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Eye Emergencies on Vacation

Tips for Handling the Unexpected While You Are Away

By , About.com Guide

Updated February 20, 2009

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Eye problems always seem to show up while we're on vacation or out of town. Do you know how you would handle a true eye emergency? If you are planning a trip away from home, be sure to prepare for the unexpected. Following are a few helpful tips for handling eye emergencies away from home.

  • Be prepared. Take along a copy of your eyeglass prescription as well as an old pair of back-up eyeglasses. If you lose your glasses, you will be able to hand over your prescription to any optician and have a new pair made. (Your back-up glasses will come in handy while looking for an optician.) If you wear contact lenses, pack extra cleaning solution as well as extra contact lenses. You may need them...think unexpected delays, layovers, extended stays, etc. Always bring your back-up eyeglasses with you as well. If you develop an eye infection, you won't be able to wear contacts. At least you will have some type of corrective eyewear with you.


  • Stay in touch. Ask your eye doctor for a business card to keep in your wallet. If something happens to your eyes, at the very least, your hometown eye doctor will have your past records of examinations and eyeglass orders. Again, prepare for the unexpected.


  • Call home. If you develop an eye infection, the first thing you should do is call your hometown eye doctor. Depending on the severity of the infection, he may be able to consult with you over the phone and call in eye medication prescriptions to a nearby pharmacy. It's much easier to find a drug store in a new city than an eye doctor.


  • Get help if you need it. If you think you need to see a doctor, you probably do. Consult the local phone book or internet and search for eye doctors in the area. Or ask friends or family in the area (if applicable) who they recommend. You will most likely be able to find one that accepts your insurance and can see you quickly to solve your problem. If you feel you have a true emergency, go to the local emergency room or urgent care clinic. Don’t put it off until you get home, as time may be of the essence. For example, a retinal detachment is a true medical eye emergency that needs urgent attention. The longer you wait, the better the chances are for an undesirable outcome.

Source:

Cullom, R. Douglas, Benjamin Chang. The Wills Eye Manual, Office and Emergency Room Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease, Second Edition, Copyright 1994 by JB Lippincott Company. Pp 97-102.

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