The Pre-Trip Eye Health Checklist for Travellers with Kids
Whether you’re travelling to another country or going on an out-of-town holiday, it helps to be aware of the health risks that affect the eyes.
Research shows that travellers are particularly vulnerable to eye conditions like dry eyes, retinopathy, and traumatic eye injuries due to air travel, outdoor hazards, and changing weather conditions.
Meanwhile, those with pre-existing eye conditions and visual impairment may also risk their health and safety as they struggle to navigate unfamiliar surroundings and have limited access to an eye care specialist.
These risks must be taken more seriously when travelling with kids, as their eyes are still developing and thus more susceptible to health and safety hazards typically encountered during travels. Additionally, children can find it harder to bear ocular symptoms like dryness, soreness, irritation, and general discomfort. Fortunately, you can ensure that their eyes stay healthy and protected by ticking off this eye health checklist before your scheduled trip.
Schedule a routine eye test
Even if your kid’s eyes are healthy and functioning well, ensure that they have been checked by a qualified eye care professional before the trip. Health experts recommend that children have their first eye exam at six months and then get routine eye tests every year from ages 6 to 17 to monitor their vision health and detect early signs of eye conditions and refractive errors.
Leading optical retailer Vision Express provides the option to schedule an eye test appointment online by finding the nearest store location, helping you save time and stay on top of your pre-travel eye care checklist. Its qualified opticians can help select the type of eye test best suited for your child’s health and lifestyle, from a standard eye health screening and vision test eligible for NHS funding to more advanced screening involving an OCT 3D scan and a dry eye assessment.
Update their prescription eyewear
If your child turns out to have vision problems like myopia, amblyopia, or astigmatism, they need prescription glasses to help them see clearly. However, since their vision tends to change over time, it’s best to update their prescription before your trip and ensure their eyewear matches their current visual acuity.
Updating their eyewear may also mean getting new frames, in which case kids’ eyeglasses from Coral Eyewear’s collaboration with Studiocanal Kids & Family present themselves as viable options. Aside from featuring Paddington-themed designs that may delight young wearers, the frames are made of lightweight, recyclable materials to ensure comfort and durability, no matter what type of activity you have planned in your itinerary.
Pack a pair of sunglasses
Lastly, one of the biggest threats to eye health when travelling is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which increase the risk of eye conditions like eye strain and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes). UV damage is also cumulative and can contribute to progressive eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma in later life, but you can invest in preventive eye care by packing a pair of sunglasses for your kid.
As such, a previously linked post includes sunglasses and other sun-safe essentials like sunscreen in a packing list for a family trip to the beach, as these can minimise sun damage through UV-protective features. However, remember that UV radiation is present anytime and anywhere, making sunglasses a must-have regardless of the type of travel you’ve planned. Outdoor brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley offer sunglasses with protective frames and lens combinations not only for adults but also for kids to ensure sun safety for the entire family.
Once you’ve completed this pre-trip checklist, ensure eye health during the trip itself by limiting kids’ exposure to direct sunlight and seeking shade when possible.