K EEP AUS T I N W ELL
Protecting Austin's Unique Vision THE MOST OBVIOUS CHARACTERISTIC OF AUSTIN, TEXAS IS EASY TO SEE.
The city and its residents have a particular style and an incomparable dedication to the unique. It stands to reason, then, that Austin just sees things differently. And while Austin’s eccentric take on the world is worthy of protecting and preserving, the practical vision of Austinites and Central Texans in the Austin area warrants safeguarding as well. “Regular annual eye exams are important to monitor any early changes in vision and health problems of the eyes,” explains Spectacle Eye Design optometrist, Dr. Collin Tam. Eyesight doesn’t get the same annual attention that is reserved for medical and dental checkups, but the danger of ignoring one’s vision is equivalent to ignoring routine physicals and teeth cleanings. “Symptom-free diseases like glaucoma and retinal disease are only detected early with a thorough eye exam before serious vision changes occur,” Tam explains. Even in the age of contacts and self-care for corrective vision, enlisting the aid of a professional is still of significant benefit, especially in the allergen-rich Austin area. “Contact lens problems are easily prevented and should be evaluated regularly for proper alignment and lens care,” Tam insists, explaining further that, “mild eye allergy issues can also be resolved with the correct contact lens and solution combinations.” Proper attention from a professional can benefit in even greater measure, as the eyewear one chooses can determine comfort with corrective vision, no matter whether one opts for contact lenses or glasses. And while online and department store retail offerings have become popular, they are poor substitutes for hands-on attention to the effectiveness and the fit of eyewear. Dr. Tam advises an in-person visit to a respected optometrist to avoid any mishaps in prescription or fit, since “there are precise measurements and adjustments that need to be made before lenses can be fabricated to ensure the prescription is made and fitted correctly." The on-demand world of online shopping provides little in the way of determining proper fit and function, increasing this eye-toeye meeting between patient and optometrist. “Eyeglasses are custom fit to the individual,” Tam insists, “and it is difficult to do online especially
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with astigmatism and progressive lens prescriptions.” These cautions are met with increasing concern when considering the nature of most work in the Internet age. More time at a computer and more exposure to lit screens has necessitated some consideration be given to the concerns of the modern day working man and woman. “People spend a lot of time in front of monitors and portable devices,” Tam reminds us. “There are a host of vision and eye issues related to constant computer and personal device use. The most obvious is eyestrain and fatigue. Air conditioning is also a predominant factor for dry eyes, which is a major problem with contact lens use,” he adds. Although the summer months are coming to a close, the Texas sun is never far away from a tailgate, a long weekend or a trip to the lake, all of which present an altogether different damaging effect. “The intense sun in Austin can affect sight in many ways,” Dr. Tam warns. “Especially around water, there is a lot of glare with the sun and it is important for everyone to protect their eyes with good quality sunglasses that are polarized and with ultraviolet protection.” The harm in avoiding this preventative measure is more crucial than the danger of not looking stylish. “If you minimize the glare, you can reduce the aging effects from the sun, like early cataracts and macular degeneration.” Again, the most basic steps can be worth years of benefit, since the slightest improvement to habits can alter the long-term effects of daily life on one’s eyes. Spectacle Eye Design, a new source of optical care in the Central Texas area, caters not only to the protection of the vision of its clientele, but also to the unique vision Austinites have for style. “Austin is known for being funky, and people here like the unique styles that are not like anything available in the mall or chain optical shops,” Tam says. It’s a keen observation, to which he adds, “They like designs that are trendy and fashionable, but not stuffy or pretentious.” Dr. Collin Tam and the Spectacle Eye Design staff have a clear vision of what Austin eyes are drawn toward, as well as how to keep them looking sharp and seeing sharper. Visit spectacleeyedesign.com to make an appointment or find out more information.
PHOTOS BY WILL LUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SEAN KRAY