06.10.21 Health Matters by Orange Observer

HEALTH MATTERS THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO YOUR BEST YOU

THE HEALING PROCESS The 2020-21 school year is over, and the pandemic is receding. For many parents, this the first time they can survey the mental and emotional damage left in its wake. Winter Garden’s The Nurture Place is helping kids heal. Pages 6-7.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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JUNE 2021

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT Tell us about your path to becoming a doctor. I went to a seven-year combined B.A/M.D. program at Boston University. After completing residency at New York Medical College in 2000, I lived in Albany, New York, for three years, where I worked at a private practice. My oldest son was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where my ex-husband was completing fellowships. We moved to Naples after that, and my younger son was born there. I moved to Orlando in 2011 and started working at my present practice in 2012. I have been practicing pediatrics (more than) 20 years now. I have been blessed to find a wonderful practice — Ocoee Pediatrics.

Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt When you’re not working, what do you like doing in your spare time? I have two teenagers of my own, two boys ages 14 and 16, who keep me on my toes at home, as well as two beloved goldendoodles, so life is always busy at home. Managing a private practice, taking care of my work and being mom keep me pretty busy. I am trying to carve out time for things that I enjoy. I am part of two book clubs, which gives me an excuse to squeeze in some non-medical books. I love to travel and am hoping to start exploring new places again soon. I have not had a chance to travel too much, and before COVID hit, I had made a plan to take a couple of trips every year to new places. I am hoping that I can get started again with travel plans real soon.

Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt knew from childhood she wanted to do something in the world that would help children. The daughter of immigrants, Kakkanatt has been a pediatrician for more than 20 years and has served at Ocoee Pediatrics since 2012. In what spare time she has, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, as well as traveling.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born in Hartford, Connecticut, but moved to New York City suburbs as a baby. At age 12, I moved to Clearwater, Florida, and finished high school at St. Petersburg High School. My parents emigrated from India in the late ’60s. When did you decide you wanted to become a pediatrician? I decided early in life that I wanted to work with children. Initially, I was convinced I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but as I got older, I became interested in health care.

Courtesy photo

Do you remember going to the doctor as a child? I had fond memories of my own pediatrician treating me whenever I was sick. He was kind and comforting, and I always felt well taken care of. By the time I was finishing high school, I decided to become a pediatrician.

CHECK-UP Practice: Ocoee Pediatrics, 1551 Boren Drive, Ocoee Speciality: Pediatrics Years in practice: More than 20 years Education: Seven years combined B.A/M.D. program at Boston University; residency at New York Medical College

What is your favorite thing about your job? I am now 20-plus years in pediatrics and thoroughly enjoy it. I feel so comfortable in my position now, and all the hard work it took to get here is worth it because I get to go to work in job that I love. My favorite part of pediatrics is getting to know families and feeling that I am working with parents to provide the best care possible for their children. I enjoy not only treating routine childhood illness but (also) catching up at well visits to make sure growth and development are appropriate, (and) providing advice on nutrition and safety for the younger kids. It is wonderful to see babies growing up into their teen years and maturing into young adults. — TROY HERRING

HEALTH MATTERS

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JUNE 2021

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When it comes to questions about your health, you’ve always sought out the answers. Why stop now?

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JUNE 2021

Protect your pets this summer

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Pets are just as susceptible to summer dangers as we are. Here are our top five tips for ensuring they stay safe.

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For many, summertime means sunscreen, beach trips, popsicles, family vacations, water activities and time spent outdoors enjoying the warm weather. However, just as you take precautions to avoid overheating and excess sun exposure when heading outdoors, it’s also important to remember to protect your fourlegged friends. Here are five tips to make sure your furry companion stays safe this summer.

“(Because) mosquitoes spread heartworms, one mosquito bite is all it takes to infect a dog with this potentially fatal disease,” said Dr. Peiman Milani, owner and veterinarian at Windercare Animal Clinic. “Missing just one dose of heartworm prevention can open the door to your dog being infected.” Fleas are also a concern, because they can cause an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. Signs of fleas include rash, redness and scratching or biting the hind legs, tail or abdomen.

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AVOID FIREWORKS AROUND PETS

Fireworks can cause a tremendous amount of fear and anxiety for pets, as the booming sound can trigger a fight-or-flight response. Many pets escape and are reported lost around holidays such as the Fourth of July for this reason. Additionally, exposure to lit fireworks can result in severe burns or trauma. Leave your pets secure at home if you’re heading out to a fireworks display. If possible, confine them to the most soundproof room and ensure all windows are closed.

DO NOT SHAVE YOUR DOG

Many people think shaving their dog’s coats will help keep them cooler, but all that fur has a purpose. According to the ASPCA, the layers of a dog’s coat actually helps protect them from overheating and sunburn. Pet owners can trim longer hair, but shaving is never recommended.

STAY UP TO DATE ON HEARTWORM AND FLEA TREATMENTS

Florida’s warm and humid environment makes it conducive for mosquitoes and fleas to thrive.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF OVERHEATING

Signs of heat stroke in cats include rapid pulse and breathing, red tongue, vomiting, lethargy and stumbling. For dogs, the signs include excessive drooling, rapid heartbeat, red gums and producing little to no urine. To avoid overheating, stay indoors on hot days. When taking your dog out, keep walks short. Additionally, ensure your pet always has access to fresh water.

PAW PROTECTION

When it’s hot out, there’s always a risk of your pet’s paws getting burned on pavement. In fact, even when it’s just 77 degrees out, the asphalt temperature may reach 125 degrees. To check whether the pavement is too hot for your dog’s paws, do the seven-second test. Touch the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If it’s too hot to hold your hand there for seven seconds, it’s also too hot for your pet’s paws. If the pavement is too hot, try walking your dog on grass or at times when the ground is cooler, such as early in the morning or late in the evening.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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Remaining fluid Hydration is always important — especially during a hot Florida summer. Here’s how to ensure you have plenty of fluids throughout the season. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Water is the ultimate life-giver, and it plays just as big a role in our bodies as it does in nature. Water makes up nearly 60% of our bodies and plays a huge role in our health. That’s why staying hydrated is paramount every day — and even more so in the summer, said Lisa Cooper — a registered dietitian at the Orlando Health Center for Health Improvement at Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital. “It has so many functions,” Cooper said of water. “It’s used to manufacture neural transmitters and hormones, and it’s important for growth and reproduction, and it helps to flush waste out of the body and it helps to lubricate your joints … and all important it helps regulate your body temperature. It has so many different functions, and since it is a large part of us, just losing a little bit can have an impact on how we feel.” HYDRATION LEVELS

There are two extremes that can really take a toll on our health: Overhydration and dehydration. The former, also known as hyponatremia, is much less common — Cooper said she had only really heard of it with endurance athletes — but nevertheless can still be

dangerous. Just as with anything, too much water can be bad for your health. Too much fluid in the body can dilute the plasma sodium in your body — leading to confusion, fatigue and weakness. Conversely, dehydration is incredibly common, Cooper said. And water loss happens through a variety of factors that you may not realize. “You’re losing water always through breathing, coughing, sneezing and sweat,” Cooper said. “Exercise in climate plays such a big role, so people in Florida or in Orlando versus the coast are going to have different fluid requirements and losses, so you really have to know yourself. “Thirst is a good guideline,” she said. “If you’re thirsty, your body is telling you to rehydrate. But if you have more than a 2% weight change, the effects are things like changes in mood, possibly memory, attention and definitely athletic performance.” Another telltale sign is urine color. Cooper said it should be a straw yellow color. If it’s a darker yellow, then you’re dehydrated, and if it’s clear, then that’s a sign that you’re drinking too much water. HYDRATION SCIENCE

The proper amount of water varies depending on a variety of factors — body size, gender, health

background and the amount of exercise one does. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the recommended intake for men is 15.5 cups per day, while women should drink around 11.5 cups. Those amounts include the total intake — both food and liquid. There’s also is a mathematic equation that can be used to determine how much water you need following exercise or a day working in the yard. Before the activity, weigh yourself and note your weight. After you’re done, weigh yourself again. For each pound you lost while being active, drink 16 ounces of water. ALTERNATIVES

If you don’t care for water, there are other ways to hydrate, Cooper said. “There (are) little tricks that you can play with yourself,” Cooper said. “For some people, it’s just a quantity issue — a 16-ounce water bottle seems overwhelming, so you get them a little tiny one, and sometimes that’s enough. If they don’t like water, they can put fruit or herbs (in). You can do the fruit infusions — that works for people — or lemon or lime, and (for) some people sparkling water does the trick.” Many foods, such as celery, cabbage, radishes, watermelon and strawberries, also can hydrate. Meanwhile, sports drinks — such as Gatorade — should really only be consumed by those who are doing long, intensive work where they need both hydration and electrolytes, Cooper said.

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INGREDIENTS n 2 cups frozen strawberries n 1 frozen banana n 1 1/2 cup watermelon, cubed n 1/4 cup coconut water TOPPINGS (OPTIONAL):

n Pomegranate seeds n Blueberries

METHOD n Mix all ingredients in blender. Add coconut water and blend to desired thickness (consistency to eat with a spoon). Pour into bowl and top with fruit or other toppings.

POMEGRANATE POPS INGREDIENTS n 2 cups pomegranate juice (or deep purple grape juice) n 1 cup coconut water METHOD n Mix juice and water in small picture. Pour into ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.

JUNE 2021

HEALTH MATTERS

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JUNE 2021

THE FONTENOTS

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The Fontenot family turned to The Nurture Place when their youngest son exhibited signs of stress and had trouble communicating his emotions during the pandemic.

A time to laugh, a time to weep AMY QUESINBERRY

The Nurture Place created a support group for children after seeing the effects the pandemic had on their mental and emotional well-being.

COMMUNITY EDITOR

he COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous disruption in the lives of both adults and children, and many parents have seen a change in their child’s behavior and emotional well-being. The Nurture Place saw a need for group therapy that could help children understand all the changes and disruptions happening during the pandemic, and in February, the counseling center started an anxiety support group for youth. “Something we wanted to be intentional about is that it met their needs,” said Summer Darnell, licensed mental health counselor. “That each week they look forward to it. … It’s been really fun and a really positive experience. I think parents get a lot out of someone looking after their emotional needs. We have people looking after their educational health and their physical needs, but … there hasn’t been something like this out there. “This level of care hasn’t been available,” Darnell said. “We’re being more proactive.”

THE NURTURE PLACE 1001 W. Plant St., Winter Garden WEBSITE: thenurtureplace.org

Angela Gonzalez, executive director of The Nurture Place, in Winter Garden, described the addition as “child-focused holistic programs that are going to benefit our community at large — building stronger families and communities.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six U.S. children from ages 2 to 8 years (17.4%) has a diagnosed mental, behavioral or developmental disorder. Furthermore, research has shown the majority of problems in children go undiagnosed and untreated. BEING THEMSELVES

Gonzalez said the counseling center’s team developed the program because it saw children needed to be able to manage higher levels of stress and

Tyler is not an anxious child but more of a higher-level emotionally charged person compared to his family members and school peers. He is a third-grade student at Oakland Avenue Charter School and our youngest son. As many families this year, we were navigating unprecedented times with personal and professional stressors and doing our best as a family to thrive with the coping skills we had in our wellbeing toolbox. However, with factors of social isolation, and new and different school goals and experiences this year, we started to recognize some early signs of stress and frustration in our youngest son — mostly at home — with communication and expressing emotions. Although the signals were early and can be typical of kids in the gifted experience, we wanted to support him in the best way we could and realized there was community experience that would give him a village of like-minded families and kids. We discovered The Nurture Place on a community social media page, and it seemed like a great fit for preventive mental health skills with his peer group in a group community setting. Our hope was this experience would give him improved coping skills for regular and exceptional life stressors in and outside of school. His weekly classes gave him great relaxation tools, categories of his emotions and how to better cope and communicate them to his family and friends, and ultimately how to be the best he can be and advocate for his wellbeing daily. What we did not expect — and an amazing outcome — was that there were emotional well-being tools we all learned as a family as we reviewed his “calm club” (his name for his weekly group) activities each week and discussed as a family how we can all be better about coping, communicating and resilience during times of stress and anxiety. We are so grateful for the experience as a family and enjoy using these emotional well-being skills in our daily lives. — DEIDRE K. FONTENOT, OAKLAND

HEALTH MATTERS

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“That’s one of the things we focus on in the group — ‘When I’m experiencing stress, how do I recognize that to be able to communicate it to be able to say I need help?’”

— Angie Hilken

anxiety caused by the pandemic. It gives children a way to get together to learn new skills while discovering they aren’t alone in their feelings. The in-person groups meets for an hour once a week for six weeks, and one has met at a local elementary school. Children are divided into age groups: younger (kindergarten through second grade) and older (third through fifth grades). Each session follows a scheduled routine. Angie Hilken, licensed clinical social worker, said there is security in a scheduled routine, especially for children to know what’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen. Counselors make a list of stressful situations — such as taking a test, getting in trouble, having an ill family member or friend, or trying something new — and then ask the children to write both negative and positive responses to each stressor. “Then we talked about, how are ways we can think about things that are maybe more negative or, even though it’s stressful, how can we think positively,” Hilken said. The counselors have found that through fun and play, the participants are able to relax and open up about their emotions and “be

themselves,” Darnell said. Through these sessions, the counselors discovered even really young children can experience stress and anxiety. “Because of the pandemic, the ability for people to just be available has lessened,” Hilken said. “Because we have all felt more stress and changes, and we’re trying to acclimate to that, and I think what gets lost is the ability to notice what’s happening for our children. We’ve been super fortunate that we have parents who say, ‘We are worried,’ or ‘We just want to make sure they’re OK … and have skills they can carry forward for the rest of their life.’” These skills are designed to help children who are exhibiting changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or a tendency to have heightened emotional reactions, as well as sleeping and eating disruptions. Some may have become withdrawn or shown heightened emotional reactions. “That’s one of the things we focus on in the group — ‘When I’m experiencing stress, how do I recognize that to be able to communicate it to be able to say I need help?’” Hilken said. Letters are sent home to parents that summarize that week’s session and share tips on strengthening communication at home.

Gonzalez experienced the sessions as a parent, as well, when her daughter participated in a group. “I was really impressed as a parent that they can recognize when they are dysregulated and how they can regulate to calm down — not just my child but everyone,” she said. “One thing we talked about is it’s OK to have all these feelings at one time, and it’s OK to talk about it, and it’s OK to express it and talk about those feelings. I think that takes care of a lot of stress.” Normalizing mental health is important, and The Nurture Place’s goal is to help people understand that counseling is not just for folks with extreme depression. “Reopening (after the pandemic) is also going to bring a whole new level of anxiety and stress for families,” Hilken said. “Yes, the pandemic and what we’ve been through has been stressful, but opening provides a new level of stresses. ‘How am I going to ensure my child is safe?’” Communication and community support are key. “We’re really hopeful that we as a community can support families as … we’ve gone through the pandemic together, and we’re going to be coming out of it together,” Darnell said. “Even though it’s a positive adjustment, of change, it brings another level of stress, of uncertainty.”

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WHAT CAN HELP The Nurture Place offers ways for children to cope with stress and emotions. “Throughout the groups, we’re practicing sharing with one another (and) mindfulness techniques such as breathing and relaxation,” Darnell said. “We’re taking care of our bodies by making sure we’re hydrated and we’re getting a snack. That’s very important in keeping ourselves calm and healthy.” Other tips include practicing problem-solving, conscious breathing and imagining themselves in a safe place. Now that school is out, parents can help their children adjust by keeping basic daily routines even though it is summertime. Parents should plan a time of connection with their children, including game nights, dance parties, exercise and fun activities they can plan together. “One very helpful thing parents can do for their kids this summer … is listen,” Hilken said. “Our children express their needs sometimes through words but most often through behaviors; when we can slow down and notice, we are better able to meet those needs.”

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HEALTH MATTERS

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JUNE 2021

BURPEE: The burpee has been around since the 1930s but in the last several years has become one of the most popular exercises around.

DO THE BURPEE COUNT 1: Drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground.

SPORTS EDITOR

COUNT 2: Kick your feet back, placing your body into a plank position while keeping your arms extended.

COUNT 3: From this position, do a push-up.*

COUNT 5: Jump up from the squat position.

LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP

For those with a fondness of the burpee — including Lovette — there’s a level of pseudo selfloathing that goes into it. But when it gets ingrained into your system, you can’t just not do it. “When we go on vacation — if I’m flying somewhere and they don’t have a gym — I’ll do 100 burpees, and that will be my workout for the day while I’m out of town,” Lovette said. “Nothing is going to hit as many body parts and as many muscle features, as well as your cardio, as doing 100 burpees.” Proponents of the exercise note its bare-boned nature — with it not requiring any kind of equipment — which allows for folks to

get the exercise in wherever they want, without any constrictions. And with it hitting on muscles all over the body, as well as getting your heart going, it’s the complete package, Lovette said. It’s such a popular exercise that it’s often used as a tool to bring awareness and raise money for certain causes. One well-known example is that of Burpees for Vets — put on by the Courage Foundation — which raises awareness and funds for veterans suffering from PTSD. Although burpees do offer a full-body workout with no need for equipment, not everyone is a fan of them — that’s where Kurtz comes in. “My thought — anytime I’m programming an exercise — is, ‘Why are we doing the exercise? What is the point of doing the exercise?’” Kurtz said. “And the core values that I have in our strength programs is protect the athlete, and get them to move well and move strong. Then to thrive is the fifth (core value) … and one of those is enjoying exercise. “The burpee exercise has a lot of potential for injuries,” he said. “You’re dropping down on the ground — jamming your wrist into the ground — forcing your wrist into extension, and that puts a lot of pressure on the wrist and can lead to wrist injuries. And then, as you drop down, you’re putting a huge amount of stress on the front part of your shoulder, which is also the weakest part of your shoulder.” Other issues of note that come with the burpee is that the quick up-and-down movement can cause dizziness and light-headedness, while constant repetition can overwork joints and other parts of the body. With those concerns, Kurtz often offers other solutions to those looking for a full-body workout, which also offers cardio perks. “You could do a med-ball slam to squat to overhead press,” Kurtz said. “The med-ball slam is really working on your interior core and core power, the squatting down incorporates your entire lower-body strength, and then going into a thrust — or a press — then incorporates upper-body strength. You can do those as fast as you want and get your heart rate up.”

The burpee can be broken down into five different movements:

TROY HERRING

he burpee: Two words that either will make a fitness fanatic look at you in disgust or drop down and put on a show. There is no in-between. The exercise has been around since the 1930s thanks to its creation by U.S. physiologist Royal H. Burpee, who developed the burpee test. However, in the past two decades, it has exploded throughout the fitness world and become a fitness staple in the process. A big part of that reason, said Micah Kurtz — who serves as Windermere Preparatory School’s strength, conditioning and athletic development coach — is the rising popularity of the CrossFit movement. Lee Lovette, who co-owns CrossFit Winter Garden with his wife, Alexis, agrees. “I’ve been doing CrossFit for over a decade now, I’ve been a programmer for six years — so as someone who writes workouts, I’ve been writing it into workouts for six years,” Lovette said. “But I’ve had the joy of experiencing burpees — or something like a burpee — for the last 20 years.”

THE EXERCISE YOU LOVE TO HATE

COUNT 4: Jump your feet back into the squat position.

* THE PUSH-UP CAN BE ELIMINATED TO CREATE A FOUR-COUNT BURPEE.

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HEALTH MATTERS

FINANCIAL HEALTH

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When, why should you refinance? A Winter Garden direct lender shares tips for folks considering refinancing their mortgage and other loans. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

There have been few positive aspects to the COVID-19 pandemic, but one piece of good news for homeowners is the reduction in market interest rates. Many folks have elected to refinance their mortgage at a time when the rates have reached as low as 2.5%. Refinancing your mortgage basically means you are trading in your old mortgage for a new one — and possibly a new balance. When you refinance your mortgage, your bank or lender pays off your old mortgage with the new one. Homeowners refinance to take advantage of lower market interest rates, cash out a portion of their equity or reduce their monthly payment with a longer repayment term. Ralph DiSciullo, owner and branch manager of American Financial Network, in Winter Garden, has been a lender for seven years. As a direct lender, DiSciullo essentially eliminates the middle man — the mortgage broker who connects the clients with the lenders. “Seven, eight, nine years ago, banks got real strict on whom they can lend to,” he said. “We have banks calling us — they can’t handle the client because of (a number of) reasons, maybe poor credit.” A person’s credit score is an important factor in determining the interest rate of the loan he or she is able to obtain based on his or her creditworthiness. “A good credit score is anything over 750,” DiSciullo said. “Between 650 and 750 is average. Banks won’t usually touch anyone under 640, but I will go down to a 500 credit score. … I won’t tell you no, I’ll show you the path to take to be able to refinance your home.” He said homeowners save more money if they can decrease the interest rate by a whole percentage point. This savings can be poured

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CONSIDERING HOME REFINANCING n How much equity do I have in my home? n What is my credit score? n What are my goals? n What are the terms of my current mortgage? n Is refinancing worth the cost? n Can I afford the closing costs and other costs related to refinancing? n Do I have the time to dedicate to researching my best options? n What are the refinancing pitfalls?

back into the life of the loan to reduce monthly payments. It also can be used to make renovations to the home or install a pool, or it can help pay off high-interest credit card bills. Six months ago, people could obtain an interest rate of 2.5% to 2.75%; however, inflation has caused that percentage rate to climb to between 3% and 4% since the first part of the year. But depending on the interest rate of the original mortgage, that still could mean quite a savings. One of the downsides of refinancing is that it costs money to take out a new mortgage to pay off the old one. The homeowners will pay the same costs as when they first bought the house, including title insurance, as well as origination, application and closing fees. Experts recommend against refinancing if homeowners don’t plan to stay in their home long, because they will end up spending more than they save. It’s important to calculate the break-even point on these costs and find out exactly when one begins reaping the benefits of the lower interest rate. In some cases, it could take two or three years. DiSciullo said anyone considering a refinance should do their research. Find out if you are dealing with a broker or direct lender, learn what kind of interest rates the company has and ask about closing costs. Homeowners with high credit card balances could benefit from refinancing. “Say someone is paying 20% interest on their credit card; now they’re paying 3%, so there’s a significant savings there,” DiSciullo said. “It’s working the numbers.” Refinancing a mortgage and combining debt — such as credit cards or vehicle and student loans — could result in a monthly payment increase of $600, but if it reduces $600 in monthly payments that have a high percentage rate, it actually produces a significant savings.

JUNE 2021

Is it Time for a Nephrologist? Kidney disease increases your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Major risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history of kidney failure. Chronic Kidney Disease, the “silent disease”, often has no symptoms in its early stages and can go undetected until it is very advanced. Each year, kidney disease kills more people than breast or prostate cancer. Advanced Kidney Care of Central Florida specializes in diseases of the Kidney, Urine, Hypertension, Kidney Stones, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation care.

If you have concerns about your kidney health, contact us at 352-240-3812 (Winter Garden) or 352-240-3812 (Clermont) G CCEPTIN NOW A TS

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HEALTH MATTERS

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JUNE 2021

BRAINFOOD

The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.

Eye Spy I Danielle Hendrix // Associate Editor Did you know that we don’t really see with our eyes but, instead, with our brain? That’s because our eyes are connected to our brain via an optic nerve, which allows them to communicate through electrical signals. CILIARY MUSCLE

SCLERA

An extension of the iris and connected to the lens, this allows the lens to change shape and become thicker or thinner.

The white part of the eye. This provides support for the eye and helps it keep its shape.

OPTIC NERVE

CORNEA

This connects the eye to the brain and allows them to communicate through important electrical signals. If the nerve is damaged, it could prevent you from seeing out of that eye.

A specific part of the clear conjunctiva, the cornea covers the iris and pupil, allowing light to pass through and into the middle of the iris.

PUPIL

The dark opening in the middle of your eye. This allows light to enter your eye.

LENS

Just like a camera lens, this part of the eye changes shapes to adjust how much light is let in.

CONJUNCTIVA

This forms a clear and moist outer layer around the eye and protects it using mucus and tears.

MACULA

RETINA

IRIS

The colored part of the eye. Do you have blue, brown, green or hazel eyes? Eye color is determined by genetics.

The inside lining in the back of the eye that changes light waves into electrical signals for the brain to receive. This is how you interpret information your eyes have taken in.

Part of the retina, the macula is responsible for our central vision, most of our color vision and the fine detail of what we see.

VITREOUS BODY/ VITREOUS HUMOR

A clear, gelatin-like substance that helps support the shape of the eye by attaching to the retina with tiny fibers. Vitreous means glass-like.

How Do Glasses Work? Everyone’s eyes are a little bit different, and sometimes all the parts of the eye don’t work together as they should — hence why some people need glasses and some don’t. Glasses and contact lenses work by correcting refractive problems — or bending light rays in a way that lets you see clearly. Glasses are able to correct vision because they allow the eye to focus light on the right spot in the retina to produce the clearest image. Two common refractive problems that can be corrected by glasses are nearsightedness and farsightedness. Nearsightedness, or myopia, means a person can see things close up but has difficulty seeing those that are far way. Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is just the opposite. A farsighted person can see things far away but has trouble seeing them up close.

MYOPIA (Nearsightedness)

“There are portions of our brain that are responsible for our vision, (such as) the occipital lobe (back of the head),” said optometrist Dr. Umar Ahmed, of Ahmed Eye Associates, located within Pearle Vision Ocoee. “Think about a bunch of wiring going through the eye connecting back to that area. That wiring is bringing different stimuli of what we’re seeing.” That optic nerve is just one of the many parts of the eye, too. Parts such as the optic nerve, cornea, retina and lens all work together to help us see properly. When the parts don’t work as they should, that’s when our vision is affected. To make it simple, Ahmed said he sections the eye into three main sections whenever he does his eye exams — the front, middle and back of the eye. At the front of the eye, Ahmed looks at the corneal tissue to ensure it’s clear and free of scratches and other issues. In the middle part of the eye, Ahmed looks at the lens — about the size of an M&M candy — to ensure it’s working properly. Finally, at the back of the eye, he looks at components like the optic nerve and the macula to ensure there aren’t any signs of macular degeneration or glaucoma.

HYPEROPIA (Farsighted)

Focal Plane

Uncorrected

Concave lens

Corrected

Convex lens

Corrected

Illustration by Lindsay Cannizzaro // Creative Services

OrangeObserver.com

HEALTH MATTERS

JUNE 2021

HEALTH MATTERS

JUNE 2021

OrangeObserver.com