The beginning of a new year offers a natural reset, a moment to re-evaluate what matters most. Amid all the usual resolutions for better health, clearer skin, and less screen time, don’t forget about something essential: your eye health.
Vision changes can happen slowly, and regular care is key to catching issues early. At Rosen Optometry, we believe a clearer 2026 starts with prioritizing your eyes.
From updated prescriptions to dry eye relief, there are so many ways to improve the way you see (and feel) this year. These are seven realistic, doable resolutions that can help you start the year with healthier eyes and sharper vision.
1. Book Your Annual Eye Exam
It’s easy to put off your eye exam when your vision seems fine. But comprehensive eye exams allow our optometrists to detect early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. In some cases, your eyes can also reveal systemic issues like high blood pressure or diabetes before other symptoms appear.
Rosen Optometry offers thorough, tech-forward exams for every age and stage of life. Whether you're due for a check-in, need a fresh contact lens fit, or want to discuss vision changes, our St. Louis eye doctors are ready to support your long-term eye health.
2. Give Your Digital Eyes a Break
If your 2025 was filled with screen time (work Zooms, phone scrolling, and streaming marathons), your eyes might still be recovering. Digital eye strain is no joke. Symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurry vision, and neck or shoulder pain after prolonged screen use.
Make this the year you set better screen habits:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Adjust your lighting to reduce glare.
- Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry after work.
- Ask about blue-light-filtering lenses during your next visit.
We can also help you find relief from computer-related eye strain with customized lens solutions, dry eye therapies, or ergonomic recommendations.
3. Get Serious About Dry Eye Symptoms
Does this sound familiar? Itchy, irritated eyes, blurred vision, and a gritty, tired feeling you can’t seem to shake?
Dry eye is incredibly common, especially in the colder St. Louis months, and it’s often made worse by things like aging, contact lens use, heating systems, and screens. The good news? It’s very treatable.
Our dry eye evaluations use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your discomfort. Whether you need prescription drops, lifestyle changes, or in-office treatment, we’ll tailor your care plan to bring lasting relief.
4. Update Your Glasses or Get a Backup Pair
We know you love your current frames. But if it’s been more than a year, your prescription may be outdated, even if it feels “fine.” Wearing the wrong prescription can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision, especially if you're working on a computer all day or driving at night.
At Rosen Optometry’s optical boutique, you’ll find a wide range of stylish, functional frames (including options for kids, progressives, and computer use). Our opticians will help you find the best lens design for your lifestyle, whether that’s screen-friendly, glare-free, or fashion-forward.
5. Protect Your Eyes from the Elements
Most people know to wear sunglasses in the summer, but UV protection is a year-round commitment, especially in St. Louis, where winter glare and seasonal shifts can affect your vision. UV exposure can increase your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, and even certain forms of skin cancer around the eyes.
This year, invest in a pair of polarized sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection or ask us about prescription sunwear options. For contact lens wearers, we also carry lenses with built-in UV filtering to help protect your eyes on all fronts.
6. Prioritize Pediatric Eye Care
Healthy vision habits start young, and if you’re a parent, scheduling your child’s eye exam might be the most important thing you do for their success this year. Vision plays a direct role in learning, behavior, and social development, but kids don’t always know how to express that something’s wrong.
Our pediatric eye exams are designed to be gentle, fun, and super informative. We assess your child’s vision, eye alignment, depth perception, and screen for any early signs of myopia or eye coordination issues.
Whether they need glasses, vision therapy referrals, or just a clean bill of visual health, Rosen Optometry is here to help your little ones see clearly all year long.
7. Know Where to Go for Eye Emergencies
Nobody expects an eye emergency, but when one hits, you don’t want to be Googling "eye doctor near me" in a panic. You want a trusted provider who can treat you right away.
That’s why one of the best resolutions you can make is simple: Save our number in your phone. At Rosen Optometry, we offer same-day emergency eye care in St. Louis, so you can skip the urgent care and go straight to the team that knows your eyes best.
Let's Make 2026 Your Clearest Year Yet
A new year means a new chance to prioritize what matters. At Rosen Optometry, we believe eye care should be simple, supportive, and tailored to you. Whether you’re here for a routine checkup, a child’s first eye exam, or a new look for the year ahead, our team is here to help you see your best.
Use your benefits, start the year strong, and see what’s possible when your eyes are at their best.
