This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% from Her Campus.
You may be eating your carrots, have cut down on screen time, and are avoiding reading in the dark – but there are more changes you should start thinking about when it comes to your vision.
According to Dr. Faten Edris, Optometrist at Target Optical and Blinking Owl Eyecare, the most important thing you could do for your vision is to schedule yearly eye doctor appointments. Pull out your planner and write this down!
“Visiting an eye care professional annually for an eye exam is an important part of your overall health and wellness,” Dr. Edris said. “An annual eye exam will make sure your eyes are healthy and will help ensure you can maintain your eyesight in the future for all those big life moments.”
We talked with Dr. Edris and got a download on questions that 20-somethings might have on putting their vision first. Keep reading to get the scoop!
If I’ve never been to the eye doctor before, how do I know when I should go?
Dr. Edris: “If you’ve never had an eye exam, you might think everything is OK with your vision and you might not know how to recognize the signs if something is wrong. If you’ve ever felt eye fatigue, you can’t see things as clearly or are squinting more, these can be signs that you should find an eye doctor. Some patients come in and quickly learn that these signs and symptoms mean they need vision correction!”
What are some things that could be causing vision changes?
Dr. Edris: “Those late-night study sessions, extra time on your phone, straining to see from the back of the classroom, and even getting older, can affect your vision and keep you from seeing as clearly and precisely as you once did. If you notice your vision isn’t in tip-top shape, it might be time to visit an eye doctor to make sure you’re seeing what happens in every moment.”
I think I may need glasses or contact lenses. Where do I start?
Dr. Edris: “You can start by visiting an eye doctor and go from there! Some of my younger patients have expressed hesitancy around trying contact lenses because they assume that lenses are difficult to put in and uncomfortable to wear all day, so I recommend they try a daily disposable contact lens that is easy to handle, provides precise vision and supports all-day comfort.”
PRECISION1® and PRECISION1® for Astigmatism contact lenses are my number one recommendation because they do all these things and really open up a world of possibilities – especially if you’re always on-the-go! They’re convenient, don’t need daily cleaning and are easy to put in and take out.”
Where do I go to get my vision checked?
Dr. Edris: “Whether you’re experiencing changes in your vision or not, you can visit your local Target Optical® to learn about your eye health. While you’re there, if you find you need vision correction, here’s an offer: save up to $150 on an annual supply (eight 90-count boxes) of daily disposable contact lenses.*”
If contact lenses aren’t for you but you still need vision correction, you can visit your local Target Optical® to see an eye doctor and receive eyeglasses starting at $79, including prescription lenses.**
I think my eyesight is fine. Do I still need to go to the doctor for a checkup?
Dr. Edris: “If you don’t get your eyes checked annually, you won’t know if your eyes are healthy or if you’re in need of vision correction. It’s easy to let routine healthcare appointments slip off your to-do list, especially getting your eyesight checked.”
Overall, Dr. Edris has made it very clear – as clear as you should see the world – that your eyesight is extremely important, and you should be thinking about your vision now if you haven’t already.
Disclosure: The information in this article may be useful but does not constitute medical advice. This Article is not used to make diagnoses, prescribe medicine, or provide treatment, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with qualified health professionals who are familiar with your individual medical needs.
Ask your eye care professional for complete wear, care and safety information. Contact lenses are prescription only.