The Christmas Eye Test: Spotting What They Can’t See

It’s a familiar scene: the Christmas dinner is cleared, the board games are out, and the family is gathered round. But watch closely. Is Dad holding the Trivial Pursuit card at arm’s length? Is Gran squinting at the TV guide?

Vision loss is rarely sudden. It creeps up gradually, often so slowly that the person affected doesn’t even realise they are struggling. But to fresh eyes, the changes can be startling.

This Christmas, our experts are urging families to look beyond the festivities and pay attention to eye health. The gift of observation might just be the most valuable thing you give this year.

The Festive “Stress Test”

Christmas puts unique demands on our vision. Driving long distances in the dark, reading small print on cooking instructions, or focusing on screens during a festive film marathon all act as a natural “vision stress test.”

Professor Clare O’Donnell, Head of Eye Sciences and Optometry at Optegra Eye Health Care, explains why this time of year is so revealing:

“We tend to be busy over the festive period, travelling longer distances than we normally would and catching up with extended family, so it’s easy to overlook changes to our health. But there are warning signs for our vision that we shouldn’t ignore.”

The Checklist: What to Watch For

If you’re visiting older relatives, keep a discreet eye out for behavioural cues. If you spot these, encourage your relative to book a standard eye exam for the New Year.

• The “Trombone” Effect: Holding menus, books, or phones further away to focus, or bringing them right up to the nose.
• Squinting & Frowning: Visible effort when reading Christmas cards or watching television.
• Night Driving Anxiety: Comments about struggling with glare from headlights or avoiding driving after 4 pm.

The “Red Flags” (Act Now)

While many vision changes are gradual, some serve as immediate alarm bells. These are not signs of normal ageing, but potential indicators of urgent retinal issues that require same-day professional attention.

• Sudden Blurry Vision: A rapid drop in clarity is not normal aging.
• Wavy Lines: If straight edges appear distorted or wavy.
• Flashes & Floaters: Sudden bursts of light or a shower of dark spots could indicate a retinal problem.

Professor Clare O’Donnell highlights the critical nature of these warning signs: “Some changes which we might spot in relatives are very much ‘red flags’, meaning you need to seek immediate help. These could include a sudden onset of blurry vision, distorted objects such as straight lines (e.g. on floor tiles) appearing wavy, flashes of light or floaters. These could be signs of a problem with the retina and should be checked out urgently.”

It’s About More Than Just Glasses

Convincing a relative to get an eye test can be tricky, but it is vital to remind them that it isn’t just about reading glasses. The eyes are a window to overall health.

“What people might not understand is that an eye exam is more than checking to see if you need glasses; it’s a way to review your eye health, too. Optometrists can see the blood vessels at the back of the eye in detail and check for conditions like diabetes, glaucoma or Age-Related Macular Degeneration even before we notice any changes ourselves. And with these conditions, the sooner they are spotted and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.

“An eye test is straightforward and painless, using state-of-the-art equipment and is a great MOT for your eyes and your health in general. So if you notice any changes in a family member, don’t wait – encourage them to see their optician and give their eyesight the gift it deserves,”  says Professor O’Donnell.

Early detection is the key. The sooner these conditions are spotted, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Give the Gift of Health

An eye test is straightforward, painless, and acts as an essential “MOT” for your wellbeing. If you have concerns about cataracts or are considering laser eye surgery for yourself or a family member, we are here to help. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our specialists today.