Traveling can be exciting, but long flights or drive time, changing environments, extra screen time, and sun exposure can all take a toll on your eyes. Whether you’re heading out for vacation or taking a trip away for work, a few simple habits can help keep your eyes comfortable and protected along the way.
1. Prepare for dry cabin air
Airplane cabins are known for low humidity levels, which can quickly dry out your eyes. For contact lens wearers, this often leads to irritation, blurry vision, or discomfort during a flight.
To help reduce dryness while flying:
- Use preservative-free artificial tears before and during your flight
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses
- Consider wearing glasses for longer flights
2. Pack backup glasses and extra supplies
Travel is not the time to discover you’re without a backup pair of glasses or contact lenses. Delays, lost luggage, and accidental damage can happen anywhere, so it’s always smart to bring extras.
A few smart packing tips:
- Keep contact lenses, solution, and eye drops in your carry-on bag
- Use a travel-size contact lens solution that meets TSA guidelines
- Pack backup glasses, even if you primarily wear contacts
- Bring extra contact lenses and more solution than you think you’ll need
- Avoid transferring solution into unlabeled containers
3. Never use water with contact lenses
If your contacts become uncomfortable while traveling, remove them and store them properly in sterile contact lens solution.
Never use tap water or bottled water to rinse or store contacts. Water is not sterile and may contain bacteria or microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
The same goes for swimming while wearing contact lenses. Pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs can expose your eyes to bacteria and other contaminants that may become trapped beneath your lenses. If you plan to swim, prescription goggles are the safest option.
4. Take breaks from screens
Travel often means more time looking at phones, tablets, airport monitors, or in-car navigation systems. Combined with lack of sleep and changing time zones, extended screen use can contribute to digital eye strain. Symptoms may include:
- Tired or burning eyes
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty focusing
To reduce strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjust screen brightness when possible and remember to blink more often, especially during long flights or road trips.
5. Don’t ignore vision changes
Flashes, floaters, blurry vision, eye pain, redness, or sudden vision changes should never be ignored, even while on vacation. If something feels unusual or your symptoms worsen, seek medical care promptly rather than waiting until you return home.
6. Wear sunglasses year-round
Many people associate sunglasses with summer, but UV protection matters in every season. Sunlight reflects off water, pavement, sand, and snow, increasing exposure to harmful UV rays.
Quality sunglasses can help protect your eyes from:
- UV-related eye damage
- Glare and light sensitivity
- Wind and debris
- Dryness caused by outdoor conditions
Look for sunglasses labeled 100% UVA and UVB protection. Polarized lenses may also improve comfort by reducing glare while driving, boating, or engaging in other outdoor activities.
7. Schedule an eye exam before your trip
If you’re planning a major trip and haven’t had an eye exam recently, it may be a good idea to schedule one before you leave. An updated prescription, healthy contact lens habits, and the right protective eyewear can help you travel more comfortably and confidently.
If you need to schedule an exam appointment, call us at 319-362-3937. For optical needs such as glasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses, visit our Optical Center located just inside the lobby. No appointment is necessary.
At Iowa Eye Center, our team can help with comprehensive eye exams, contact lens evaluations, and sunglasses designed to protect your vision wherever you travel.
