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Eyesight is an essential factor to consider when it comes to road safety. According to ROSPA, upwards of 176 road collisions listed “uncorrected, defective eyesight” as one of the primary contributing factors.
Recently, as part of a campaign to improve nationwide road safety, a police-led eyesight campaign now sees drivers being pulled over for compulsory roadside vision tests. Those who fail these screenings can face fines of up to £1,000, penalty points, and even have their driver’s licence revocated.
On a road trip, it is important to consider that you’ll be spending extended periods driving. However, it’s even more vital to take these risks seriously. Otherwise, you could endanger yourself, your companions, and other motorists. So, while you prepare your itinerary for your next adventure, here’s a handy one on eye care that’ll help ensure you’re comfortable and confident with your vision at every stage of your journey.
Have your Eyesight Checked on a Regular Basis
Before you even hit the road, do yourself and your group a favour and have your eyes checked. Eye Health UK reported that up to 19 million Brits regularly miss routine eye screenings. Furthermore, 36% of respondents admitted they’d not undergone vision screenings in two years. This is dangerous because many vision-related conditions, like glaucoma, are often only diagnosed through professional tests. If left untreated, irreversible vision loss can occur, which can naturally affect how well you can perform at the wheel.
The good news is that eye tests are more accessible than ever. Aside from tests that the NHS can cover for free among partner healthcare providers, a number of optical care chains now offer affordable options. For instance, Specsavers offers both free (for those who have national insurance) and budget-friendly tests that can be booked online. In just 20 minutes, these tests can reveal the state of your vision and lead you to the appropriate treatments that can ensure you’re safe and able on your road trip.
Wear Sunglasses While Driving
Now, regardless of your eyesight, appropriate sun protection should be a non-negotiable. Even inside your vehicle, the sun’s radiation is strong enough to penetrate the eyes during the summer months. This can result in a variety of issues, both immediate and long-term. In as little as 60 seconds, you can develop issues like corneal sunburn.
Meanwhile, if you’re an avid road-tripper who has clocked in a significant amount of hours under the sun, you can increase your risk of developing chronic diseases such as cataracts. That being said, you should wear sunglasses with the right lens coatings. For example, premium brands like Ray-Ban offer UV400 protection, meaning they can block up to 100% of harmful rays. Alternatively, if you have a refractive error, invest in some quality prescription sunglasses.
Prescription sunglasses are available at retailers such as Vision Express, and these types of sunglasses come in different styles to suit your personal preference. This includes everything from classic aviators from O’Neill to oversized cat-eyes from Prada. They ensure vision correction and protection, so it helps keep your eyes safe both for this current trip and any future ones you’ll want to take with your family and friends.
Make Sure to Pack Corrective Eyewear
According to a recent Optical Express survey, most Brits say that packing their corrective eyewear on trips is a hassle. This doesn’t have to be the case as long as you prepare what you need accordingly. This means that aside from packing your usual pairs, you’ll need to think ahead and bring backups. By doing this, you can rest assured that you won’t have to miss out on any activities for fear of breaking or damaging your eyewear. At the same time, this will prevent you from shelling out on any sudden expenses on replacements while on your trip.
In terms of glasses, you could get more budget-friendly backup pairs from brands like Seen, which offer affordable styles. For contact lenses, you can also opt for dailies, like the ones from Acuvue because they come in pre-packed sets. This eliminates the need to pack extra things, such as contact lens solutions.
If you need reminding about what backups to bring, please consider one of our printable road trip checklists. The list includes glasses, which will ensure that you make the most of your road trip.
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