Eye Care During Travel: How to Keep Your Vision Clear and Healthy Anywhere

One of the most common issues travelers’ faces is eye dryness, especially on airplanes where cabin humidity is much lower than normal. Dehydration not only affects your body but also reduces tear production, leaving your eyes feeling irritated and scratchy.

For proper eye care during travel:

• Drink plenty of water before and during your trip.
• Limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they can worsen dehydration.
• Carry a reusable water bottle so you’re reminded to sip throughout the day.

When your body is well-hydrated, your eyes stay more comfortable and less prone to redness and irritation.

Travel exposes your eyes to changing climates and environments. Dryness is one of the biggest concerns for eye care during travel.

What to do:

• Pack preservative-free eye drops in your carry-on.
• Use them during flights, long drives, or whenever your eyes feel dry.
• Avoid redness-relief drops for frequent use—they can sometimes make dryness worse.

Keeping your eyes moist will help you avoid burning, stinging, or the urge to rub them.

Exploring new destinations often means spending more time outdoors. Sunlight is stronger at higher altitudes, near water, or in tropical areas, and prolonged exposure can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and painful sunburn of the eyes (photokeratitis).

• Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection are a must for eye care during travel.
• Choose wraparound styles for extra protection from wind and dust.
• Don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat for added shade.

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can harm your eyes, so keep your sunglasses handy.

Jet lag, long itineraries, and late-night adventures can leave your eyes tired and strained. Lack of sleep reduces tear production and can cause puffiness, dark circles, and blurred vision. Practicing good sleep habits is an important part of eye care during travel.

• Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule when possible.
• Use an eye mask or blackout curtains to help you rest in unfamiliar environments.
• Give your eyes mini-breaks during the day by closing them for a minute or using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Your eyes, like your body, need downtime to recover.

Contact lens users need to pay special attention to eye care during travel. Long wear, improper cleaning, or exposure to dust and water can lead to discomfort and even infection.

• Always pack a spare pair of lenses and your glasses.
• Carry travel-sized multipurpose solution and a clean case.
• Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless approved by your eye doctor.
• Never wear contacts while swimming or in hot tubs, as bacteria can cling to them.

Consider switching to daily disposable lenses during your trip for maximum convenience and hygiene.

Travel often involves long hours looking at phone maps, booking apps, or in-flight entertainment. Extended screen time can strain your eyes, leading to headaches and blurred vision.

For better eye care during travel:

• Adjust brightness and font size on your devices for comfort.
• Take breaks by looking out the window or resting your eyes.
• Use blue light–filtering glasses or apps if you’ll be on screens late at night.

Balancing screen use with eye rest will help you feel more energized for sightseeing.

One of the smartest steps in eye care during travel is preparation. Having a small kit for your eyes ensures you’re prepared for any situation. Include:

• Lubricating eye drops
• Prescription glasses and sunglasses
• Extra contact lenses or solution
• A clean eye mask for sleeping
• Soft tissues or lens wipes

With these essentials, you’ll feel more at ease knowing you can handle dryness, glare, or sudden irritation.

If you’re traveling during pollen season or visiting dusty, dry areas, allergies can trigger itchy, watery eyes, so factor them into your eye care during travel.

• Bring antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medication if you’re prone to flare-ups.
• Keep windows closed when driving through high-pollen areas.
• Use sunglasses outdoors to block allergens from reaching your eyes.

Managing allergies early will prevent discomfort from interfering with your trip.

If you’re planning a long trip, especially abroad, it’s smart to have an eye exam before you go. Your optometrist can ensure your prescription is up to date, and discussing travel-friendly solutions with your doctor is an excellent ways to ensure proper eye care during travel.

• Get an extra pair of glasses or lenses in case of loss or damage.
• Ask your doctor about travel-friendly solutions for dryness or allergies.
• Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need replacements while away.

Being proactive ensures your vision remains clear and worry-free during your travels.

Your eyes work hard when you travel, adjusting to new places and long hours on the move. By staying hydrated, protecting against UV rays, and practicing smart habits, you can make eye care during travel a natural part of your routine. Clear vision and comfortable eyes will help you enjoy every moment of your journey.

Make it a priority: the best adventures are seen with healthy eyes, and eye care during travel ensures you don’t miss a single detail.

Plan your next visit to our eye clinic! Schedule an appointment with our optometrist in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, Dr. Jeffrey Porter.

Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates are experienced eye doctors in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL. They are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas.

Contact us:

Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL

815-477-4053

Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL

847-458-5796