With screen times reaching all-time highs in the digital age, today's generations are more susceptible to vision problems than ever before. While the New Year often brings with it miles on the treadmill, early morning alarms and new eating habits that encourage physical health and wellness, it may be time to look beyond our physique and toward other areas of the body, like our eyes, in 2025.
Whether you've been managing vision problems and prioritizing eyesight your entire life, or you've never considered the ramifications of blue light and UV rays until now, Dr. Nicole Mardak of Wildwood Eyecare is prepared to work with you to restore or preserve your 20/20 vision through every step of your eyesight journey.
Full-scope optometrist Dr. Mardak began her career at Wildwood Eyecare almost 12 years ago and has witnessed the practice's astounding advancements in ocular disease detection, prevention and treatment in her time. She urges everyone not to overlook optometrists as integral parts to any healthcare team. Not just for their role in safeguarding patients' eyesight, but also because of the insight they're able to provide regarding overall health status using retinal imaging.
She explains "Retinal imaging has become part of the wellness visit and allows us to detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration as well as systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and auto-immune disorders, just to name a few. An examination of the inside, back lining of the eyes, (the retina) is the only place in the body that non-invasively gives doctors a view of the vascular and nervous system and therefore gives information about overall health."
In addition to state-of-the-art testing like this and thoughtfully tailored treatment and prevention plans, Wildwood Eyecare caters to patients in ways above and beyond what is common of most medical practices. They reserve ample appointment time for patients in an effort to truly get to know them and their unique medical needs; they invest in the latest diagnostic equipment to support their mission to maintain eye health and vision for a lifetime; and they offer lenses and contacts tailored to condition, occupation or hobby in addition to frame lines and pieces patients can't get anywhere else in their widely-known optical boutique.
"This New Year, commit to proactive eye care! Early detection of eye conditions can prevent irreversible damage and allow for clear, comfortable vision to last a lifetime," exclaims Dr. Mardak.
Healthy Habits for Clear Vision in 2025
While long lasting vision and healthy eyes starts with a team of trustworthy optometrists like the ones at Wildwood Eyecare, there are a few things you can do to preserve vision and reduce long-term issues in the day to day.
1. "When we're looking at a computer screen we only blink 1/3 of the rate we normally would, so as doctors, we're diagnosing and treating higher incidences of clinical dry eye in younger and younger populations," explains Dr. Mardak.
She recommends utilizing the 20-20-20 Rule for Visual Hygiene. For every 20 minutes of up-close work you do, give your eyes a break and look more than 20 feet away for more than 20 seconds. This allows your eye muscles to uncross, relax your focusing system and fight fatigue.
2. Bright sunlight doesn't just cause temporary strain and discomfort. It's responsible for long-term damage including blindness as well. Wear sunglasses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection when outdoors.
3. Like most other health issues, our diet is a direct contributor to 20/20 vision. Incorporate a variety of fruits and veggies, especially leafy green vegetables, into your 2025 diet plan. Also, be sure to avoid smoking at all costs!
To get your eyesight in check as the new year unfolds, book an appointment at wildwoodeyecare.com.
"This New Year, commit to proactive eye care! Early detection of eye conditions can prevent irreversible damage and allow for clear, comfortable vision to last a lifetime." - Dr. Nicole Mardak