Gift This, Not That: Thoughtful Gifts for Healthy Vision

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on December 9, 2024

It’s the giving season again. Maintaining optimal eye health is essential for everyone, but especially for those considering LASIK surgery. So, selecting gifts that promote eye wellness can be both thoughtful and beneficial. 

Buying for someone who may need a little help in the eye health department? Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect presents for your loved ones.

For Children:

Aside from plush stuffed toys, there are a variety of gifts that are not just safe for the kids but also encourage healthy eye development.

Gift ideas:

• Building blocks
• Legos
• Erector sets
• Finger paints
• Playing cards
• Puzzles and puzzle books
• Hula hoops

Why: Items like these help develop visual-motor integration, fine motor skills, improve depth perception and sharpen eye-hand coordination. Puzzles and thinking and memory games, such as Rubik’s Cube, Simon, Jenga and tangrams, aid in developing visual perceptual skills like visualization, visual memory and pattern recognition. Finally, the hula hoop and games like Sit and Spin, promote gross motor skills and bilateral coordination. 

When choosing children’s toys, be sure to align them with the child’s developmental age rather than their actual age. If a child has a functional vision problem, consult a developmental optometrist to select toys that will enhance their treatment. And remember, children should always be supervised during playtime to monitor for improper use of toys and throwing, which can result in eye injuries.

For Adults:

1. Food Baskets

Gift idea: Gift them a fruit-of-the-month membership or seafood package, or put together a cute, functional container filled with indulgent, eye-healthy foods. These might include:

• Fancy crudité arrangements
• Citrus fruits
• Smoked salmon
• Tinned mackerel, sardines or anchovies
• Red wine and chocolate pairings

Why: These foods are high in lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids and other vitamins, minerals and nutrients that nourish the structures of the eye.

2. Blue Light Blockers

Gift idea: Consider stylish blue light blocking glasses or, for individuals who do not need or want to wear eyeglasses, computer screen protectors that filter blue light from digital devices.

Why: Blue light blockers help reduce eye strain and discomfort associated with prolonged screen time. Blue light emitted by electronic devices can also interfere with sleep, which is vital to eye comfort and health.

3. Eye Health Products

Gift idea: Help your gift recipient stock up with a “lifetime supply” of moisturizing eye drops, antibacterial dry eye compresses or fun, colorful sleep masks.

Why: Did you know that most people’s eyes are not completely closed during sleep? A sleep mask keeps eyes fully closed, helping prevent nighttime dryness. Eye drops and compresses alleviate dryness and irritation, further promoting comfortable, healthy eyes. 

4. Personalized Eye Care Collection

Gift idea: Customize a personal gift kit with items like eye masks, gentle eye massagers, soothing gels and relaxation tools.

Why: This type of focus on overall wellbeing offers a holistic approach to eye care and relaxation.

5. LASIK Consultation 

Gift idea: Did you know you could get someone started on their LASIK journey with a gift certificate from Missouri Eye Institute? Consider this for someone considering permanent vision correction.

Why: For those with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, LASIK offers clearer vision that reduces or eliminates the need for prescription eyeglasses or contacts.

Talk to Missouri Eye Institute

Selecting gifts that promote eye health not only shows thoughtfulness but also encourages the recipient to prioritize their vision. If you or a loved one is considering LASIK surgery, scheduling a consultation with a qualified LASIK surgeon can help determine whether the procedure is right for you.

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses, with convenient locations in Springfield, Joplin and Branson. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough consultation or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.