They can also give you eye health tips, and give you a current prescription to keep on hand in case anything develops while traveling.