Air travel isn’t just hard on your back and sleep schedule, it’s rough on your eyes, too. In fact, about 20% of air travellers report dry eyes or ocular discomfort during or after flights.
Whether you’re flying cross-country or driving overnight, travel exposes your eyes to dry air, UV radiation, and long hours of strain. And if you wear prescription glasses, night driving glasses, or anti-glare glasses, you’ll want to prepare accordingly.
Here are practical, no-fuss eye care tips to keep your vision clear and comfortable wherever your trip takes you.
Why travel impacts your eyes
Before diving into the tips, it’s worth understanding why travel is often hard on your eyes:
- Airplane cabins are low-humidity environments that dry out your eyes.
- Long drives or screen use during transit can lead to digital eye strain.
- Changes in altitude or cabin pressure may cause discomfort or blurry vision.
- Exposure to wind, dust, or sun can irritate unprotected eyes.
- Sleep disruption often leads to puffy, tired eyes.
Pack smart: What to bring for eye comfort
You don’t need a suitcase full of eye care products. Just pack the essentials.
1. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
Dry eyes are one of the most common complaints during air travel. Cabin air is pressurised and dry, and you’re likely staring at a screen or reading for hours. Use artificial tears or preservative-free lubricating drops to rehydrate your eyes without causing rebound irritation.
Pro tip: Keep a small, travel-size bottle in your carry-on so it’s always within reach.
2. Backup prescription glasses
If you wear prescription glasses, bring a backup pair. Luggage gets lost, glasses get sat on, and accidents happen. Having a second pair is essential, especially if you’re traveling in areas where getting a replacement isn’t quick or easy. If you normally wear contacts, consider switching to glasses during travel to avoid dryness or infection risk, especially on long flights.
3. Anti-glare glasses or lens coatings
Whether you’re driving, sightseeing, or using digital screens, anti-glare glasses can reduce eye strain and improve clarity. Lenses with anti-reflective coating help minimise the impact of harsh lighting, headlights, or sun reflections, particularly useful in airports, city streets, and unfamiliar roads.
On the road: Eye care tips for drivers
Driving for long periods puts your eyes under pressure, especially at night or in varying light conditions.
4. Use night driving glasses
If night driving is part of your travel plans, consider wearing night driving glasses. These glasses are designed to reduce glare from headlights and improve contrast in low-light conditions. They can make a huge difference in comfort and reaction time, especially on unfamiliar roads.
Note: Not all “night vision” glasses work equally well. Look for lenses with anti-reflective coatings and consult your optometrist if you drive often in low light.
5. Take breaks and rest your eyes
Use the 20-20-20 rule even on the road: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce fatigue and prevent eye strain during long drives.
In the air: Eye care tips for flying
Flying presents its own unique set of eye challenges, such as dryness, cabin pressure, and disrupted sleep.
6. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
Drink water regularly before and during your flight. Dehydration makes dry eyes worse. Try to limit coffee and alcohol, both of which can worsen eye dryness and puffiness.
7. Skip the contacts on long-haul flights
Wearing contact lenses on long flights increases the risk of dry eyes and infection. Glasses are a better choice, as they are more comfortable and lower risk in low-humidity environments. If you plan to sleep on the plane, skip the contacts altogether. Sleeping in them increases the chance of irritation and potential complications. If you must wear contacts, use rewetting drops and take them out as soon as you land.
Outdoors: Protect your eyes from UV and the elements
Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or lounging on the beach, eye protection matters.
8. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
UV radiation can damage your eyes over time, increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even short-term conditions like photokeratitis (sunburned cornea). Look for sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays.
Bonus: Wraparound styles or goggles offer extra protection against wind, sand, and debris.
9. Use hats or visors for added protection
Sunglasses help but combining them with a wide-brimmed hat or visor gives you even more coverage, especially when you’re out in direct sunlight for long periods.
10. Never wear contact lenses in the pool or ocean
If you’re headed to the beach or planning to swim, take your contact lenses out first. Water, whether it’s from the pool, ocean, or even the shower, can introduce harmful bacteria and parasites that stick to contacts and cause serious infections, like Acanthamoeba keratitis.
If you need vision correction while swimming, wear prescription goggles or stick to your prescription glasses and avoid submerging your face. Always dry your hands and face before handling your lenses post-swim.
Daily care: Keep your eyes fresh and healthy during the trip
A few daily habits can go a long way in preventing irritation and discomfort.
10. Wash your hands often
Travel increases your exposure to germs. Touching your eyes with unwashed hands can cause infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye). Always wash your hands before inserting or removing contacts or rubbing your eyes.
11. Remove makeup thoroughly
If you wear eye makeup, be sure to remove it completely each night. Leftover residue can clog glands or cause irritation, especially in dry or dusty environments.
12. Avoid rubbing your eyes
When your eyes feel dry or itchy, rubbing can be tempting, but it often makes things worse. Use drops instead and keep your eyes clean and hydrated.
When to schedule an eye test before (or after) traveling
Before a big trip that involves long drives, air travel, or a major climate change, it’s smart to get an eye test, particularly if:
- You haven’t had one in over a year
- You’ve noticed recent changes in vision
- You need a new pair of prescription glasses
- You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors or behind the wheel
An eye test will make sure your prescription is current and help you prepare for any vision challenges you might face during travel. If your eyes feel off, dry, blurry, or uncomfortable for more than a few days after you return, don’t wait, get checked out.
Choose Gormley Opticians in Ballybofey & Strabane
Planning a trip? Make sure your eyes are ready too. At Gormley Opticians, we offer thorough eye tests, travel-friendly prescription glasses, and expert advice on everything from night driving glasses to anti-glare lenses. Whether you’re flying out or hitting the road, visit us in Ballybofey or Strabane and travel with confidence, your eyes will thank you.
