New Year’s Resolution: Eye Edition

All of us at Weber Vision Care hope you are having a happy and healthy holiday season. With the New Year right around the corner, here are some New Year’s Eye Resolutions we hope you can keep in 2022.

1. Schedule an annual eye exam for 2022

The last two years have been a blur, but we hope everyone gets back in the rhythm with annual eye exams. Certain eye conditions, like glaucoma, can go quietly unnoticed until permanent vision loss occurs. Preventative, routine eye care is the best way to protect your eyes.

Don’t forget about scheduling appointments for your kids too! The American Optometric Association recommends the first eye exam between 6 to 12 months of age. If there is a low risk of developing eye or vision problems, the child should be seen again at least once between 3 to 5 years of age, before first grade, and annually thereafter. If the child is at a high risk for developing eye or vision problems, the eye doctor will determine the appropriate follow-up time based on the situation.

2. Get back on track with a nutritious and balanced diet

We’ve all had an extra cookie (or two or three) this holiday season. An occasional treat is fine in moderation, but now it is time to shed those extra pounds and get healthy. Our eyes need a variety of nutrients that can usually be obtained through a balanced diet. Some important components include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids in fish and nuts
• Antioxidants in dark leafy greens and blueberries
• Vitamin C in citrus fruits and berries

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to convert sugar into energy. This leads to an increased amount of sugar in the blood that damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to a host of vision problems.

3. Dispose contact lenses as directed

“Dailies” or daily disposable contacts should be thrown away every single day, whereas a biweekly lens is disposed after 14 days, and a monthly lens is disposed after 30 days from when the package is opened. Both over-wearing and sleeping in contact lenses increases the chance of an eye infection. It is also important to use fresh solution every day, and do not use tap water or saliva to clean the lenses. Contact lenses can turn into germ magnets that can transfer bacteria straight to the eye upon wearing the lenses.

4. Take a break from digital devices

Yes, you’ve heard it over and over again these last two years, but it’s true – our eyes are hurting from all the computer and cell phone usage. When it’s not possible to get away from the computer, follow the 20-20-20 Rule to break up the constant staring competition between you and your screen. Computer vision syndrome is the major culprit for causing dry eyes, fluctuating vision, eye strain, and headaches. Fortunately most schools have decreased the amount of computer work for children, however, it is also important to limit the time kids spend playing games on the tablet and computer.