Ocular diseases remain a significant health burden, with more than 280 million reported cases of ocular diseases worldwide, as per the world health organization (WHO). Ocular diseases are spread among a wide age group, though it is more prevalent in the elderly. Despite the increased prevalence of eye diseases, most patients remain undiagnosed as they are asymptomatic until the advanced stage of the condition. Travelers are no exception in getting eye diseases during trips.
What Are the Various Risk Factors Associated With Eye Diseases Among Travelers?
Several factors contribute to increasing the risk of contracting eye diseases by travelers. The risk factors causing eye lesions are:
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Exposure to dry air in planes, desert climates, or air-conditioned rooms.
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Direct sunlight exposure.
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Exposure to salty or chlorinated water in the swimming pool, beaches, baths, etc.
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Exposure to various etiological agents like viruses, dust, bacteria, allergens, etc.
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Subjection to extreme weather conditions.
Which Eye Diseases Are More Prevalent in Travelers?
The most common eye disease in travelers is conjunctivitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the eyelid). Conjunctivitis may be cosmopolitan (allergic, bacterial, or viral) or tropical (arboviral infections).
The other ocular conditions which travelers frequently encounter are:
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Dry eyes syndrome.
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Excessive production of tears.
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Inflamed eyes.
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Trauma to the eye.
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Keratitis.
What Are the Clinical Presentations of the Various Eye Diseases Encountered by Travelers?
Patients suffering from various eye lesions present with different clinical presentations.
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Dry eyes are the most common eye condition encountered by travelers due to exposure to air-conditioning, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and chronic use of topical anti-inflammatory drugs. It manifests as drying of the eyes with the presence of constant irritation sensation in the eyes.
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Watery eyes are accompanied by pain, redness, and swelling.
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Inflammatory conditions affecting the eyes may be endogenous or acquired by several causative factors, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The most common inflammatory conditions of the eyes are conjunctivitis and keratitis.
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A foreign body sensation in the eyes along with redness and swelling.
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The presence of trauma to the eyes.
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Damage to the retina in diabetic patients.
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Retinal bleeding is common in mountain climbers.
What Are the Diseases of the Eye That Are Specific to Hot Climatic Conditions?
A hot and humid climate leads to the development of several eye lesions. The common eye lesions of the tropical and subtropical regions are:
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Onchocerciasis. It is caused by the Onchocerca volvulus parasite and manifests as inflammation of the conjunctiva, anterior chamber, and keratitis.
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Loiasis. Loa loa parasite causes loiasis, in which conjunctivitis and a foreign body are present.
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Gnathostomiasis. It also shows the presence of conjunctivitis.
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Trypanosomosis. It is mostly seen in Africa and manifests clinically as swelling of the eyelids.
How to Take Care of the Eyes in a Tropical Climate?
Any ocular condition with severe manifestations requires consultation with the ophthalmologist or primary care physician at the earliest. People with pre-existing ocular problems should take precautions while traveling. The following steps should be followed while traveling to a tropical region:
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Carry an extra pair of glasses, sunglasses, and lenses while traveling.
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Mild cases do not require immediate medical help. However, severe cases need to be immediately shown to an expert.
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Infectious conditions mostly require a topical antibiotic application in the form of eye drops, ointments, or suspension.
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Antiinflammatory drugs are administered intralesionally at the region of inflammation by the specialist.
Does Only Hot and Tropical Weather Cause Eye Problems?
Even though tropical and subtropical climates are most commonly linked to eye problems, colder climates also cause eye lesions.
What Are the Eye Problems Seen in Patients Traveling to Colder Climates?
People traveling to colder climatic conditions need to take care of their eyes against the following eye problems:
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Dryness of the eyes.
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Excessive tearing is seen due to exposure to the chilly winds or seasonal allergies.
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The eyes become more sensitive to light. Patients also complain of more blinking and discomfort. This is attributed to more light reaching the eyes after reflecting from the snow surface.
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Redness of the eyes.
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Tenderness.
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Inflammation of the eyes.
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Swollen eyelids.
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Changes in vision are seen due to a decrease in moisture content in the eyes, along with an increase in the amount of light entering the eyes.
How to Manage Eyes in Colder Climate?
The following measures can manage the eye conditions occurring in winter:
The dryness of the eyes can be minimized by using artificial tears and keeping the surrounding humidified and warm.
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Runny eyes, if it is caused by an allergen, can be managed with over-the-counter topical anti-allergens.
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Sensitivity of the eyes can be prevented by using ultraviolet radiation protective goggles or sunglasses.
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Redness and inflammation of the eyes are managed best by using topical anti-inflammatory agents, cold compress, and pain medications.
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Disturbances in vision in the cold regions are controlled by using artificial tears, moving to warm conditions, and keeping the eyes' moisture intact.
What Should Be Done by Glass Wearers While Traveling?
People who wear glasses should be extra cautious while traveling. A few precautionary steps that help people with glasses are:
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Always pack an extra glass of eyewear while traveling.
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Always carry a copy of the prescription from the specialist.
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Visit an ophthalmologist before travel.
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Always consult a specialist in case of emergency while traveling.
When to Visit an Ophthalmologist Immediately?
It is crucial for the patients not to wait to return home before consulting a specialist. Immediate ophthalmologist consultation is necessary for the following conditions:
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Severe pain in the eye.
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Redness and pain in the eyes.
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Distortion in vision.
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Ulceration in the eyes.
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Uncontrolled tearing of the eyes.
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Retinal detachment and bleeding.
How to Take Care of the Eyes While Flying?
Flying can change air pressure and can cause dryness of the eyes, formation of bubbles inside the eyes, increase intraocular pressure, and cause serious damage to the eyes, thus leading to defective vision.
People can follow a few simple measures to avoid dryness of the eyes while flying -
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Avoid wearing contact lenses for long hours.
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Keep an extra pair of glasses when traveling.
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Turn off the air-conditioner.
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Use lubricating agents.
How to Care for the Contact Lenses While Traveling?
A few general guidelines that can be followed by contact wearers while traveling include:
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Avoid wearing contact lenses while traveling long distances.
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Removal of lenses is beneficial while flying.
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Regular moisturizing of the eyes.
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Lens wearers going to a sunny destination should use adequate ultraviolet protection or sunglasses.
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Removal of lenses while swimming helps prevent infection.
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Always keep an extra lens solution and avoid cleaning the lens with water.
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The lens should be properly stored. The use of disposable lenses is preferred while traveling to tropical and subtropical regions to avoid infection.
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Always carry an extra pair of lenses in a clean, transparent plastic bag with a seal while flying in a plane.
Conclusion
Ocular diseases are the most frequently occurring condition in travelers. Although mild eye lesions can be managed with over-the-counter medications, serious conditions require immediate consultation with a specialist. It is crucial for people to follow a few eye care tips while traveling to avoid any complications.