Eye Protection Essentials While Traveling This Summer

Posted July 15, 2022

Whether you’re headed to the beach, the pool, a sporting event, or a family road trip, it’s important to find and carry the right kind of protection for your eyes. Overexposure to UV radiation can have a negative impact on your eyes in several ways. If your eyes are exposed to too much sun, you could be at an increased risk of developing various eye conditions. 

 

Let’s discover some of the ways you can start protecting your eyes and preparing for the harsh rays of the sun. 

 

Sunglass Selection is Important 

 

Sunglasses shouldn’t just be seen as something stylish, but more as an accessory that offers a protective shield against the sun’s harmful rays. You should make sure that the sunglasses you choose can block both UVA and UVB rays. If you’re more of a glasses wearer, there are plenty of prescription sunglass options available to you. 

 

This is especially important if you’re traveling or spending more time in the sun with your kids. More than 80% of our lifetime UV exposure happens before someone turns 18, therefore, having your kids wear sunglasses and hats while playing outdoors, means a lower risk of developing Corneal sunburn. 

 

Bring Saline Solution to the Beach 

 

The flowing waves and gorgeous sand may look stunning from afar, but not when a wayward wind blows something into your eye. Sand and other small particles can end up scratching your cornea, which is the outer layer of your eye. However, it doesn’t typically cause permanent damage and will heal within 1 to 3 days

 

With this in mind, consider keeping a bottle of saline spray in your beach bag. Having a bottle of saline solution nearby will make flushing out your eyes a quick and easy task. 

 

Clean Your Contacts 

 

For those of you that wear contacts, you might have to start cleaning them a little bit more frequently than you’re used to. If you have been swimming in the pool or enjoying some time at the beach, that allows various particles and bacteria to gather within your eye. 

 

Sand and other irritants in the water can be hard on your eyes and become trapped beneath the surface of your lenses. Rinsing them with a cleaning solution throughout the day will help to keep them cleaner longer, while also providing more comfort later on in the day. 

 

Make an Eye Care Travel Bag 

 

Since summer is a huge time for traveling, you’re likely to be doing it a little bit more frequently than normal. While experiencing different weather, humidity levels, and air temperatures can all be fun, these can be major contributors toward the health and overall sensitivity of your eyes throughout the day. 

 

Therefore, it might be helpful to pack a small bag with cleaning solution, moisturizing eye drops, extra contact cases, and your backup set of glasses. It’s important to take proper care with you at all times to ensure your eyes are best protected! If you have questions about the best form of eye protection for you and your family, be sure to give our team a call!