Setting healthy habits and intentions should make you feel good — that’s the whole point, right? So, consider this twist on the standard goal format: opt for a few, small lifestyle wins with clear start and end points rather than mounting an all-out assault on your current habits — more goal-lite if you will.
“One goal that checks all the boxes is getting an eye exam,” says Dr. Jennifer Chinn, VSP network doctor.
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 a Long Time: You can be certain that unlike most goals 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.
You don’t need 20/20 vision to see that the case for an eye exam is clear. Make this the year you commit to an annual trip to the eye doctor. (StatePoint)
