It’s sad but true: traveling increases the likelihood of getting sick. You’re in a different environment, so there’s a good chance your body’s immune system isn’t prepared to stave off the illnesses they cause. If you’re traveling in a group, those chances rise even further—the more people you’re around, the more germs you’re exposed to.
There are many illnesses you’ll want to watch out for, like the flu, fever, or common cold. You must note, however, that one of the prime entry points for microorganisms or pathogens to break into your body is your eyes. These microorganisms find their way in when you rub your eyes or when they spread via airborne droplets, making your lids and pupils zones where diseases are likely to develop during your vacation. To avoid illnesses as much as possible, here’s an overview of eye issues you can run into on group travels and how to avoid them.
Photokeratitis
Have you ever been blinded by a beam of light bouncing into your eyes? If so, you’ve experienced photokeratitis—a temporary eye condition with symptoms including pain, swelling, and sensitivity caused by light glare bouncing off a reflective surface. The condition is often called snow blindness, but ice isn’t the only surface light can jump from. You can get photokeratitis from reflected light off of water and even the exterior of a vehicle.
To avoid this, you can wear sunglasses with polarized lenses which are great for reducing overall brightness, protection from UV rays, and shielding against annoying, vision-blocking bursts of light. A model like Oakley Conductor can give you even more benefits, with its silicone nose pads and three-point fit perfect for securing your shades during your vacation activities. Encourage your group to get shades as well so you’re all protected.
Conjunctivitis
If you’re traveling with friends from a local vicinity, you can be reasonably assured that your travel companions won’t be carrying surprise diseases. However, one popular group travel trend you might want to partake in is solo-in-group travel—when you opt to wander with strangers. Though it’s a great way to find new connections, you’re still traversing with a diverse group of people, and there’s a chance that someone might have conjunctivitis or pink eye. This disease inflames your inner eyelids and makes your eyes feel itchy and gritty, often causing pus-like discharge. Unfortunately, it’s highly contagious. The sickness can spread even before the symptoms visibly appear, and the condition will remain infectious until the discharge dissipates or 24 hours after the sick traveler has taken antibiotics.
To avoid catching this disease from a travel companion, wash your hands often with soap and water, especially if you’ve been touching your sick friend or their belongings. Don’t touch your eyes in general. If you wear contacts, try using glasses instead to avoid transmitting the disease via your hands and to gain an extra layer of protection. Big specs, like Vogue Eyewear’s oversized frames, would be ideal for more coverage. Otherwise, be careful with how you clean and store your contact lenses.
Dry eyes
Renting a place with a pool is a quintessential group vacation staple, and those nervous about getting sick during their trip consider it a safer alternative than swimming in a body of water that could be rife with viruses. But chlorine, the chemical disinfectant that keeps you safe from those diseases, can also be an eye irritant, especially if the concentration is too high.
One ill-timed splash from a friend can wash away the thin layer of tears that coat your eyes, leading you to develop dry eyes. To prevent this, wear goggles to keep the chlorinated water away from your sensitive pupils. Models like the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 are easily affordable at $20 and can be customized to fit indoor and outdoor swimming needs as well as vision correction requirements. To be even more proactive, you can also rinse your eyes with fresh water after swimming and use eye drops regularly on your trip.
While it’s always important to be cautious when traveling in a group, what journey isn’t more fun with friends? Follow these tips to enjoy your group travels without incurring eye diseases.
