According to AAA, 43.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend. This is a 4% increase over 2023, just shy of the record set in 2005. If you and your family plan to travel this Memorial Day weekend, we wanted to give you a few tips to prepare in case of an eye emergency. Eye emergencies can happen anytime, but they can be alarming when away from home. These essential tips will help you protect your eyes, ensuring you’re prepared and confident, even while traveling.
Prioritize An Eye Exam Before Departure
Don’t wait until you get back home to see your eye doctor. Ignoring or delaying vision changes because they are not painful does not mean they are not severe. Award your trip with a healthy start!
Remember Your Eyes When Packing
Whether you wear contacts or glasses, it’s crucial to pack extras. An additional pair of glasses can be a lifesaver if your eyes need a break from the contacts or if you accidentally break your glasses.
Prepare for Dry Eyes
Environment changes or traveling by plane can result in dry eyes. Bring over-the-counter drops to lubricate your eyes.
Stock Up On Prescription Drops
If you take prescription eye drops, be sure to bring an extra unopened bottle. Here is a great tip: Take a photo of your prescription on your smartphone! That way, if you lose your luggage, you’ll have the correct eye prescription you need to have fun and enjoy your vacation.
Don’t Leave Your Shades Behind
Sunglasses should be the number one item on your packing list. They protect your eyes by blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays.
When to Seek Eye Emergency Treatment
Eye emergencies requiring medical attention include cuts, scratches, eye objects, and blunt eye or eyelid injuries. If there is an eye emergency while you are traveling, it is vital to seek emergency treatment if any of the following symptoms appear:
- Eye pain accompanied by redness
- Nausea or headache with eye pain
- Changes in vision, such as blurring or double vision
- Bleeding or other discharge
- A scratch, cut, or penetration of the eyeball
Bon Voyage!
We want our patients to have all the knowledge they need to keep their eyes healthy this summer kick-off holiday and every day. Taking time to plan to ensure your eye care needs are taken care of before embarking on your trip will allow you to have a worry-free vacation!
Whether traveling or staying close to home this Memorial Day, have fun and celebrate safely. Remember and honor all of our troops.
References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Optometric Association, and AAA. The content is researched and vetted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, and AAA. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.
