Below, we’ll be sharing some essential eye-care tips for frequent travellers.
Sunbathing is a great way for travellers to spend time outdoors on sunny beaches and beautiful coastlines. However, insights from WTM Global’s travel report that more holidaymakers are ditching sunbathing in favour of nature, foodie, and wellness travel experiences. In particular, researchers noted that people are increasingly seeking unique, authentic, and personalised experiences when out on vacation.
As a result, data indicates that experiential activities such as wellness, nature, and food tourism increased by over 10% compared to 2019. In contrast, more traditional activities, such as sunbathing, became less of a priority. In addition to people craving more opportunities to reconnect in an increasingly digital world, the ongoing climate crisis is certainly a factor in the considerable shift in travel trends.
In recent years, people have become more conscious of the sun’s impact on our health, from exposure to harmful UV rays to sunburns and dry eyes. Fortunately, we can take measures without having to cancel travel plans. Below, we’ll be sharing some essential eye-care tips for frequent travellers:
Pack a pair of high-quality sunglasses
As mentioned above, exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can harm our physical and eye health. Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage your eyes over time. Fortunately, investing in sunglasses for your travels can help alleviate this threat. High-quality sunglasses can help block UV-A and UV-B rays to your eyes and help you see clearers outdoors.
If you’re unsure which type of sunglasses to get, it can help to consider your activities and itinerary when travelling. The Oakley Sutro is great for biking thanks to the Prizm lenses, which are designed to enhance colour, contrast, and detail. For less intense gear, you can also try the Oakley Holbrook, which has options for polarised and prescription lenses if you need vision correction.
Bring eye drops for flights
Aside from sunglasses for sun protection, it can also help to pack some eye drops, especially if you’re heading somewhere far. Air travel exposes you to low relative humidity levels, which increases aqueous tear evaporation and can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. As such, bringing eye drops with you on the plane can help relieve these symptoms and keep your eyes lubricated.
If you require prescription eye drops for specific eye conditions such as allergies and glaucoma, try to pack extras, as you may not be able to get them filled in other countries. Spending your vacation looking for the nearest ophthalmologist can dampen the holiday spirit and take away from your itinerary, so it’s best to be prepared.
Always prepare spares
Finally, if you wear glasses, you should consider bringing two pairs — no matter your destination or itinerary. If you require glasses for vision correction or conditions such as light sensitivity, losing or breaking them mid-holiday can be a hassle. You may be unable to see clearly and enjoy sightseeing as planned, and you risk hurting yourself.
If you don’t currently have a spare pair that works with your current prescription, it’s best to get one made as soon as possible. Not only do they come in handy while travelling, but they’re also great to have when you’re out and about doing your daily activities. Likewise, if you wear contacts, bringing an extra pair can also help in case you lose them or get them dirty on your travels.
Ultimately, investing in taking care of your eyes while travelling can help make your travel experience safer, more comfortable, and more convenient. At the same time, these are also good practices to remember for your everyday routines, whether travelling to work or taking a stroll in a park.
