How Regular Eye Exams Can Be the Best Holiday Gift for Your Vision
During the holiday season, it’s natural to focus on others rather than on yourself. However, it’s essential to prioritize your health. One of the best gifts you can give yourself – and share with others – is the gift of retinal health. The retina plays a crucial role in our vision, so it's important to schedule regular eye exams.
Common Retinal Diseases Diagnosed During Routine Eye Exams
Many retinal diseases advance without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. By the time patients begin to experience symptoms, there may be considerable and often irreversible damage to the retina. Therefore, routine eye exams are essential for detecting retinal diseases early, before they worsen. Common conditions diagnosed during routine eye exams include:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): A retinal condition common in older adults that affects central vision, making reading and recognizing faces challenging.
- Diabetic retinopathy: A diabetic retinal condition marked by damaged blood vessels that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated.
- Retinal tears and detachments: Tears can form in the retina, creating a risk of retinal detachment and severe vision loss.
How to Encourage Loved Ones to Prioritize Retinal Health
If you’re spending time with loved ones this holiday season, encourage them to prioritize their retinal health. In addition to recommending scheduling an eye exam, other tips to share include:
- The 20-20-20 rule: If family members often use computers or phones, share the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
- Using protective eyewear: Teach your family to choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect their eyes from harmful radiation and reduce the risk of developing eye problems later on.
- Eating a balanced diet: Make it a family goal to incorporate foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids into your meals to support vision.
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist Today
We give a lot of gifts during the holidays, so why not give ourselves something too? Retinal health is extremely important, and taking care of your vision starts with a comprehensive eye exam. At Southeastern Retina Associates, we effectively diagnose and treat a wide variety of retinal conditions. Schedule an appointment with your regular eye doctor and they may refer you to one of (linkhttps://www.southeasternretina.com/finder#location text: our offices). We see patients in Chattanooga, Knoxville, the Tri-Cities, and more.
