Spotting the Signs: Why the Holidays Are a Good Time to Talk About Retinal Health
Originally published by The Retina Eye Center
We often spend extra time with our loved ones during the holiday season, catching up with one another over delicious food and festive activities. Family gatherings can also provide insights into our relatives' health, especially regarding changes in vision. While it’s normal for vision to decline with age, it’s important to know what changes are typical and which ones may require a visit to a retina specialist.
The Importance of Retinal Health
The retina consists of specialized cells at the back of the eye that convert light into signals for the brain to interpret. It plays a crucial role in how we see the world around us. Retinal conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and others, are the most common cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries. The sooner patients spot signs of a retinal condition and seek treatment, the better their chances of preserving their vision.
Signs of Poor Retinal Health During the Holidays
There are some easy-to-spot signs that a loved one may be experiencing vision changes during the holidays, such as:
- Trouble reading holiday cards
- Difficulty navigating around festive decor
- Noticing starbursts around every Christmas light
- Experiencing frequent headaches, particularly after looking at bright lights
If you notice a relative experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to ask them about their retinal health and when they last had an eye exam. Getting an annual eye exam with dilation is important, especially for older adults who are at a higher risk of developing retinal conditions.
Encourage Scheduling an Appointment with a Retina Specialist
The best way to help an older relative reduce their risk of permanent vision loss throughout the holiday season and beyond is to encourage them to schedule an appointment with a retina specialist. At The Retina Eye Center, our retina specialists can effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of retinal conditions. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment in Aiken, South Carolina, or Augusta, Georgia.