If you are like most of us, the beginning of the year is a great time to reflect on the past year and create new goals for the upcoming year. 2020 is the year of vision and eye health awareness! This year, add a goal or two focusing on your eyes. Here are 5 goals to consider for 2020:
1. Get back on the wagon!
If time got away from you last year and you missed your annual eye health exam, get back on track this year. The American Optometric Association recommends a full eye health exam every year. Schedule yours now and pre-appoint next year’s on your way out to make sure you’re getting checked every year!
2. Add to your glasses arsenal!
You wouldn’t just wear the same shirt and pants every day, would you? Having options of glasses to choose from gives you the freedom to change up your look easily. Consider different shapes and colors for different occasions. Also, maybe make this the year you get those prescription sunglasses you have been considering for the past few years. Optimize your work environment by adding a pair of occupation-specific glasses.
3. Try contacts, again!
Contact lens technology continues to improve tremendously every year. Two of the biggest misconceptions of glasses wearers is that there are no options out there for their specific prescriptions, or that contacts weren’t comfortable years ago when they tried them so they wouldn’t be comfortable now. We now have great options for all prescriptions. The newest technologies have managed to incorporate water in contact lenses for dry eye patients at such a high percentage that they can even increase lubrication to the eye! If you have been told you can’t wear contacts or you didn’t like them the first time you tried, make this the year you give them another chance!
4. Refresh your eye hygiene!
When was the last time you threw away your contact lens case? If the case is old or feels slimy it is time to start over. Get a new, clean case. Also, throw out of your old eyeliner and mascara and start fresh this year. These items harbor infectious bacteria and need to be replaced periodically. Break the habit of over-wearing your contact lenses now. If you are in a lenses approved to wear longer than a day set a reminder in your smartphone to go off every time your due to change your lenses.
5. Take better care of your eyes!
The sense of sight is often taken for granted. Eyes are an extension of the central nervous system and are loaded with tiny intricacies that all function together perfectly resulting is sight. Be sure to protect this fragile gift! Start by eating healthy. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, green leafy vegetables, yellow-orange fruits and vegetables all provide nutrients to help maximize eye health. Wear your sunglasses outside. You may not feel light sensitive or that you need sunglasses like others around you, but the ultraviolet light emitted by the sun harms your eyes as much as your counterpart! Be sure to purchase a quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection and anti-reflective coating to protect the skin around your eyes. If you play sports or work in an environment that puts your eyes at risk be sure to use proper safety goggles or glasses.
