It’s nearly the end of the year, and you know what the New Year means: resolutions. From healthier eating to taking more exercise, from reading more books to learning a new language, this is the time of year when we make pledges to ourselves to be better, be braver, and live healthier.

But while we’re busy making lists of all the ways we’re going to be stricter with ourselves and crack the mental whip, it is essential to remember that there are some straightforward steps that we can take to be kinder to ourselves in 2023. To take a look at some of the bad habits that are causing us constant irritation, make a promise to ourselves that will make our lives a little easier, and allow ourselves to make a change that is just for us. Now, we are not saying that you shouldn’t decide to learn Japanese or run six marathons, but we do have some ideas for how you can be kinder to your eyes this coming year.

Check Your Screen Time

No one is playing the blame game here. With the world the way it is at the moment, we have all been glued to our mobile devices scrolling for the latest updates and keeping up with friends, and we have definitely all been sat on the couch watching endless different shows on streaming. However, while the pandemic’s difficult circumstances have meant that we have all spent far too long on our smartphones this year, we can’t ignore the fact that it has taken a toll. Staring at a smartphone screen for too long will dry out your eyes, and it can cause headaches and even blurred vision.

So, rather than doing anything drastic like swearing off social media, think about the small ways that you can introduce a break in your screen time, put down your device, and walk away for a while. If you find your eyes are getting irritated, consider using eye drops or investing in a blue light restricting coating on your glasses that will reduce the impact your eyes take on. One more thing: always wear your glasses to cut down on the straining your eyes will be doing during this time.

Make That Appointment

It’s easy to let these things slide. We’ve all been found ourselves struggling to make things out through our glasses, complained, but decided to let it slide for now because dealing with it seems like less hassle than going to get a new lens prescription. Well, you may be saving yourself time out of the house, but what you’re doing is punishing yourself.

Why keep putting yourself through worse and worse levels of eye strain and the headaches that come with it when you can make an appointment for an eye test and get the eyeglasses or contact lenses you need? At Jackson Davenport, customers are given personalized eye care from a business that has 50 years of experience, and you can rest assured that an eye exam is quick, easy, and painless.

Getting your eyes checked regularly is an excellent habit to get into, and the American Optometrist Association suggests that you should be making an appointment for a check-up at least once every two years. This especially vital if your job requires you to sit staring at a computer all day. If you are over 60 or suffer from a condition like diabetes, regular eye tests are vital as your vision can change quickly. Stop putting it off and schedule an eye exam today.

Consider Contact Lenses

Have you been thinking about making a change with your glasses? Have you been meaning to make the switch to contact lenses but find yourself delaying because life keeps getting in the way? Maybe you have some worries about what using contact lenses involve? Well, the new year is the perfect nudge you need to make an appointment with your eye doctor.

They will be able to give you all the information you need about whether or not contact lenses are right for you. They will evaluate your eyes to ascertain your specific requirements, and they can offer you a trial run to make sure you’re happy with the results.

Switching from glasses to contact lenses can have a substantial positive impact on your day-to-day life. You can lead a more active lifestyle and not have to worry about where you’ve left your glasses case, it will improve your field of vision, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in comfort.

Invest In Better Sunglasses

OK, so maybe the winter isn’t when you would typically be thinking about upgrading your summer items, but as long as you’re planning, why not take a positive step and find the sunglasses that are right for you? We don’t have to tell you that summer in Summerville, South Carolina, comes on strong, and there are several factors you may not have thought of that can negatively affect your eyes if you don’t have the right eye care.

If you’re still wearing that pair of sunglasses that you bought off the rack in the store as a last-minute solution, it’s time to make an appointment and invest in a prescription pair. Similarly, if it’s been a while since you last updated your prescription, make time for an eye test to make sure that your sunglasses are giving you the same assistance as your day-to-day ones.

Try A New Look For Your Eyeglasses

While we’re talking about fresh starts and changes, a new year is a perfect time to think about trying a new look for your eyeglasses. Instead of spending eternity searching online, visit your local optometrist to work with a professional in finding the right fit for you.

Jackson Davenport has decades of experience, and they enjoy the process of matching the customer with the perfect pair of glasses, and they offer a sterling repair and adjustment service. A new fit can make a world of difference from the perfect frame to suit your unique face shape to color.