Holiday Travels: How You Can Prepare Your Eyes

By Thomas G. Ward, D.O.

The holiday season is a time of joy, reunions, and travel. Whether you’re driving over the river and through the woods or flying across the country to visit loved ones, your eyes face unique challenges during this busy season. From dry airplane cabins to long hours on the road, travel can take a significant toll on your visual health. Understanding how to protect and care for your eyes can make your holiday journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Understanding Travel-Related Eye Stress
Traveling exposes your eyes to multiple stressors that can cause discomfort and potential long-term issues. Air travel, in particular, presents unique challenges. Airplane cabins have extremely low humidity levels, often below 20%, which is significantly drier than most indoor environments. This dry air can quickly lead to eye fatigue, irritation, and increased tear evaporation.

Road trips bring their own set of eye challenges. Long hours of driving, especially during winter when daylight is limited, can cause eye strain from constant focus and potential glare from snow or oncoming headlights. The combination of artificial lighting, digital screens, and extended periods of concentrated visual work can lead to significant eye fatigue.

Practical Preparation Strategies
. Hydration is Key: The first line of defense for travel eye care is proper hydration. Before your trip, increase your water intake and consider using preservative-free artificial tears. These lubricating drops can help maintain moisture and provide relief during long journeys. Pack a small bottle in your carry-on or travel bag for easy access.

. Protection from Environmental Factors: Invest in quality sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. During winter, sun glare can be intense, especially when reflecting off snow or ice. Wraparound styles offer additional protection from wind and environmental irritants. If you wear contact lenses, consider bringing your glasses as a backup and to give your eyes periodic breaks.

. Digital Screen Management: Modern travel involves significant screen time. Whether you’re navigating with your smartphone, watching in-flight entertainment, or working during transit, digital screens can cause significant eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple technique helps reduce eye fatigue and provides necessary breaks for your visual system.

. Comfort and Comfort Accessories: Consider packing eye-specific travel accessories. A good sleep mask can help protect your eyes during flights or in unfamiliar sleeping environments. Noise-canceling headphones can also indirectly benefit your eyes by reducing overall stress and tension.

Special Considerations for Different Travelers
Individuals with pre-existing eye conditions should consult their optometrist before traveling. Those with diabetes, dry eye syndrome, or wearing contact lenses might need additional precautions. Always carry your current prescription and extra contact lenses or glasses.

Retina Group of Florida
If you are experiencing any changes in your eye health, whether it is blurry vision, pain, impaired vision, or any other visual irregularities, you should see an ophthalmologist right away. The earlier a disease is detected, the better the outcome and treatment options are for you. You will find a friendly and warm environment at Retina Group of Florida.

Please call (352) 419-8928 today to schedule your eye exam. When necessary same day appointments can often be accommodated.

Thomas G. Ward, D.O.
212 South Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34452
352-419-8928
retinagroupflorida.com