How to Build an Emergency Vision Kit Ahead of Peak Louisiana Hurricane Season

Hurricane preparedness in Louisiana usually centers on food, water, medications, flashlights, and evacuation plans. Your vision needs deserve a place on that checklist, too. For families in Metairie, having an emergency vision kit ready can make it easier to see clearly and care for your eyes if a storm causes power outages, travel delays, or temporary disruptions to local services.
 

At Louisiana Eye Doctors, we encourage patients to prepare their eyewear and eye care essentials before severe weather arrives rather than trying to gather them during an evacuation.
 

What to Include in Your Emergency Vision Kit

Your emergency vision kit does not need to be complicated. Keep essential items together in a waterproof or water-resistant container that is easy to add to your hurricane supplies.
 

Consider including:

• Your current prescription glasses and a backup pair
• Extra prescription contact lenses if you wear them
• Contact lens solution and a clean storage case
• Any prescription eye drops or eye medications you regularly use
• Lubricating eye drops recommended for you
• A copy of your current glasses or contact lens prescription
• Your eye doctor's contact information
• Protective eyewear or safety glasses for storm cleanup
• A small flashlight to help with medications and contact lens handling during outages

Check expiration dates and replace old supplies as part of your regular hurricane preparation routine.
 

Contact Lens Safety During Hurricanes

Contact lens wearers in Metairie should take a few additional precautions during hurricane season. Clean water may be limited during or after a storm, and floodwater can contain bacteria and other contaminants.
 

Never rinse or store contact lenses in tap, bottled, flood, or other non-sterile water. Use proper contact lens disinfecting solution and wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling your lenses whenever safe, clean water is available. Keeping a current pair of glasses in your emergency kit also gives you an alternative if wearing contacts becomes impractical.
 

If your lenses are exposed to questionable water or your eyes become red, painful, irritated, or sensitive to light, remove your contacts and seek professional eye care.
 

Make Sure Your Prescription Is Up to Date

An old backup pair of glasses may not be much help if the prescription no longer provides clear vision. Before peak hurricane conditions affect Louisiana, check that your primary and backup eyewear still meet your needs.
 

A comprehensive eye exam can confirm whether your prescription has changed and also gives us an opportunity to evaluate your overall eye health. This can be particularly helpful if you depend on corrective lenses for driving, reading, work, or safely navigating unfamiliar surroundings during an evacuation.
 

Know What Requires Urgent Eye Care

Storm cleanup can expose the eyes to dust, debris, branches, chemicals, and contaminated water. Sudden vision loss, significant eye pain, a serious eye injury, or persistent redness and irritation should not be ignored.
 

Louisiana Eye Doctors accepts eye emergencies as well as scheduled appointments, so knowing where to turn for professional eye care should be part of your family's hurricane plan.
 

Before the next Louisiana storm approaches, make sure your vision essentials are ready. Contact Louisiana Eye Doctors in Metairie, LA, at our LensCrafters Food Court - Lakeside Mall location by calling (504) 465-0444 to schedule your eye exam and prepare your eyewear for hurricane season.