Life without glasses is great
Many are looking forward to their vacation, whether it’s a relaxing time by the sea or an active adventure high in the mountains. Both options can significantly affect our eyes. Vision can be impacted not only by sunlight but also by injuries and various infections. How to protect your eyes and what to do in case of difficulties is advised by MUDr. Lucie Frantlová, head physician of the outpatient operations at Eye Centre Prague and the MediPort network.
Everyone wants to enjoy their vacation in peace, but anything can happen. Even seemingly harmless eye irritation can spoil a summer getaway. So, don’t forget to pack eye drops in your suitcase!
Sunlight and UV rays are dangerous for our eyes, especially at high altitudes and by the sea, where UV radiation reflects off the water's surface.
“Excessive exposure to sunlight primarily affects the conjunctiva, which can become red with intense UV exposure, leading to tearing, itching, burning, and scratching sensations,” explains MUDr. Lucie Frantlová. She adds, “Insufficient protection from prolonged UV exposure can also lead to more serious problems with the retina or may promote and accelerate the development of cataracts.”
Therefore, it is important to protect your vision with high-quality sunglasses that have UV filter 400. The CE certificate, including the level of protection, can be found on the inside of the temple of the glasses. The tint of the lenses should not be too dark, as this can cause the pupils to dilate more under their protection, allowing more UV rays to enter the eye. An ideal tint would be levels two to three.
Sunshine, as well as salty seawater or chlorinated water in pools, can irritate our eyes. Therefore, it is advisable to rinse your eyes with clean water after swimming. Simply wiping them with a towel is not a good idea, as you may rub salt or, in freshwater pools, algae and cyanobacteria into your eyes. When swimming or diving, it is also wise to wear goggles or diving masks to protect your eyes.
“I recommend packing eye drops in your first aid kit for vacation, such as Ophthalmo-Septonex or drops containing eyebright. In case of irritation, apply these drops 3–4 times a day to soothe the eye. If the drops do not help or if the pain worsens, visit an eye doctor,” advises Dr. Frantlová.
During vacations, we often take advantage of air conditioning, whether in the car or in hotel rooms. However, this can be more of a disadvantage for our eyes, as it causes the surface of the eye to dry out. Eyes that have a reduced ability to produce tears or have a poor tear film quality are usually more susceptible to air conditioning.
"It’s ideal to pack so-called artificial tears in your suitcase—drops that help moisturize the surface of the eye and thus strengthen the natural tear film. Dry eyes should certainly not be underestimated in the long term, as neglect can lead to the development of dry eye syndrome and potential problems such as corneal and conjunctival inflammation," explains Dr. Frantlová.
Most of us spend our vacations outdoors, which for allergy sufferers means increased exposure to potential allergens, such as pollen or dust. Allergic eyes are then at risk of allergic conjunctivitis, which manifests as redness, itching, excessive tearing, or swollen eyelids.
“If you are allergic and there is a risk of eye swelling due to contact with an allergen, be sure to pack antihistamine eye drops in your travel first aid kit,” reminds Dr. Frantlová.
In summer, minor eye injuries can occur frequently, such as when an insect flies into the eye or when dirt gets in. Therefore, it is advisable to protect your vision and wear protective eyewear during summer sports and DIY activities.
“If a foreign object is loose and movable in the eye, you can remove it with a clean tissue and treat the eye with disinfectant drops, such as Ophthalmo-Septonex. However, if the foreign object is embedded in the eye or if there is an injury from a sharp object, do not attempt to remove it yourself; always seek help from an eye doctor,” concludes Dr. Frantlová.
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