#111: How to Travel with Dry Eyes During COVID-19?
I was able to take my first trip a couple of weeks ago to an in-person education meeting. I was so excited to travel again and traveling now causes some new problems for those of us who suffer from dry eyes.
Getting ready to go on a trip caused me to think a bit about packing up my dry eye supplies. It is so important not to skip out on your eye care routine even if you are out of town. The results of missing a few nights of care can be disastrous. I've been there.
I previously wrote a blog about traveling with dry eyes. You can check out that blog here. It goes over specifically all the things you need to pack in your carry-on versus your checked bag.
What has changed?
Airlines are requiring you to wear a mask for the duration of your flight. Mask wearing can be particularly troublesome for those of you who suffer from dry eyes. The air you breathe out can blow up into your eyes constantly if you don't have a mask that is well-fitted.
Since the mask requirements of COVID-19 have been implemented, there has been some research about Mask Associated Dry Eye (MADE). Check out the blog to learn how you can combat the effects of mask-wearing on your dry eyes here.
3 Products You Shouldn't Leave Home Without:
1) Preservative-free Artificial Tears
2) Travel-Ready Makeup Remover
3) Electric Warm Compress
1) Preservative-free Artificial Tears
While you are wearing your mask during your flight, you may need to hydrate your eyes several times. I always recommend using a preservative-free tear for my patients. Eliminating preservatives will allow you to look glam as soon as you get off the plane.
My current favorite artificial tear is Optase Dry Eye Intense Drops. It is preservative-free in a bottle. You'll be able to travel with just one bottle of these guys since there are over 300 drops in each.
And, since Optase Intense Drops contain hyaluronic acid, you'll get the staying power of an oil-based tear without the blur. It's a win-win. You can use these drops as often as you'd like while you're on the plane. I recommend a minimum of one drop every two hours while you travel because of the decreased humidity on the plane.
2) Travel-Ready Makeup Remover
Eyes Are The Story Eye Proof Refreshing Towelettes are the answer to your traveling dreams. They're not only a great eye makeup remover, but they're also a good lid and lash cleanser. And they're good for traveling because they're individually wrapped and there's no mess.
There are three ingredients in these refreshing towelettes that are so important to your eye:
- Hyaluronic acid: binds moisture to the skin of your lids
- Aloe Gel: reduces inflammation and puffiness on your lids (great for when you've just been on an airplane for several hours while you're constantly wearing a mask)
- Calendula: a natural antimicrobial. Bacteria on our lids and lashes are the prime source of redness and irritation.
These refreshing towelettes soothe irritated eyes. They gently remove makeup from both your face and eyes. And, they are great for travel since they are individually wrapped. Find your new favorite makeup remover from this guide for boss ladies with sensitive eyes.
3) Electric Warm Compress
Once you arrive at your destination, you'll want to revive your tired eyes with moist heat. Heating up the oil glands that line the edges of your lid margins feels soothing. And, when the oils are released into the tears instead of being trapped in the oil glands themselves your vision will be more clear.
Using a warm compress mask for 8 – 12 minutes will soften the oils that have become trapped in the lids. As the oil melts, it will begin to flow again.
The UnClog Eye Mask utilizes Far infrared (FIR) technology to provide heat. The FIR light passes through the tissue of the eyelids and concentrates its action at the level of the meibomian glands. So, the skin around your eyes won't look red after using it.
It's great for travel and it is safe to use in patients who have Rosacea. You no longer have to worry about needing a microwave when you travel. This mask plugs into a USB port. (You could even use it in flight!)
Adjust the temperature on the control piece of the device and set the timer. Then, place the mask over your eyes to provide soothing relief for dry, scratchy, irritated eyes. Try it twice a day for the best results.
CONCLUSION
It's Summer. And, I bet you are as ready to travel as I am. I can't wait to get on a plane and go somewhere awesome!
Don't forget to bring your dry eye products with you. Keeping your eyes looking white, feeling normal, and vision clear is easy when you follow a daily routine. Traveling doesn't mean you need to fall out of your usual eye care plan.
Keep using your 4-Simple steps for daily eye care, but switch out some of those products for a travel-ready regimen:
Step 1: Hydrate - Optase Dry Eye Intense Drops
Step 2: Harmonize - Eyes Are The Story Refreshing Eye Towelettes
Step 3: Heat - Unclog Heat Mask
Step 4: Heal - HydroEye Dry Eye Supplement
And, don't forget to remove your eye makeup before getting on that airplane. Check out the Makeup Remover Guide here to find your new favorite. Happy Travels!!!
