Eye Care Tips for Travelers

Proper eye care is one of the most essential aspects people tend to ignore during, or when planning their travel. The following tips might help you in keeping your eyes healthy when traveling:

1.    Pack accordingly

Pack the following:

    • Lubricating eye drops: Consider packing allergy-specific eye drops that are specially formulated for allergies.
    • Eye wash solution: If you have something in your eye — an eyelash, a fleck of dust — you might be tempted to head to the nearest restroom to wash out your eye with tap water. Stop. That tap water could contain impurities or minerals which may further irritate your eyes or cause an infection. Use a sterile eye wash instead—purchased at your drugstore.
    • Sunglasses and a hat – Goggles if you plan to go swimming
    • Sleep mask

2.   Don’t wear contacts for long-haul trips.

If you’re about to take a long road trip or get on a plane, play it safe by opting for glasses from the start.  Make sure to aim air vents away from your eyes, constant temperature fluctuations and lack of humidity could irritate your eyes.

3.    Apply a warm compress at the end of each leg of the trip

Once you reach your destination, wet a washcloth with warm water and drape it over your eyes for 5-10 minutes. If your eyes feel like they have something in them, try an eye wash solution to irrigate your eyes.

4.   Take steps to manage eye strain.

Eye strain is common, and when you’re a tired traveler, it could get the best of you. The best ways to manage eye strain include limiting screen time and adjusting your lighting, so whether you’re working on your computer or watching in-flight movies, be sure to take frequent breaks. A simple approach is the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes look away from your screen for 20 seconds and focus on something 20 feet away.

5.    Invest in good sunglasses and wear them

Sunglasses help you avoid glare and air borne foreign particles. They also protect from UV rays. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you should buy glasses that are 100% UV-resistant.  The term “polarized” means they cut glare, not UV rays. AAO recommends buying sunglasses that are large to provide optimal coverage.

Tips for beating dry eyes when traveling

  • Eat a healthy diet of foods that nourish your eyes like Omega 3s and foods rich in Vitamin A. Always make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this will ensure you stay hydrated.
  • Always make sure you are taking proper care of your contact lenses and putting them in correctly.
  • Wear glasses on a windy day to protect your eyes from becoming dry or irritated. You should also make sure your sunglasses are polarized and filter out 100% of harmful UV rays and block harsh glare off of different surfaces.
  • Avoid areas where there is lots of smoke from fires or cigarettes, as smoke can irritate and make dry eyes feel sore.
  • Make sure you pack lubricating eye drops and medicated eye drops if you require them so that you can treat your eyes immediately when they begin to feel dry. Some users recommend Bausch & Lomb anti-red drops, Lumify.
  • Pack oral allergy medication that will combat any allergies to new pollens or allergens.

These tips will help you take good care of your eyes while traveling.

DEF-Funded Retinitis Pigmentosa(RP) and Age-Related Macular Degeneration(AMD) Projects Converge with Promise

Two hallmark DEF-funded projects are converging, providing great hope for those facing vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The first project, headed by UC Irvine researchers Drs. Henry Klassen and Jing Yang, concentrates on putting human retinal progenitor cells into the eyes of those with RP in order to rescue damaged retinal cells. That project is currently in Phase II clinical trials, progressing toward FDA approval.

                                                      Tissue-culture model

According to DEF Research Director Dr. Cristina Kenney, if the project is approved by the FDA for use with RP, the next question is: What other diseases might these retinal progenitor cells be used for? That’s where a second DEF-funded project comes in.

Kenney is working on a “personalized” cybrid cell model to screen agents that specifically target the mitochondria in AMD cells. To date, the researchers have different cybrid cell lines representing 60 different individuals with eye diseases. They are looking for novel mechanisms to protect AMD cells from dying.

Yang and Kenney are now working together to determine whether the retinal progenitor cells can be the agent that rescues AMD cybrids. “When we take the mitochondria from AMD patients and put them into healthy retinal cells, which makes cybrids, we have shown that these AMD cybrid cells will start to die. So we used that model to ask the question: How do we rescue them?” Kenney says.

Kenney and Yang developed a tissue culture model, where the retinal progenitor cells are grown in one part of a chamber, and the AMD cybrids are grown in another part of chamber, surrounded by culture medium. There is a porous separator between the two chambers through which the cells can communicate.

 “We are finding that the retinal progenitor cells produce a factor that protects the AMD cybrids,” Kenney says. “This provides promising evidence that these proprietary retinal progenitor cells that are being tested for treating RP also may be helpful in AMD patients.”

“DEF has been supporting both these retina-related projects for quite some time, and it’s very exciting to see them coming together to potentially treat both RP and AMD.”

To help support this sight-saving research, please donate to the Discovery Eye Foundation by clicking button below.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, studies show that long-term exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer.

UV rays reflected off sand and water can cause eyes to sunburn, potentially resulting in temporary blindness in just a few hours. In support of UV Safety Month this July, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public of the importance of shielding eyes from the sun’s harmful rays with 100% UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats.

Here are some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

  • Don’t focus on color or darkness of sunglass lenses: Select sunglasses that block UV rays. Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag or how dark the sunglass lenses are.
  • Check for 100 percent UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV-A rays and UV-B rays.
  • Choose wrap-around styles: Ideally, your sunglasses, either the lenses of the frame, should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side.
  • Wear a hat: In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
  • Don’t rely on contact lenses: Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, remember your sunglasses.

  • Don’t be fooled by clouds: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime.
  • Protect your eyes during peak sun times: Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside, and it’s especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.
  • Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, damage to the eye’s retina from solar radiation.
  • Don’t forget the kids: Everyone is at risk, including children.
  • Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, if possible, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

In addition to the proper safety eyewear, regular eye exams for early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are essential to maintaining good vision at every stage of life.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children with a family history of childhood vision problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before the age of 5. If eye problems such as visual changes, pain, flashes of light, seeing spots, excessive tearing and excessive dryness occur, they should see an eye doctor. Adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye exam every two years. Adults over the age of 65 should have an eye exam at least every one to two years.

 

Your Vision: Getting Fit Post-Pandemic

The past year has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of millions of people.  While we were rightly focused on slowing the spread of the pandemic, widespread shutdowns brought about a more sedentary, inactive lifestyle, which has led to increased weight gain and worsened mental health for many.  As we look ahead and as more people receive the vaccine, it is time to start reprioritizing physical activity and placing much needed attention on our health.

It’s no secret that exercise is the best way to get in shape and to prevent serious health conditions, especially after this pandemic. But did you know that you can actually exercise your way to healthy eyes too?  By eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you can help prevent eye conditions linked to obesity and being out of shape.

Below are a few tips on how to get your fitness regimen back on track.

  • Set Goals – The first step to getting back in shape is deciding what you want to achieve. Take a personal inventory and write a contract with yourself, put it someplace where you can see it every day.
  •  Start Small – Getting too ambitious when planning goals can set you up for failure. Instead, ease into the changes. A lot of people get discouraged because they try to change their whole routine immediately.
  • Build Momentum – Mini daily victories create a sense of accomplishment.  A few daily successes will create a snowball effect.  Add more challenges, then a few more and that’s what will keep the momentum going.
  • Enjoy Your Workout – The best way to stick with an exercise routine, is enjoying it. You’re more likely to stay on schedule and exercise more often if you enjoy what you are doing.  Hiking, swimming, boxing, dance or yoga are great options—and create atmosphere that’s inviting.
  • Stretching Matters – It preps your muscles for exercise and cools them down after, guarding against injury. Stretching also improves your posture.
  • Invest In Equipment – You don’t need to spend a lot of money—a few weights are enough to deliver results.  Even minimal equipment allows for more intense and effective workouts.
  • Make it a Habit – Exercise should be part of your daily routine, it should be as normal as showering or brushing your teeth.
  • Get A Workout Buddy – If you can’t recruit a family member or friend, join a Zoom class or an outdoor club. 

Stay active, get plenty of exercise and keep a healthy diet. When you’re tempted to slack off, or quit exercising all together—give yourself a day off to relax.  Just remember how terrific you’ll look and feel when you keep moving.

You’ll probably agree it’s worth working out a few minutes each day to reap the rewards of good health and great vision!

 

Click here for Eye Healthy Recipes.

May-Healthy Vision Month

When it comes to our health, we may visit our doctors and nurses regularly to make sure our bodies are healthy. But what about our eyes? They’re not always top of mind, but they’re just as important! May is Healthy Vision Month, an observance coordinated by the National Eye Institute to motivate Americans to make their eye health a priority and educate them about steps they can take to protect their vision.

Here are a few ways you can help protect your vision

  • Get an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam.
  • Know your family’s eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease or condition, since some are hereditary.
  • Eat right to protect your sight: In particular, eat plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, albacore tuna, trout, and halibut. Visit Eye Cook for eye healthy recipes.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home, such as painting, yard work, and home repairs.
  • Quit smoking or never start.
  • Wear sunglasses that block 99 -100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
  • Wash your hands before taking out your contacts and cleanse your contact lenses properly to avoid infection.
  • Practice workplace eye safety.

Taking care of your eyes also may benefit your overall health. People with vision problems are more likely than those with good vision to have diabetes, poor hearing, heart problems, high blood pressure, lower back pain and strokes, as well as have increased risk for falls, injury and depression.

In addition to your comprehensive dilated eye exams, visit an eye care professional if you have

  • Decreased vision.
  • Eye pain
  • Drainage or redness of the eye
  • Double vision
  • Diabetes
  • Floaters (tiny specks that appear to float before your eyes)
  • Circles (halos) around light sources or if you see flashes of light

For this Healthy Vision Month, take care of your eyes to make them last a lifetime.

April is Women’s Eye Health Month

This month of April is dedicated to

WOMEN’S EYE HEALTH MONTH

With Women’s History Month, Women’s Eye Health Month and Mother’s Day all happening this spring, we’ve got all of the women in our lives on our minds. 

Did you know that blindness affects women more than men? The National Institutes of Health reports that 2/3rds of the people with blindness or visual impairments are women.  Often, hormones, and especially life changes such as pregnancy and menopause, cause changes in women’s eyes.  Preventing blindness and vision problems requires keeping a healthy lifestyle, avoiding certain habits, and seeing the eye doctor regularly.

Many women aren’t aware that they have a higher risk for developing eye and vision problems.  In an effort to create awareness of various eye diseases that women are more prone to have than men, April has been dedicated to educating women about these diseases, along with providing resources and recommendations on the best ways to maintain excellent vision for women.

The National Eye Institute also stated that women deal with greater instances of eye disorders, in part, because they tend to live longer than men, are more likely to undergo cancer treatments which affect vision, and experience age-related hormonal changes that can affect the eyes. Women also have higher rates of eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration than men.

As we mentioned, hormones are a factor in developing eye problems, but also lifestyle, genetics, pregnancy and more contribute to the problems. Women pass through several biological and hormone changes that men do not. Pregnancy causes changes in the eyes such as dry eyes, puffiness, migraine headaches that affect vision, light sensitivity and more. If a woman is not pregnant, even taking birth control can cause hormonal changes and blood clots in some cases. If a clot happens, that can lead to strokes that affect vision, sometimes permanently.

Later in life, eye problems become more frequent in both men and women. However, women statistically have a higher chance of developing chronic conditions such as lupus, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and more. All of these conditions can affect eye health.

It’s important for women to know the risks for eye-related diseases resulting in vision impairment and take the steps to prevent eventual vision loss.  Here are some ways that you can help to protect your eyes and save your eyesight:

  • Find out about your family history of eye diseases and conditions.
  • Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing 100% UV blocking sunglasses when outdoors.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Consume a healthy diet with proper nutrition and special eye health supplements as prescribed by an eye doctor. (Eye Healthy Recipes)
  • Adhere to contact lens hygiene and safety.
  • Adhere to cosmetic hygiene and safety precautions.
  • Protect your eyes against extended exposure to blue light from computers, smartphones and LED lamps.
  • If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have diabetes, see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. In women who have diabetes, diabetic retinopathy can accelerate quickly during pregnancy and can present a risk for the baby as well.

Mothers are often charged with caring for the eye health of the entire family, but too often their own eye health is neglected.  It is critical that mothers take care of their eyes and overall health so that they can be in the best condition to care for their families.

Speak to your eye care professional about your personal eye health and vision risks so you can exercise the precautions and measures to protect your eyes.   Encourage the other women in your life to do so as well.  Once vision is lost, it often cannot be regained and there are many steps you can take to prevent it with proper knowledge and awareness.

The most important way to prevent vision loss is to ensure you schedule regular eye exams. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear as many eye issues are painless and symptomless, and sometimes by the time you notice symptoms, vision loss is untreatable.

Click here for Eye Healthy Recipes.

 

How to Prevent Eye Strain While Working From Home

Working from home has become the new normal for many Americans during this pandemic.  Most are happy without the commute, although working outside the office and in all sorts of strange places, such as bedrooms, backyards, living rooms, has become common place. We’ve had to learn how to work remotely, which in turn means spending a lot more time using computers and smartphones.

Moving out of properly-lit classrooms and offices – and away from ergonomically correct desks – can have long-term effects on our eyes.  Excessive time at a computer screen under the best conditions can lead to symptoms of eye strain.

Eye Strain Symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Uncomfortable dry eyes
  • Neck and shoulder pain

To help avoid eye strain, here are few tips for working from home:

  • Record time spent on screens – Most adults age 18 and older spend at least 13 hours each day using digital devices. Extended screen time can cause discomfort and vision difficulties. When working from home, you may lose track of how much time you’re on your computer or smartphone.  So keep track of the hours you use devices. That way, you’ll be aware of the demand you’re placing on your eyes.
  • Rest and blink your eyes – Researchers found that over 30% of people using digital devices rarely take time to rest their eyes. Just over 10% say they never take a break, even when working from home. The eye muscles get overworked and don’t get a chance to relax and recover. Experts suggest the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, focus your eyes and attention on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.  You can also get up and walk around for a few minutes.

 

  • Reduce exposure to blue light – In the spectrum of light, blue is more high energy and close to ultraviolet light. So, if you use screens throughout the day, ask your eye doctor about the value of computer glasses that block blue light. Reducing exposure to blue light may help lessen vision problems.  At home, using digital devices until bedtime can overstimulate your brain and make it more difficult to fall asleep. Eye doctors recommend no screen time at least one to two hours before going to sleep.

  

  • Sit up straight – Proper posture is important. Your back should be straight and your feet on the floor while you work. Elevate your wrists slightly instead of resting them on the keyboard.

 

 

  • Proper lighting – A setting that’s too bright (sunny backyard) or too dim (cavernous basement) can cause eye strain and headaches. Your screen should be bright enough that you don’t need to squint. A screen shield can help reduce glare.

 

  • Set up monitor properly – Make sure your computer screen is about 25 inches, or an arm’s length, away from your face. The center of the screen should be about 10-15 degrees below eye level.  Cut glare by using a matte screen filter. You can find them for all types of computers, phones, and tablets.  Increase font size or set the magnification of the documents you are reading to a comfortable size.

 

  • Consider computer glasses –For the greatest comfort at your computer, you might benefit from having your eye doctor modify your eyeglasses prescription to create customized computer glasses. This is especially true if you normally wear distance contact lenses, which may also become dry and uncomfortable during extended screen time.  Computer glasses also are a good choice if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, because these lenses generally are not optimal for the distance to your computer screen.
  • Create Technology-Free Zones – These tips can help reduce eye strain when you’re forced to look at screens all day, creating technology-free zones in certain areas of your home, like the bedroom or bathroom. If you spend the entire day working on the computer, getting in bed and scrolling through social media until you fall asleep won’t do your eyes any favors.

Once you’re done for the day, truly unplug. Read a book or spend some quality time with family members without your phone.

 

  • Get an Eye Exam – If you have tried all these tips and eye strain is still an issue, it might be time to see an eye care professional to schedule an eye exam.  The exam may even detect underlying issues before they becomes worse.

 

 

 

 

 

Low Vision Awareness Month

Low vision affects millions of Americans — including many older adults. People with low vision aren’t blind, but because of their vision loss, they may not be able to do everyday tasks like driving or reading even with glasses.

What is Low Vision?

When your eyesight is impaired to the degree that you struggle with daily tasks like reading or cooking – or that you have difficulty recognizing faces, you may have a medical condition referred to as low vision. Someone with low vision can’t simply put on a pair of glasses or contacts and see well; this condition is beyond the typical loss of vision that occurs with aging.

Individuals experiencing low vision can struggle with maintaining independence; hobbies, reading and even socializing may become challenging as vision loss progresses. Because of the impact low vision can have on your life, it is important to have your eyes checked by a low vision specialist if you have any concerns.

Since it is unusual to be able to restore vision once it is lost, screenings can help preserve the vision you have and help you access adaptive lenses and devices if you need them. While there is not a cure for low vision, your specialist can help you adapt and if needed, create a vision rehabilitation program designed to meet your specific needs.

Low vision is often caused by one of these conditions:

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) –AMD is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 15 million Americans. The disease attacks the macula of the eye, where our sharpest central vision occurs, affecting reading, driving, identifying faces, watching television, safely navigating stairs and performing other daily tasks. Although it rarely results in complete blindness, it robs the individual of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or black holes at the center of vision. Read More (link to DEF website)
  • Diabetes– Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.

In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid or blood inside the eye. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision. Read More (link to DEF website)

  • Glaucoma– glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the major nerve of the eye called the optic nerve, a part of the central nervous system that carries visual information from the eye to the brain.

The eye experiences a gradual increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) due to an imbalance of the fluid produced in the eye and the amount of fluid drained. Over time, elevated IOP can cause vision loss. The most common form of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma which affects about 3 million Americans. However, there are other types including narrow angle, congenital, normal tension, and secondary glaucoma. (link to DEF website)

  • Injury to the eye can also be a cause

Regular eye exams are essential for all adults; it is recommended that adults over the age of 60 have eye exams each year. For older adults, diabetics and anyone with the risk factors above, a visit with a low vision specialist may be warranted as well. This specialist differs from a conventional optometrist and is trained to detect low vision and offer solutions to help you retain or regain independence and the ability to do things you enjoy again.

While Low Vision Awareness Month is the ideal time to learn about this condition and about the risk factors you could be facing, you should get in touch with a low vision specialist any time you have concern about your eyesight. Any time you notice a change in vision, if you receive a new diagnosis or have one or more of the risk factors detailed above you should schedule an appointment right away.

Low Vision Resources from the National Eye Institute

It can be hard to describe low vision. Visit our website Vision Simulation to see what life is like with common causes of low vision, like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

21 “NEW” NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR 2021

2020 has been quite a year, which makes getting a fresh start in 2021 feel super appealing. For some people, that might mean making a New Year’s resolution that helps them get the year started on the right foot. Although the traditional New Year’s resolutions usually last until the end of January, then you are back to your old habits again. Turns out, our brains are just not into making swift, sudden changes to our habits.

So instead of going for the typical diet, exercise, or financial overhaul-style resolution, why not try something a little different this year?

Here are 21 new New Year’s resolution ideas for 2021

  1. Try Something New Each Month – Who says your resolution has to be sticking to just one thing. As they say, “Variety is the spice of life.” Well, spice up your new year by setting a goal to try something new each month.
  1. Make monthly playlists – As you hear a song that impacts you or you find yourself listening to one repeat, add it to the playlist. The lists will be eclectic on their own, but by the end of the year, you will have an amazing collection of songs to pull from to create a yearly top songs playlist. You’ll enjoy the memories of looking back to each playlist and hearing the mood of each month of the year and all the new artists you discovered.
  1. Make Time for “Self-Care” – If you feel like you have tons of commitments that aren’t always for you, carve out some solid “me” time in the year ahead by trying a new hobby—or resurrecting an old one—such as cooking, making art, or reading a good book.
  1. Walk a Mile a Day – The thing about this New Year’s resolution is that you might already be doing it. This doesn’t mean go out for a specific walk or run for a mile or more each day, while that could be what you want to work towards. But to start, find a good pedometer, or a pedometer app for your phone (if it doesn’t already have one), and see if you can cumulatively walk a mile a day. For some of you, this is a breeze and you will need a little more of a challenge. Monitor your average mileage or steps over a week and make a challenge based on the results. For the rest of you, getting movement into your daily routine might be a little more foreign. Getting closer to your mileage goal is all about getting creative about how to get your steps in. Try parking at the back of the parking lot at the grocery store, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Take the long way to the break room for your water or coffee break. And then there’s always running in place or on a treadmill. Remember it all adds up and in no time you’ll be walking more than a mile a day.
  1. Stay in Touch – If there’s one thing 2020 has shown us, it’s that there is no excuse not to stay in touch with those we love. With so many ways to connect, from text, to email, to Zoom, to a good old-fashioned phone call, if we have to be apart, there are so many ways to get in touch. And another thing we’ve learned is how much a quick text from a friend or a short Facetime with a grandparent can go a long way toward helping us feel not so alone and fill us up with love. Go into this with a goal of connecting with 1-3 people per week.  Remember that reaching out to your favorite people will brighten their day, even if they can get back to you right away. Ultimately, the last thing you want for any of your friendships is to look down at your phone and see that the last text you sent was a year ago!
  1. New Hobby – Learning something new is always good or even going back to something old that you haven’t done in a while.  Try your hand at gardening. If you are worried about not having a green thumb, start with a small herb garden or a bed of perennials for your project. That doesn’t require much of a green thumb and is more about just keeping them watered. If you’re looking for something to keep your hands busy, try one of the many knitting or embroidery kits out there. That will help you to zone out. No one says you have to be a pro at the start, nor do you have to do it the hard way. Easing yourself into a hobby will help you stick with it and it may be an activity you will enjoy doing long term.
  1. Do Random Acts of Kindness – Is there a better feeling than to perform a random act of kindness for someone you love or someone in need? Remember the saying: you get more than you give. 
  1. Read More Books – Reading is one of the best ways to grow as a person. If you’re not an avid reader, try setting a realistic target such as to read 1 book a month. Or, try listening to recorded books—you can subscribe to Audible which has many free recordings every month.
  1. Drink more water – It’s always good to drink more water. The daily recommended water intake is 8 glasses.  I find that one of the best ways to drink more water is to keep a large bottle of water nearby at all times. 
  1. Send handwritten letters – This year has shown us all that we want is to stay in touch, and sure, you could send a text or an email, but why not step it up a notch and send something to brighten someone’s mailbox!  Start this goal simply by sending a few letters over a couple of months. Bonus: You can even make it a fun craft time with your kids!  
  1. Remove negativity or anything that makes you feel lousy – Remove things like sad movies or news sources that just upset you.
  1. Pay it Forward – 2021 is a great time to do something nice for someone else.  Maybe you’ll pay for someone’s coffee in the Starbucks drive-thru or buy a meal for a homeless person. If you receive good things, try to spread them, too.
  1. Sanitize your phone weekly or daily – We check our phones a million times a day, and if you’ve taken yours into the ladies’ room, you’re not the only one. But that means phones carry about 10 times as much bacteria as most toilet seats.  Use disinfectant wipes, such as Lysol wipes, which kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. They don’t contain bleach, so they’re safe to use on smartphones and tablets.
  1. Declutter Your Space – A clean home is a happy home. Reduce anxiety and stress by tidying up and decluttering everything around you. Tackle the refrigerator, cabinets, messy drawers, desks, and closets. Toss everything you haven’t used in six months, donate what you don’t love or need, and get ready to celebrate the new year with new clarity and peace of mind.
  1. Manage Stress – Stress and anxiety can get left unnoticed for some time, and later manifest themselves in physical and emotional ways. Instead of waiting for them to rear their ugly heads, learn stress management and reduction techniques now. Some people meditate, others practice yoga, and many exercises to combat stress.
  1. Nurture True Friendships – Having many acquaintances is nice until you realize that a super-small portion of them will be there for you through thick and thin. Resolve to spend your precious energy on only those you care most deeply about—and those who reciprocate. True friendships are about quality, not quantity. 
  1. Give to Your Community – Whether you give back once or repeatedly, taking time to volunteer, and donating to charity organizations empowers us and opens us up to new experiences and opportunities.  Help research non-profits organizations that align with your interest and/or your spirit of giving.
  1. Monitor Social Media Use – Too much social media can be a bad thing—especially when you start comparing your real life to someone’s seemingly picture-perfect online life. Plan to take a step back this year, whether spending a day (or more) social media-free or simply reducing the number of times you check your apps in any one day.
  1. Stop Procrastinating – “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”, a great quote by Mark Twain! Begin by taking a few minutes to make a list of the things you were going to do tomorrow—and yes, do at least one of those things today. Start imagining how you’ll feel if you actually tackled all the stuff you’ve been putting off. 
  1. Practice Gratitude – Most successful people practice gratitude to feel healthier, happier, and more at peace with themselves—and they do so daily. Fostering gratitude means writing down a few things you’re thankful for and why. You could also begin your days by vocalizing what you’re grateful for or meditate about those things for which you are grateful. Cultivating this habit in the new year can even help you sleep better and be kinder to others. 
  1. Spread Kindness – There’s actually scientific evidence that being kind makes you feel calmer, healthier, and happier—and it’s also contagious.  Make the world a better place by resolving to do one kind thing or more for a stranger every day or month. To help make it a daily practice, download a free Kindness Calendar.

Thank You for Your Gift to our Sight-Saving Research!

As we eagerly await 2021, we would like to thank all of our donors!

More money for research – that is the result of Discovery Eye Foundation’s successful fundraising efforts for 2020, and all because of very loyal and generous donors that continue to support eye research.

We are thankful for every gift you have given to the Discovery Eye Foundation!

We Wish You and Yours Health and Happiness in 2021!