A move abroad usually comes with a long checklist: housing, work, visas, and paperwork. Soon after, you will be faced with a new climate, different light conditions, and a new way of life. What many expatriates overlook, however, is the impact relocation can have on eye health. And yet, something as simple as an eye infection or conjunctivitis can quickly affect daily life overseas.
We always advise our readers to undergo a full health check before moving abroad, and an eye exam should be part of that process. Its purpose is to detect vision problems such as myopia or astigmatism, as well as to screen for potential eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma.
If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, this check-up is nothing new. Use the appointment to confirm that your prescription is up to date and to renew your glasses or lenses if needed. Depending on your destination, you may also want to consider lenses adapted to local conditions, such as tinted lenses, anti-reflective coatings, or UV filters.
Even if you do not have any known vision problems, seeing an ophthalmologist before you leave can give you peace of mind.
Several environmental factors can affect eye health during your stay overseas.
Sun exposure and UV radiation
Spending long periods in the sun, especially in very sunny regions, likely increases the risk of eye problems.
In the short term, expats may develop photokeratitis, often described as a “sunburn of the eyes,” caused by UV exposure. Tropical and equatorial regions are not the only places where this can occur. High-altitude areas and polar environments also pose a risk. Beyond photokeratitis, sun and UV exposure can cause discomfort and symptoms such as conjunctivitis, light sensitivity, and excessive tearing.
In the long term, prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of cataracts, pterygium (an abnormal growth of tissue on the conjunctiva), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (source).
A few simple preventive measures can significantly reduce these risks. For instance, you can wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection (UV 400), use a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid prolonged sun exposure without proper protection. People who work outdoors, such as farmers, construction workers, and fruit pickers, are particularly at risk of eye-related conditions.
Pollution and air quality
Living in a polluted city can also affect your eye health. Outdoor air pollution can irritate the eyes, leading to conjunctivitis, dryness, and inflammation. Risks are present indoors as well, due to air conditioning, dust, and fine particles, as highlighted by experts. Choosing a healthy, well-ventilated home and maintaining good hygiene are, therefore, essential for expats.
While working outdoors can strain the eyes, office-based work comes with its own challenges. Spending long hours in front of screens can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and even computer vision syndrome.
Fortunately, simple habits can help. One well-known technique is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (approximately 6 metres) away for 20 seconds. Other helpful practices include using blue-light filters, blinking regularly, and practising eye yoga.
Identifying a reliable ophthalmologist is an important step in protecting your eye health while living abroad. It is also wise to know which specialists or eye care centres can handle emergencies.
Although rare, retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical treatment. Symptoms such as the sudden appearance of floaters or a dark curtain at the edge of your field of vision should prompt you to see an ophthalmologist the same day, without wasting time searching for a professional.
Whether for an emergency, a routine check-up, or renewing glasses or contact lenses, eye care can be expensive (averaging USD 136 per consultation in the United States). This is why taking out international health insurance is essential.
How can you improve eye health and protect your vision when living in a foreign country?
Here are a few practical tips to keep your eyes healthy:
Schedule regular eye check-ups.
Protect your eyes from UV rays and pollution.
Follow a diet rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
Maintain good screen habits.
Do not neglect your eye health when living abroad. A pre-departure check-up combined with healthy daily habits will go a long way in preserving your vision during your stay.
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