Can You Read This? Fun Holiday Eye Test for Family Eye Health

Posted on: December 12, 2025

The holiday season is a wonderful time to gather with family, share meals, exchange gifts, and create lasting memories. Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s also the perfect opportunity to pay a little extra attention to something often overlooked—our eyes. Vision is something we rely on every day, yet many of us don’t take the time to notice subtle changes until they become significant. This Christmas, consider turning simple holiday activities into a fun and meaningful way to check in on your family’s eye health. 

A Simple Holiday Eye Test 

You don’t need fancy equipment or a medical degree—just everyday items and a bit of observation. Start with small reading tasks that are part of your holiday routine: 

• Gift tags: Can everyone read the small print on labels or name tags without squinting or holding them far away? 
• Recipe cards and cookbooks: Are instructions easy to read while preparing holiday meals? 
• Ingredient labels: Can your family members quickly spot important details on food packages, especially for those with allergies or dietary restrictions? 

These simple tasks act as early warning signs. Difficulty reading small print, needing brighter light, or constantly adjusting the distance from the page could indicate vision changes that shouldn’t be ignored. 

Retinal Conditions to Watch For 

As we age, the risk of retinal conditions increases. Seniors, as well as your parents and grandparents, are more prone to eye issues that can silently affect vision. Some conditions to be aware of include: 

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Affects the central part of the retina, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, or see details clearly. 
• Diabetic retinopathy: Common in individuals with diabetes, this condition can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss if untreated. 
• Retinal detachment or tears: These require immediate medical attention, and early detection is crucial for preserving vision. 

Spotting subtle signs early can make a significant difference. If you or a loved one notices blurry vision, dark spots, flashing lights, or difficulty reading small text, it’s time to schedule a professional eye evaluation. 

Make Annual Eye Exams a Family Tradition 

The holidays are also the perfect reminder to prioritize self-care, and eye health should be part of that routine. Annual eye exams are essential for detecting changes early, especially for seniors. Regular checkups allow eye doctors to monitor for retinal conditions, glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision problems that can develop with age. Even if vision seems fine, a comprehensive exam can catch silent issues before they impact daily life. 

This Christmas, why not start a new family tradition? Alongside decorating, cooking, and gift-giving, take a moment to play a fun eye test game with your loved ones. Turn reading labels, gift tags, or recipe instructions into a playful challenge while simultaneously checking in on everyone’s vision. 

At Desert Retina Consultants, we encourage you to make eye health a priority this holiday season. If you notice any changes in your vision or that of your loved ones—especially if you are a senior—schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection is key to maintaining healthy vision and enjoying the holidays with clarity and confidence. 

Call us today at (760) 340-2394 to book your eye evaluation and make eye health part of your family’s holiday tradition.