Seeking to make a new year’s resolution regarding health? Don’t overlook your eyes

December 23, 2019 6

(StatePoint) — The most ambitious time of year is upon us: the time to set New Year’s resolutions.

All the parties have been hosted, the marshmallows have been toasted and you’ve binged on your new favorite TV show the entire month of December. Now you’re asking yourself, “What do I want to accomplish this year?” A New Year’s resolution is, for all intents and purposes, a good thing. Now consider this twist on the standard resolution format: opt for a few, small, lifestyle wins rather than mounting an all-out assault on your current habits – more resolution-lite if you will. Choose resolutions that have clear start and endpoints, and that are attainable for you. Most of all, resolutions should make you feel good – that’s the whole point, right?

“A resolution that checks all the boxes is to get an eye exam,” says VSP network doctor, Jennifer Chinn.

If you have loved ones in mind, bring them. Their eyes will thank you.

Here’s why:

It’s easy

With a comprehensive eye exam, there’s no uncomfortable warm-up, pep talk or preparation period. Making an appointment is easy: you simply show up and your eye doctor tests different aspects of your vision and eye health. Save the maximum effort for a goal further down your list, knowing an eye exam is a small investment of energy that reaps huge health rewards.

It doesn’t take all year

You can be certain that unlike most resolutions where some level of delayed gratification is the motivator, a comprehensive eye exam provides immediate results.

“All within your visit, you’ll learn the shape your vision is in, and, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, whether your prescription has changed,” Dr. Chinn says.

It’s really healthy

Beyond ensuring great vision, an eye exam offers an incredible look into your overall health. In fact, an eye exam is often the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your health.

During your visit, the eye doctor will examine your eyes to check their visual acuity (or how clearly you see), and for any signs of eye conditions like dry eyes, digital eye strain, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

“More significantly, a comprehensive eye exam gives eye doctors an unobstructed view of the eyes’ blood vessels and optic nerves, both of which can give away signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and even some cancers years before a person shows symptoms,” notes Dr. Chinn.

Unfortunately, many outward signals of diseases and conditions don’t appear until some damage has occurred, making eye exams powerful, preventative tools to keep tabs on what’s quietly happening in your body.

To find an eye doctor near you, visit www.vsp.com/eye-doctor.

You don’t need 20/20 vision to see that the case for a 2020 eye exam is clear. Make this the year you commit to an annual trip to the eye doctor.