As January rolls in, many people in Bryan start the year by joining gyms, meal-prepping, or planning budgets, but what about vision? When it comes to New Year's resolutions, protecting your family’s eyes is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort, reduce the risk of eye diseases, and make smart use of insurance benefits you’ve already paid for.
Start the year with a plan for better eye health and lasting comfort for your entire family at Peters Family Eyecare in Bryan.
Why You Should Plan Your 2026 Eye Care Now
Taking a few minutes to plan your family's eye care at the start of 2026 can save time, reduce stress, and help you stay on top of your health goals. Here’s why it matters:
- Catch vision changes early before they affect school, work, or driving.
- Avoid last-minute rushes when appointments fill up near year-end.
- Use your insurance benefits wisely and avoid losing coverage you’ve already paid for.
- Stay ahead of chronic eye conditions like dry eyes, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma with early detection.
- Protect your overall health, as eye exams can reveal signs of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions.
- Support long-term comfort by addressing screen fatigue, dry air, and other lifestyle-related risk factors.
Planning now helps everyone in your family see clearly, feel better, and make the most of what 2026 has to offer.
6 Healthy Eye Habits to Start the Year Strong
If you're setting goals for better health this January, your eyes deserve to be part of that conversation. A few simple changes can support long-term eye health, reduce your risk of common eye conditions, and keep your vision clear through every season:
1. Eat for Eye Health
Your diet can play a meaningful role in reducing the risk of eye diseases, but everyone’s needs are different. Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect against macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed, can help ease dry eyes.
The best way to get results? Bring it up at your next eye exam. Our optometrists can offer guidance tailored to your age, family history, and existing eye conditions.
2. Manage Eye Strain
Many people in Bryan spend hours in front of digital screens for work, school, or entertainment, and it’s taking a toll. The 20-20-20 rule is a good start: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. But you may also need blue-light lenses, adjusted screen brightness, or updated prescriptions to reduce eye fatigue fully.
An annual eye exam is the best way to figure out what’s causing your discomfort and what to do next.
3. Wear Sunglasses Year-Round
Even in winter, sunlight emits harmful UV rays that increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. A pair of sunglasses that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays is more than a fashion accessory; it’s a daily defense against long-term vision loss.
This is especially important for children and adults who spend time outdoors year-round in Bryan’s seasonal climate.
4. Share Your Family’s Vision History
Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration all have a genetic component. If you’ve never talked to your family about eye conditions in the family, or when they were diagnosed, now’s the time.
Our eye doctor can use this information to customize your care and recommend more proactive screening schedules, especially as you get older.
5. Keep Eye Exams on the Calendar
Comprehensive eye exams are about more than seeing clearly. They help detect eye diseases early, track vision changes, and identify warning signs of systemic issues like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Start the year by scheduling eye exams for your entire family, especially children, seniors, and anyone living with a known health condition.
6. Address Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry, irritated eyes are common in Bryan, especially during winter months with indoor heating and dry air. But they’re not something you should ignore or treat with random over-the-counter drops. Chronic dry eyes can affect sleep, work, and mood.
Our eye doctors offer advanced treatments tailored to your specific tear film and lifestyle, so you can get real relief that lasts.
Get Family-Focused Eye Care in Bryan, OH
At Peters Family Eyecare, we take pride in helping families in Bryan protect their vision, plan for the future, and feel confident about their care. Our experienced eye doctors offer everything from advanced dry eye treatments to comfortable contact lens fittings and frame selections that fit every budget.
Book your comprehensive eye exam to start your 2026 eye care resolutions off right.
New Year Eye Health FAQs
How often should I schedule comprehensive eye exams for my family?
Most patients benefit from yearly exams, especially children, seniors, and those with risk factors like diabetes or a family history of eye diseases.
Can my child’s eye exam detect more than just vision problems?
Yes. Comprehensive eye exams can also reveal issues like lazy eye, eye-teaming problems, or signs of developmental delays. Early detection is key to supporting success in school and daily activities.