Blog, News & Offers

Why should I try contact lenses?

Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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Some people can find the idea of wearing contact lenses daunting others take to them like a duck to water. Unlike some practices who only sell a limited range, our trained Opticians can find the best option for you, not just the best in a small portfolio. We are all different after all. Time of wear, hobbies, sports, occupation aswell as budget all need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right lenses for any wearer.

So, Why should you try contact lenses in 2021

1. Clear, crisp vision.
Contact lenses give you a full field of focussed vision wherever you look. For some prescription types, contact lens wear is the only way to achieve a higher level of vision.

2. Lenses are comfortable, safe, simple and easy to use, we will teach you everything you need to put them in and out and look after them and your eyes. Dont worry, if it takes 5 lessons (it wont) we will be there.

3. Improved Appearance
Personally i love my specs, but i know glasses wear isnt for everyone. Contact lenses can improve how you see yourself giving better self esteem and how others see you. So long Mr/Mrs Shy, Hello confident new you.

4. Lifestyle
Freedom to lead an active lifestyle including sports, leisure and outdoor activities.

5. No Fogging
In these times of mask wearing contact lenses can greatly improve your visual comfort

Contact lens trials are free so what have you got to lose? Call now to make an appointment to see what contact lenses can do for you!

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Polarised sunspecs

Posted on Thursday, April 1, 2021

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With the summer around the corner and the chance of having a holiday this year on the cards, you may be looking to invest in a new pair of sunglasses. And a tint is a tint right? Wrong. There are loads of different types of materials and technology out there with a range of optical properties.

My personal favourite are Polarising lenses, but even within this market, they are not all alike with some having more advantages than others. Xperio are my personal favourite and since having my first pair, i have never tolerated a standard pair of tinted sunspecs ever again.

First of all let’s dispel the Jargon:

What does Polarised mean?
Light waves travel in many directions. When light waves reflect off of horizontal surfaces such as roads, water or ice they (the light beams) become concentrated horizontally. This is seen as visible glare, which can be uncomfortable for our eyes and potentially dangerous especially when driving as you may miss a hazard or be too blinded to keep your eyes open. This type of glare is not eliminated by regularly tinted lenses, a standard tint just lowers the intensity of the glare.
Lenses with Polarised technology allow only vertical directed light beams through the lens and therefore eliminate blinding glare for optimal visual comfort and safety. If your into your fishing you would have already at least heard about this form of lens, rather than see the water like a mirror you see straight into it seeing any of the fish below the surface, oh and rocks you may trip over.
In a nut shell, its the best lens form for drivers (no glare from road, no reflections of dashboard), anyone who spends time around water, snow or sand. Perfect for everyday use and even more so when on holiday.

And what is Xperio?
There are loads of polarising lenses on the market which in a nutshell all block out these horizontal light waves, but when you take light away you lose colour perception and clarity. This is where Xperio differs, this technology enhances colour perception. Xperio Polarised combines the 2 technologies; eliminates harsh, blinding glare and provides a pop making colours still stand out for a dynamic range of visual experience. This is achieved by improving colour perception and stopping dazzling light to travelling through the lens. Xperio also offers the highest level of UV protection meaning optimum ocular health properties too.

What are they available in?
This technology is available in both single vision (including no power) and various Varifocal designs meaning we can match them to your everyday lenses. The lenses can be made thinner and lighter if your prescription is higher.

There not just available in Grey and Brown colours either, we have loads of colours they can be made in and they can be made with a mirror finish too.

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How can pregnancy effect your vision?

Posted on Thursday, April 1, 2021

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Many changes that happen during pregnancy are well-known and recognised, such as food cravings, swollen feet, morning sickness and mood swings. However, how many of you knew that your vision could be affected too?
Whether you are pregnant or you are thinking about becoming pregnant, it’s important that you are aware of the changes your body could go through over the upcoming 9 months.

Pregnancy can change your hormone levels, which can affect many parts of your body as your baby grows. A fluctuation in your hormones can result in slightly impaired vision; however, it is important to note that most women find their vision returns to normal after giving birth.

If you are concerned about your eyesight during your pregnancy, it is important to visit your local optician just to make sure there are no underlying problems.

Hormones during pregnancy can change the quality of your vision for a number of reasons as your body goes through a multitude of changes. Usually these changes are temporary; your optician may advise avoiding any corrective eye surgery or changing your lens prescription.

Here are some of the vision changes you may experience during pregnancy.

DRY EYES

Your hormones during pregnancy may cause dry eyes, due to a change in the quality and amount of tear production in your eye. You might experience symptoms such as excessive tearing, intermittent blurry vision or a scratchy, burning sensation.

This happens because the lubricating glands on the upper and lower eyelid margins produce less oil to keep your eyes moist. You can usually treat this problem with eye drops which are safe to use during pregnancy. All of our practices have staff trained in ocular hygiene and can discuss which dry eye products are suitable for you during pregnancy.

REFRACTIVE ERRORS

Pregnancy can sometimes change how your eyes refract light, meaning you may have trouble seeing objects in the distance, causing short-sightedness. This is due to water retention which can thicken the cornea and alter the surface of your eye.

If the changes are only minor, it is recommended that you wait until you have given birth to see if a change in prescription is necessary, unless you are happy that a change in specs may only be a temporary fix. However, you should still see an optician to make sure your vision problems aren’t being caused by any other issues.

As well as water retention affecting your cornea, you may experience puffy eyes.

MIGRAINE HEADACHES

Some women may find they experience lots of headaches, which is more common in early pregnancy. This can be liked to hormonal changes and may result in sensitivity to light. It is important that you check with your doctor before taking migraine medication.

You may also benefit from minimising your exposure to light during a migraine headache, either by wearing sunglasses or turning the lights down.

Headaches can sometimes be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, as can blurred vision or seeing flashing lights.

NOTICING CHANGES IN YOUR VISION DURING PREGNANCY

Any changes in your eyesight should always be checked by a medical professional. Sometimes vision problems can provide warning signs of more serious conditions during pregnancy, such as the aforementioned pre-eclampsia, or high blood pressure.

If you have diabetes, pregnancy could worsen any pre-existing eye disease such as diabetic retinopathy. You may develop gestational diabetes, which can flare up during pregnancy and disappears after childbirth, which can cause blurry vision.

By being able to recognise any changes in your vision, your optician can advise on the best treatment to help until you have given birth and after. It is important to eat well and keep yourself hydrated, particularly through pregnancy, to give yourself the best chance of good eye health.

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