Vacation is a fun and exciting time for seeing new places or relaxing at a favorite destination. Yet, when your normal daily routine is altered, it leaves you more vulnerable to certain health issues. Eye health, in particular, can be easily overlooked during getaways. Luckily, the vision care experts from the office of Dr. L R Gabe — an optometry center in Show Low, AZ — are here with some practical advice for optic health.

3 Vision Care Tips to Promote Eye Health on Vacation

1. Choose the Right Sunglasses

Since you’ll likely be spending more time outdoors during your trip, it’s crucial to keep your eyes fully protected against harmful UV rays. Eyeglass-wearers should invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses with complete UVA and UVB protection. For contact-wearers, fashion eyewear is fine as long as it offers the same level of coverage. If you have children with or without glasses, outfit them with protective eyewear before vacation starts.

2. Wear Goggles While Swimming

Goggles are often considered an optional accessory for swimming, but they should really be perceived as a must-have eye care essential. Chlorine in pools can cause redness and irritation in the eyes. Likewise, saltwater or microbes from other bodies of water can also impact ocular health, causing discomfort or infections. Make sure there are goggles available for the whole family if your vacation plans include swimming. Also, all contact-wearers should remove their lenses before jumping in to prevent risks of losing contacts or developing an infection.

3. Choose Eye-Healthy Snacks

Most people give themselves a little bit of leeway with their eating habits while on vacation. While eye doctors certainly wouldn’t advise against occasional indulging, it’s still smart to incorporate nutritious snacks. Grab a trail mix with nuts like almonds and cashews for an eye-friendly choice. Nuts are rich in vitamin E, which helps prevent vision damage. Likewise, citrus fruits and carrots also have eye-friendly nutrients, so pack some of these guilt-free travel snacks for the road.

Now that you have your eye health needs sorted, don’t forget to visit the office of Dr. L. R. Gabe before you embark on your trip! Whether your sunglasses need new lenses or you need to replenish your supply of contacts, their vision care team has all of your pre-travel needs covered. Call (928) 537-5565 or send the team a message online to schedule an appointment.