Love to travel -- and wearing contact lenses? Some special precautions are in order says backpacking Los Angeles opthalmologist Dr. Paul Donzis.
He says contact lens wearers are especially susceptible to corneal infections, which can cause blindness, especially when visiting destinations where they can't gain immediate access to medical care. He recommends a pre-travel eye examination to educate contact lens wearers on how to identify and manage potential corneal-related problems when traveling
That includes packing an emergency medical kit that includes solutions, drops, antibiotics, extra glasses and spare contact lenses, Donzis says.
Warning signs of bacterial eye infection include redness, a burning or itching sensation, discharge, pain or headache. Doznis recommends also having at hand a list of emergency medical resources in the United States and abroad.
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