Eye care tips you should know while hiking

1. Wear UV-protective sunglasses

Are you squinting your eyes while hiking? Why not invest in a pair of UV-protective sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful rays of the sun! When buying sunglasses, ensure they offer full coverage from the sun's UV rays. Sunglasses with polarised lenses are a good choice because they reduce glare, improve visibility and reduce eye strain. Polarised lenses filter out horizontal light waves that cause glare, providing clearer and more comfortable vision. This feature is particularly beneficial for activities like hiking, where glare from water bodies or rocky terrain can be challenging.

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2. Wear hats or visors

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or visor, in addition to sunglasses, can provide extra protection against the scorching heat. Hats with a brim of at least 3 inches can significantly reduce the amount of UV exposure to the eyes and face. They also help reduce glare, making it easier to see in bright conditions. When choosing a hat, choose from breathable materials to stay comfortable while hiking.

3. Stay safe from dust and debris with protective eyewear

Hiking trails can be dusty and the wind can carry sand, dirt and other particles that may irritate the eyes.

Wraparound sunglasses are ideal for shielding the eyes from such elements. These types of eyewear provide a secure fit and prevent dust and debris from entering the eyes from the sides. Browse through our range of wrap-around style sunglasses from popular brands at accessible prices.

If you wear prescription glasses, consider getting prescription sunglasses to ensure you have clear vision while protecting your eyes from the sun's rays.

4. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is very important for your overall health, including the health of your eyes. Drinking enough water helps your eyes stay moist and reduces the risk of dry eyes and irritation. Remember to carry water and drink regularly, especially when it's hot outside. Dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms, so staying hydrated is important, especially during outdoor activities.

5. Manage sun exposure while hiking

There are two golden tips to steer clear through excessive sun rays while you are on a hike:

i. Avoid peak hours

Sun rays are the most intense between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. You can reduce the risk of any eye conditions caused by UV rays by limiting your time in the sun during these hours. If you plan to hike, it's best to go early or late in the afternoon when the sun is not as intense. If you do hike during peak hours, take frequent breaks in shaded areas to rest your eyes.

ii. Use a sunscreen

Apply sunscreen around your eyes to protect the delicate skin from sun damage. Choose a facial sunscreen that is safe for use around the eyes and take care to avoid getting it in your eyes. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from sunburn and reduces the risk of skin conditions.

7. Manage allergies while hiking or outdoors

When hiking or outdoors, allergens can make your eyes feel dry, itchy, watery, or irritated.

At Feel Good Contacts, you can shop for a pocket-sized Optase Allergy Eye Drops. These drops give instant relief for eye irritation, itching, and excessive tearing. Suitable for contact lens wearers, these drops are phosphate-free and do not contain preservatives.

Consult your healthcare provider who would suggest you the best eye drops online suitable for your conditions.

Avoid places with a lot of pollen or other allergens to reduce allergy symptoms. Check the pollen forecast before your hike and choose trails with lower allergen levels.

8. Prioritise first-aid for emergency during a hike

Understanding basic first aid is important when you are hiking in remote areas where medical help may not be immediately available. Always carry a small first aid kit, including essential items like crepe bandage, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, gloves. Additionally, the kit should contain lubricating eye drops, a sterile eye wash solution and a clean cloth or gauze.



If you experience an eye injury or irritation, avoid rubbing the eyes and use the sterile eye wash solution to rinse any foreign objects. If the condition worsens or does not improve, seek professional medical help immediately.

Expert insights

Say hello to our in-house optician. In this video, Khuram Sarwar, Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts, shares some valuable eye care tips for hiking.

Disclaimer: The advice and suggestions in this blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical care. Before trying any products or remedies, consult with an eye care professional. See our Editorial Policy for details on how we review our blog.