From Eye Protection to Eye Fashion

Eyesight is one of the most precious senses a person possesses, however, it is often overlooked when it comes to frequent examinations and protection. Good eye health and sharp vision are vital to everyday life. Not only does the eye focus and capture images similar to the way a camera does, it also works continuously with the brain to provide visual information needed to do everything from hitting a golf ball to completing paperwork. Unfortunately, many individuals — especially men — do not make eye care a priority.

Not all people are born with perfect eyesight, but those who have it may be faced with the need for corrective lenses later in life, since vision naturally deteriorates with age — often beginning with middle age. Problems can include blurry vision, blind spots, seeing halos and tunnel vision, which could indicate that an eye condition such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration, to name a few, may exist. In some cases, more serious problems like migraines, stroke or a brain tumor could be the culprit. Those who use over-the-counter reading glasses also need annual eye exams to make sure there are no underlying problems.

Weekend warriors, sports enthusiasts and people who enjoy being outdoors should make eye protection part of their routines. Harmful ultraviolet rays and injuries arising from sporting accidents are real concerns.

John Nowell, O.D., who owns and operates Southwest Orlando Eye Care, is an avid angler, and he understands the benefits of wearing specialty sunglasses that not only protect against UV rays, but enhance his vision in the sunlight while out on the water. Sportsmen who wear contacts should make sure their lenses have a UV-blocking ability. According to Dr. Nowell, there are a few contact lenses that come with an optic yellow tint for athletes to improve their contrast. Switch Vision Sunglasses allow people to change out their sunglass lenses with different tints depending on which sport they are playing and the lighting conditions.

“Even if you have good vision, everyone should wear excellent quality polarized sunglasses for any outdoor activity,” Dr. Nowell said.

Southwest Orlando Eye Care carries an impressive selection of corrective sports glasses and protective eyewear, as well as unique items such as prescription scuba masks.

Some sports pose more of a danger to the eyes than others.

“I believe safety eyewear should be mandatory when playing racquetball,” Dr. Nowell said.

In addition to its inventory of designer frames, sunglasses, contact lenses, bifocals and progressive lenses, Southwest Orlando Eye Care is a full-service optometric practice.

Dr. Nowell performs comprehensive exams to determine if his patients need corrective lenses, diagnoses present or potential eye diseases, and evaluates eyes to reveal his patients’ overall health. Annual eye exams are recommended for patients who wear corrective lenses to monitor any change in prescription. People ages 40 through 65 should have an exam every two years; and those older than 65 or who have chronic issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should be examined more often or as directed by their physicians.

“I recommend that everyone should have an annual eye exam,” said Dr. Nowell, who believes in a more proactive approach.

Board-certified in optometry, Dr. Nowell is able to diagnose and treat ocular diseases. He believes that good eye health begins with good food, and he counsels his patients to eat nutritious meals that include dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, turnips and collard greens.

From eye protection to eye fashion, Dr. Nowell and his professional staff at Southwest Orlando Eye Care can take care of any eye care need.

Southwest Orlando Eye Care is located in Suite 110 at 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Orlando. For more information, call 407-271-8931 or visit www.southwestorlandoeyecare.com on the Web.