While travelling is an exciting experience, its also essential to prioritize your health, including your eyes. here we will discuss various eye conditions that may arise during your travels.
A. Know your disease or Eye condition:
Understanding your existing eye conditions is crucial. If you have any history of allergies, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or have undergone any eye surgery, consult your eye care professional before your journey.
B. Preparation /planning before travel:
1. Spectacle and contact lens wearers: carry an extra pair of spectacles. There are chances of your glasses getting broken or damaged while you are travelling. Contact lens wearer should switch to glasses for the duration of their trip. The routine care for glasses is easier and carries few health risks. Not following a proper contact lens hygiene routine can expose your eye to germs and other dangers. Removing and cleaning the contact lenses can be difficult while travelling.
C. Emergencies during Journey and their management:
1. Foreign Bodies:
Wash your eyes with cool filter water immediately if a foreign object enters your eye. Do not rub your eyes as this can cause scratches on your cornea which can cause serious infection resulting in scarring and reduced vision.
2. Conjunctivitis:
Both allergic and infective conjunctivitis are possible during travels. Conjunctivitis can spread from another patient or through contamination from the air or through water from the swimming pool. Conjunctivitis can cause redness, watering and irritation of eyes. Wear sunglasses, use disposable tissues and avoid touching your face. Care: Wash your eyes with cool filter water and seek medical attention if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours.
Those with history of allergic conjunctivitis should consult their eye care professional before travelling and carry suitable medicines to prevent allergies.
3. Injuries to the eye:
injuries and falls are possible during travels. Wash the area with cool filter water and cover the area with a sterile dressing. Do not try to remove any foreign particles impacted inside the eye. Seek medical help at the earliest.
4. Sudden visual disturbances:
Any sudden decrease in vision, seeing a shadow or a curtain should not be neglected especially in those on medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Consult the nearest available eye specialist without delay.
D. Patients on eye medications:
patients with Glaucoma, should carry their medications and follow the treatment schedule. Those patients who have undergone eye surgeries should consult their surgeon before travelling. Air travel is not advisable after some retinal surgeries where gas has been injected into the eye.
E. Awareness of Endemic diseases:
Research and be aware of endemic eye diseases in the countries you are visiting. Take preventive measures accordingly.
Dr. Khamer Jahan
MBBS. MS
Ophthalmologist
YIACO Medical, Salmiya