Planning a summer get-away? Here are some tips for glaucoma patients and others traveling with medications.
-Start your trip with new refills of your glaucoma medications. Be sure to pack a sufficient supply of each. Talk to your doctor in advance about extra prescriptions, just to be safe.
-Make a list of all your medications, noting each prescription dosage, the medication's trade name as well as its generic name - especially important if you are traveling abroad.
-Many doctors recommend adapting your medication schedule to the local time at your destination and not worrying about a missed dosage because you are crossing several time zones. Ask your doctor to be sure.
-For air travel, pack eye drops, with other liquids and gels, in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag in 3-ounce or smaller containers. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations now permit carry-on of unlimited quantities of medications on commercial aircraft in the US. But if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you must declare these items for inspection to one of the officers at the security checkpoint.
-To simplify your medication regiment while traveling, set an alarm on your cellular phone, watch or travel alarm clock to remind you when to take your daily doses.
-Carry medications with you on an airplane instead of storing them in your checked luggage, which can be lost. Because air in the cabin can become dry, artificial tears may be helpful for use on a long flight.
-If you are traveling by car, do not store medications in the trunk. Keep them in the car with you, but not for extended periods. Store all medications in a dark, cool area, for example, among or inside clothing.
Share your travel tips with The Glaucoma Foundation (email kzmuda@glaucomafoundation.org).