According to Reuters, a record 72.2M Americans hit the road and skies this past 4th of July weekend, continuing a busy summer travel season. With destinations set, transportation booked and accommodations secured, there’s one critical detail left: what to pack, especially for those suffering from photophobia. Light sensitivity can make even the most exciting vacation feel daunting, but traveling does not have to mean retreating into the dark.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIALIZED PACKING
Photophobia can be triggered by sunlight, artificial lighting, glare from screens, and even changes in humidity or air pressure. These triggers are common during travel—whether sightseeing, navigating airports, or relaxing. Packing lists like REI’s 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule and Rick Steve’s packing tips work well for general travel, but those with photophobia need a specialized approach. With the right preparation and packing list, photophobia symptoms can be managed while exploring beyond the comfort of home.
Tinted lenses. The top priority for anyone traveling with photophobia should be a pair of glasses with tinted or photochromic (aka transitions) lenses. Options like FL-41 lenses and blue light blocking glasses filter out specific wavelengths of light, significantly reducing photophobia symptoms by blocking harsh light. These lenses are beneficial for people with achromatopsia, glaucoma, migraines, aniridia, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal disorders. People who wear tinted lenses report improvements in comfort, reduced glare and better tolerance to light. Make sure to take the light sensitivity quiz below to find and order the right sunglasses for light sensitivity. Choose lenses that block specific wavelengths and test them before your trip.
Non-glare screen filters. During travel, it will be almost impossible to avoid glancing at a phone, tablet or computer screen for tasks like checking GPS, scanning boarding passes, or scrolling through social media. While adjusting device background color, decreasing screen brightness, or switching to dark mode can help, adding a non-glare filter provides an extra layer of protection. These filters can significantly reduce eye strain and discomfort, and can easily be found at local drugstores or big-box retailers.
Map printouts (on off-white paper). Does anyone remember MapQuest? Building off the idea of glare from digital screens, go retro and print out maps and directions before leaving. According to the Perkins School for the Blind, bright white paper and bright screens can both cause glare and eye strain for people with low vision or light sensitivity. Printing materials on off-white, light blue, or light yellow paper can improve readability and comfort. Experimenting with different paper colors can make reading easier and less fatiguing for individuals with low vision or photophobia. Besides eliminating some causes of light sensitivity, map printouts are a good analog backup in case of a dying phone battery or loss of cell phone signal.
Hats with brims or visors. Reducing the amount of peripheral light, especially coming in overhead, will decrease glare and prevent direct sunlight from reaching your eyes. To supplement UV-protected or polarized sunglasses, wearing a hat will make outdoor activities much more enjoyable.
Eye masks. A comfortable eye mask is invaluable for getting some shut eye on flights, on the road (for passenger princesses), or on hotel stays with inadequate blackout curtains and harsh indoor lighting. This simple item can help those with photophobia get restorative rest, even in bright environments.
Portable blackout curtains. Sometimes the curtains in any vacation accommodation are inadequate for light-sensitive travelers. Prevent harsh morning sunlight or bright streetlights from penetrating your sanctuary by bringing your own blackout curtains. They can transform any space into a comfortable retreat. They come in a variety of installation formats, from suction cup, to magnetic as well as adhesive strips. For light travel, some portable blackout curtains weigh under two pounds and compress to the size of a small toiletry bag.
Portable parasols. These are often sold with UV-blocking properties, blocking up to 77–100% of harmful UV rays and significantly reduce the intensity of sunlight. They create a cooler, shaded area, reducing eye strain and discomfort caused by glare and direct light—critical for photophobia sufferers. They provide instant shade while out and about, especially in destinations with limited cover.
Eye drops. Travel often means exposure to dry air in airplane cabins, air-conditioned buses, or windy outdoor environments. Lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, replenish moisture, relieve dryness, and help maintain the eye’s natural protective layer. This reduces the scratchy, burning sensation that can worsen light sensitivity.
Even with the right packing essentials, there are some general dos and don’ts of traveling with photophobia:
DO
-Stay hydrated throughout travels
-Adjust device settings like lowering screen brightness and increasing font size
-Take breaks in shaded or dim areas to rest your eyes
-Consider traveling when natural light is gentler (early morning or evening)
DON’T
-Fly 2-6 weeks after eye surgery, especially if intraocular gas has been instilled such as sulphur hexafluoride SF6 or or perfluoropropane C3F8 (as per Journal of Travel Medicine)
-Use sunglasses indoors for prevention, as this can worsen light adaptation issue
-Ignore changes in your vision—seek medical attention if you notice sudden pain or vision loss
FINAL THOUGHTS
Traveling with photophobia requires a bit more planning, but it’s possible to enjoy new places and new experiences. With thoughtful preparation, those traveling with light sensitivity can confidently explore the world—no matter how bright it gets.
