In November, our attention falls on the things in our lives that we are grateful for. Family, friends, good health, prosperity﹘ all these are common things to give thanks for around the holidays. While it’s a huge part of our everyday lives, your ability to see doesn’t often make the yearly list of blessings. Our vision is something many of us take for granted.

To help celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I’m going to give you a few ideas of how to show gratitude for vision and give some helpful tips on how to preserve it for a lifetime.

Put on your Gratitude Glasses!

Here are a few simple ways that you can practice thankfulness for the good health of your eyes.

• Take in the scenery. The cooler weather ushers in a season of changing landscapes full of vibrant colors and breathtaking scenery. Take a break from your daily routine to head outside and absorb all the beauty the outdoors has to offer. You can practice this exercise in whatever way resonates with you. If you enjoy going for long drives, take the slower, scenic route home. If you’re the creative type, draw or paint what you see. Whether it’s the colors of the leaves or a peaceful yard full of freshly fallen slow, appreciation for nature is powerful!
• Look at the ones you love. This time of year usually means family gatherings. Of course, you will look at your loved ones when you get together. But, making prolonged eye contact is a great way to strengthen your familial bonds. It says, “you have my full attention, and I’m grateful to have this time with you.” This exercise encourages quality communication, uninterrupted by glancing at devices or half watching the football game on TV.
• Preserve your memories. Take advantage of those you love being together and the beauty of the season by scheduling a photo session. By hiring a professional photographer, you can ensure that everyone is included in the shot and that you can look back on these times for years to come. What better way to celebrate your eyesight than to create memories you can actually look back on!

Show your eyes some love!

Now let’s look at how you can care for your eyes in a way that will keep them healthy for years to come.

• Invest in some shades. Sunglasses aren’t just useful for the summer months. As winter approaches and snow starts to sprinkle into the forecast, sunglasses are an important accessory for protecting your eyes. Bright light reflected off snow can strain your eyes and cause headaches or even migraines. A quality pair of sunglasses protects eyes from harmful UV rays and can reduce the risk of unwelcome discomfort.
• Make an appointment. Seeing your eye doctor for a regular exam is the most effective way to care for your eyes. If it’s been a year or more since you’ve had a comprehensive eye exam, call to set up an appointment. Your eyes will thank you!

If you’re in the Nashville metro area and in need of an ophthalmologist, check us out at Cool Springs EyeCare in Franklin or Donnelson EyeCare in Nashville!