As the holidays approach and central Illinois travelers trade Peoria’s winter chill for sunnier destinations, it’s easy to overlook one important part of your travel checklist: your eye health. Whether
you’re heading to the mountains, the beach, or simply across the country to visit family, travel can expose your eyes to a variety of stressors. Dry airplane air, bright sunlight, new environments, and disrupted routines can all affect your vision comfort.
you’re heading to the mountains, the beach, or simply across the country to visit family, travel can expose your eyes to a variety of stressors. Dry airplane air, bright sunlight, new environments, and disrupted routines can all affect your vision comfort.
Here are some simple, expert–approved tips from Illinois Eye Center to help you protect your eyes and keep them feeling their best while you’re away.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Even in winter, UV rays are powerful, and when reflected off snow, water, or sand, they can be even more damaging. Always pack sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from sunburn (photokeratitis) and long–term damage. Wraparound styles provide the best protection by preventing rays from sneaking in around the edges, and a wide–brimmed hat adds an extra layer of defense.
If your winter getaway includes skiing, snowboarding, or hiking at higher elevations, UV protection is especially important. The thinner atmosphere at altitude allows more ultraviolet light to reach your eyes.
Stay Hydrated
Between air travel, long drives, and time spent outdoors, dehydration is common during trips, and it can worsen dry eye symptoms. Make a habit of drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid overdoing caffeine and alcohol, both of which can contribute to dehydration and eye dryness. You can also use name brand preservative free tears to keep your eyes comfortable, especially if you wear contact lenses or are prone to dry eye.
Be Prepared
When you’re on the move, a little preparation can prevent a big inconvenience. Always pack a backup plan for your eyes. If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair in case your main set gets lost or damaged. Contact lens wearers should also travel with a spare pair of lenses and a set of glasses, as unexpected irritation or infection can make contact use uncomfortable or unsafe. A few extra ounces in your luggage can save you from days of blurred vision and unnecessary stress while away from home.
Manage Contact Lens Use
It’s tempting to wear contact lenses for convenience when traveling, but a few precautions can help you avoid irritation or infection. On long flights, consider wearing glasses instead of contacts to
reduce the risk of dryness. Airplane cabins have low humidity, which can cause lenses to dry out quickly.
reduce the risk of dryness. Airplane cabins have low humidity, which can cause lenses to dry out quickly.
If you prefer to wear contacts, use name brand lubricating eye drops approved for contact lens wearers, and never sleep in your lenses, even short naps on flights can increase your risk of infection.
Always clean and store your lenses using sterile solution, and wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly before handling them.
Prevent Eye Strain
Whether you’re reading, working, or watching movies on your tablet during a trip, digital eye strain can quickly set in. Follow the 20–20–20 rule to give your eyes regular breaks: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. If you wear prescription glasses, consider a pair with an anti–reflective coating to minimize glare from screens and cabin lighting. And when using your phone or tablet in dim settings, turn down the brightness to reduce strain.
Protect from the Elements
Different climates can present different eye challenges. In warm destinations, swimming pools and saltwater can irritate your eyes and increase the risk of infection. Always wear goggles when
swimming, and avoid opening your eyes underwater, especially in chlorinated pools. If your trip keeps you indoors in dry, air–conditioned spaces, position yourself away from direct air
vents, which can dry out the eyes. A small bottle of name brand preservative free tears can be your best travel companion. For travelers heading into cold or windy environments, sunglasses or
wraparound glasses can help shield your eyes from harsh air and debris.
swimming, and avoid opening your eyes underwater, especially in chlorinated pools. If your trip keeps you indoors in dry, air–conditioned spaces, position yourself away from direct air
vents, which can dry out the eyes. A small bottle of name brand preservative free tears can be your best travel companion. For travelers heading into cold or windy environments, sunglasses or
wraparound glasses can help shield your eyes from harsh air and debris.
Eye Comfort Products
If you frequently experience dryness or irritation when traveling, new products like Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress can provide welcome relief. These self–heating masks help increase circulation and moisture retention, easing the discomfort associated with dry eyes or long flights. Ask your Illinois Eye Center provider about whether these or similar eye–care products might be right for you.
Be Mindful When Flying
Flying can be especially tough on your eyes due to cabin pressure, low humidity, and prolonged screen time. Some passengers notice temporary redness, irritation, or blurred vision after long flights. In most cases, these symptoms fade within 24 hours. If you have pre–existing eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes–related eye disease, or high blood pressure, it’s wise to check with your ophthalmologist before flying. Air pressure and cabin dryness can occasionally exacerbate these issues.
Keep Hygiene in Mind
Travel often means more contact with surfaces and germs. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or contact lenses. Carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer (and using it when soap and water aren’t available) can help prevent eye infections like conjunctivitis.
When to Call Your Doctor
It’s normal for your eyes to feel a little tired or dry after a long trip, but if symptoms like redness, discomfort, or blurry vision persist for more than 24 hours, contact your Illinois Eye Center provider. Our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists can assess your symptoms and provide the care you need to restore comfort and clarity.
Whether you’re traveling from Peoria to Phoenix or escaping the Illinois winter for a week by the ocean, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. Safe travels-and remember to pack your sunglasses!