When we pack for a sun-drenched getaway, our suitcases are usually filled with the typical SPF 50, breezy linens and the perfect swimwear. But there is one vital organ that we often overlook until we’re squinting at a restaurant menu or nursing a terrible headache: our eyes.
While our skin may tell us that it’s burning within minutes, our eyes are much quieter about the damage that they’re absorbing. From the hidden risks of UV radiation to the practicalities of traveling with prescription lenses, let’s take a look at how to keep our vision as clear as the Mediterranean sea whilst on holiday…
The Invisible Risk: Why UV Protection Isn’t Optional
We often think of sunglasses as the ultimate holiday fashion statement, but they’re actually a medical necessity. Our eyes are up to 10 times more sensitive to UV light than our skin, and without proper shielding, prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to serious long-term conditions:
- Photokeratitis: Essentially this is a sunburn of the eye, a painful, temporary condition that causes redness, blurred vision, and a gritty feeling triggered by light reflecting off of sand or water.
- Cataracts: Over time, UV rays can cause the proteins in our eye’s lens to clump together, clouding our vision.
- Macular Degeneration: Cumulative damage to the retina can lead to permanent vision loss in the center of our field of view.
Choosing Quality Over Imitations
Not all dark lenses are created equal. In fact, wearing sunglasses without UV filters is more dangerous than wearing no glasses at all. This is because dark lenses cause our pupils to dilate, allowing even more harmful radiation to enter the back of the eye.
It’s therefore essential to know what to look for in your next pair of sunglasses. Aim for a UV400 rating to ensure that the lenses block 99–100% of both UVA and UVB rays, up to 400 nanometers. Check for the CE or UKCA mark, as these symbols indicate the glasses meet essential safety and quality standards. And pick out polarized lenses where possible; whilst it won’t block UV rays itself, it eliminates glare from reflective surfaces like the ocean or a swimming pool, significantly reducing eye strain and squinting.
Tips for the Prescription Wearer
If like me, you rely on corrective lenses, then a holiday requires a bit more planning, as nothing ruins a trip faster than a broken pair of glasses and a blurry view of the sights. I invest in prescription sunglasses well in advance of my travels to ensure that I’m not having to swap between my regular glasses and non-prescription shades. Prescription sunglasses instantly offer the best of both worlds, crisp vision with total protection.
I also recommend keeping a backup pair of prescription sunglasses, and keep a pair in my holdall on the plane incase my primary pair breaks or goes missing in my case, so that I won’t be left stranded. It takes just a second to photograph your prescription and keep it saved in your camera roll favourites, so that if the worst happens and you lose your glasses, an optician abroad can create an emergency replacement pair.
We’ve all discovered how heat and sand are the enemies of lens coatings, so remember to take a case and cloth to store your glasses in a protective shell and only use a microfiber cloth to clean them. Using a beach towel or t-shirt can grind tiny grains of sand into the lens, causing permanent scratches.
Beyond The Lenses: A Total Protection Strategy
Protection doesn’t stop at the frames. To give our eyes the ultimate holiday shield, we should consider adopting multiple eye-health habits. Wearing a wide brimmed hat can block up to 50% of the UV radiation that enters our eyes from above or around the sides of our sunglasses.
Airplane cabins and tropical heat are notoriously dehydrating, which can lead to Dry Eye Syndrome, causing irritation, so I keep lubricating eye drops in my bag for an instant refresh wherever my adventures take me. And remember, children’s eyes are even more vulnerable than adults’ because their lenses are clearer, letting in more light. Ensure that little ones have high-quality, wrap-around shades that they find comfortable to wear. A little planning goes such a long way to protect our vision on holiday.
Relax & Take the View In
In just a couple of clicks at Firmoo, I had a new pair of up-to-date prescription glasses and sunglasses ordered online for my holidays, leaving me free to relax and unwind on my getaway.
Our eyes are our windows to the world and we should treat them with the same care that we give to our skin. By choosing the right eye protection, we aren’t just looking stylish, we’re ensuring that we’ll be able to enjoy life’s breathtaking views for many years to come.
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