The Artist’s Perspective – November 2015

This article was originally published in the Middleburg Eccentric on November 19, 2015.

I care about my eyes. We all use them and we all, given a moment to think about what I have just said, would rank them as one of our grandest possessions, but do you take your vision for granted? I do not. I use my eyes, no, rely on my eyes and my vision everyday. I make my living by observation and there is no greater tool than sight to accomplish this.

While this is an art column, we all are bombarded by stressful things to our eyes. Your artistic endeavors aside, driving, sitting in front of computer screens large and small, bright sunlight, night time headlights and a plethora of signs, all at different focal points, are a visual juggling act. Add in many wearing glasses or contacts, with different prescriptions of strength, plus changing seasons, dryness and tear reduction with age, well, the old eye balls take a beating.

Years ago my wife Linda and I started scheduling regular eye examinations. It was important to me to make sure my most useful tool was 100% part of my artistic team. Yes, team! In order to do what I, and most artists do for a living, there is a team. It includes our mind, hands, our sense of inspiration and certainly vision, both inward and outward. Listen, in short, quality vision is a must and where that is concerned, I have trusted my vision to only one person, Middleburg’s top visionary, Dr. Charles “Chip” Stine of Middleburg Eye Center.

Okay, so as much as this might sound like a personal endorsement, you betcha it is! Practicing in a quaint 1700’s log cabin at #4 Pendleton Street in Middleburg since 1989, Chip Stine has offered the highest quality of eye care and so fortunately for us, to a small town population. Imagine that, one of an artist’s best resources available right here? Think about it. You can’t get your art supplies here, but you can have your eye sight monitored in trusting hands, and friends, you cannot mail order that!

I recently had my annual examine with Dr. Stine and this I’d love to share. Dr. Stine doesn’t know unhappy. One of Chip’s greatest assets is the most genuine smile on the planet. This is backed up by being so authentically small town hospitable, that sitting in his chair brings a feeling of honesty and trust. You never feel like Middleburg Eye Center is some satellite location to a big conglomerate.

There’s an education to be had in a visit with Dr. Stine as well. Safe focal distances and eye care are important messages, but your eye doctor can see things in your eyes that other doctors can not, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and more. Yours eyes are a unique window into you. What I like about Dr. Stine’s approach too is he’s not an over prescriber and since he doesn’t sell glasses, there’s no conflict of interest in his prescribing or not prescribing a prescription for them.

You know your eyes are important to you and especially as a visual artist they can be everything. If you haven’t had your eyes checked or if it’s been years since your last check up, an eye exam is a great gift to give yourself this year and hey, you could also meet one of Middleburg’s finest people in the process!

Live An Artful Life, Tom

Sunglasses – A Year ‘Round Necessity in Eye Protection

sunglassesYou might think it’s “that time of year” to make sure your eyes are protected from the sun. But, it’s really important to protect them all year ‘round, not just in the warmer months.

Long term exposure to UV rays causes damage to the eyes and increases risk for cataracts and may cause damage to the retina. Certain factors can also increase this risk. For example, if you live near the water or the snow, take certain medications or have had previous eye issues, your risk for UV damage can increase. Also, remember that sun protection for the eyes is important at every age, even for young children.

According to the American Optometry Association, , to adequately protect your eyes, here are some key features you should look for when shopping for sunglasses:

  • block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation

  • screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light

  • be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection

  • have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition

If you participate in sports or activities where you risk impact, make sure your lenses are impact resistant., made from polycarbonate or Trivex material.

Bigger is better when it comes to sunglasses; the more coverage, the more protection. Look for wrap-around styles to protect your eyes and the area around your eyes from rays that sneak in from the side.

And have fun with your sunglasses! The options abound for both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Middleburg Eye Center has an on-site optical boutique. We’ll help you find the sunglasses that are perfect for you.