A new life without glasses
Many are looking forward to their vacation, whether it’s a relaxing one by the sea or an active one high in the mountains. Both options can have a significant impact on our eyes. Vision can be affected not only by sunlight but also by injuries and various infections. How can we protect our eyes and what should we do in case of problems?
Everyone wants to enjoy their vacation peacefully, but anything can happen. Even seemingly harmless eye irritation can ruin summer relaxation. So, don’t forget to pack eye drops in your suitcase.
Sunlight and UV rays are dangerous for our eyes, especially at high altitudes, but also by the sea, where UV radiation reflects off the water surface.
"Excessive exposure to sunlight primarily affects the conjunctiva, which becomes red during intense UV exposure, causing the eye to tear, itch, burn, and scratch," explains Dr. Radan Zugar, head physician of Eye Centre Prague, adding: "Insufficient protection against prolonged UV radiation 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 quality sunglasses. When choosing sunglasses, we should not only consider their aesthetic appearance but also their protective function.
"Sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory but primarily a protective tool against harmful UV radiation. Therefore, it is advisable to choose larger sunglasses that provide better coverage for the eyes and the surrounding area, including the sides. The price of sunglasses is not as important as ensuring that they have a quality UV filter (400 nm), which guarantees sufficient protection against UV radiation. Just because sunglasses are polarized does not mean they are of higher quality, and it is also necessary to verify the quality of their UV filter," recommends Anna Penkerová, optometrist at Eye Centre Prague and Optika Port7.
Sun, salty seawater, and chlorinated water in pools can irritate the eyes. After swimming, it is advisable to rinse your eyes with clean water rather than just using a towel. When swimming and diving, it is wise to wear goggles to protect your eyes.
"I recommend packing eye drops in your first aid kit for vacation, such as ophthalmoseptonex 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 eye pain worsens, visit an eye doctor," advises Dr. Zugar.
During vacations, we often take advantage of air conditioning, which can cause the surface of the eye to dry out. Eyes that are more prone to the effects of air conditioning are usually those with reduced tear production or poor tear film quality.
"It is ideal to pack so-called artificial tears in your suitcase—drops that help to moisturize the surface of the eye and thus strengthen the natural tear film. Dry eyes should definitely not be underestimated in the long term, as neglect can lead to the development of dry eye syndrome, along with potential issues such as inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva," explains Dr. Zugar.
On vacation, we often spend time outdoors, which for allergy sufferers means increased contact with allergens such as pollen and dust. Allergic individuals may experience allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by redness, itching, excessive tearing, and swollen eyelids.
"If you are an allergy sufferer 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. Zugar.
The use of contact lenses while swimming is generally not recommended. Water, whether from a pool, the sea, or a shower, can contain microorganisms that can come into contact with the lenses and cause eye infections, such as keratitis. If it is necessary to wear contact lenses while swimming, it is advisable to use daily lenses, which can be removed and discarded after swimming. An alternative could also be laser eye surgery, which can improve visual acuity and thus eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
In summer, there can also be frequent minor eye injuries when insects fly into the eye or dirt falls in. Therefore, it is advisable to protect your vision and wear protective glasses while engaging in summer sports or DIY activities.
"If a foreign object is loose and movable in the eye, remove it with a clean tissue and treat the eye with disinfectant drops, such as ophthalmoseptonex. However, if the foreign object is lodged 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," adds Dr. Zugar.
Summer is also a time that many of us associate with road trips. Whether you're planning longer or shorter journeys, it's important to realize how crucial vision is when driving, even in the summer months when there are long days and therefore better lighting conditions. In summer, drivers' eyes are exposed to different hazards:
Sunlight: Intense summer sun can cause glare that worsens visibility and increases the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is important to wear quality sunglasses with UV protection, which not only protect the eyes from harmful radiation but also improve visibility and reduce glare.
Reflections and glare: The sun reflecting off the road surface, car hood, or water can also cause temporary glare. Special polarized sunglasses can help reduce this effect and improve driving comfort. At night, eyes are exposed to glare from oncoming headlights. In this case, yellow-filter glasses can help ensure safer night driving by minimizing glare and increasing visibility.
Eye fatigue: Long journeys and focusing on the road can lead to eye fatigue. Regular breaks, during which the eyes can rest, are essential for maintaining sharp and attentive vision. Artificial tears can help moisturize the eyes and alleviate fatigue.
"Good visibility and the ability to correctly recognize the surrounding environment are key to safe driving. Therefore, it is essential for drivers to have regular eye check-ups and to use prescription glasses or contact lenses if needed," concludes Dr. Zugar.
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