Author: Kori Morrison

Posted on by — Leave a comment

I have been told I have presbyopia

Presbyopia is the medical term for long-sightedness that is associated with age. So what is Presbyopia? Well, it is not a disease, or a condition but more a natural part of the aging process in which the eyes struggle to focus on near objects.

The initial symptoms are problems in changing focus from an object in the distance to a near by object, blurred vision (when viewing close objects), eyestrain after close-up work (especially in dim light) and occasionally double vision and headaches.

At what age does Presbyopia strike?

Presbyopia usually affects people between the ages of 40 and 50. Because it is a slow degenerative symptom, people may go a few years after first noticing the problem and seeking help.

If someone develops presbyopia before the age of 40 then it is referred to as premature presbyopia. Premature presbyopia usually occurs if someone already has hypermetropia (long-sightedness), but it can also occur in people who spend a substantial amount of time involved in close-up work such as reading, sewing or computer work. As ultraviolet exposure can be a factor, those who live in warm climates may be more likely to develop premature presbyopia.

What causes it?

The lens of the eye has to change shape in order to focus on objects of different distances. The natural resting state of the eye allows us to focus on objects in the distance, for this we use long sight. In order for the eye to focus on objects that are closer to us, the lens of the eye must change thickness.

The ciliary muscles of the eye must contract, causing the lens to alter shape. With the lens in a new thicker and more curved shape, the retina is able to bring the light rays from close objects into sharp focus. As we age, the lens of the eye becomes much less elastic and finds it harder to change shape. The ciliary muscles aren’t as strong and supple, and our vision is affected.

What can be done about Presbyopia?

Glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed. If you already wear corrective lenses, then you may find that your prescription has altered and you will need to get a new one. Bifocals or varifocal lenses may be prescribed to allow you to focus on objects that are closer up.

If you wear contact lenses they you may need to start wearing reading glasses too, or to look at different contact lenses such as bifocal or varifocals ones. Your optician can talk you through all of the options, and help you to choose something that works with your lifestyle and budget.

If you do not already wear glasses or contact lenses, then you may need to start wearing glasses for close-up work such as reading. If your optician advises you to wear reading glasses, then it is advisable to ensure that you wear them whenever you do any close-up work to support your eyes and prevent you from having symptoms such as headaches from eye strain. It is also worth being vigilant that you do any close-up work in a well lit environment as poor lighting can cause the symptoms to worsen.

Eyecare Tips

Whether you have no symptoms of presbyopia, the early signs or have noticed a dramatic difference in your near sight due to age; here are some tips to get the best from your vision.

  • Visit your optician regularly to maintain the health of your eyes
  • Take regular breaks when engaging in close-up work, to allow your ocular muscles to relax. Simply look into the distance every ten minutes or so, to achieve this.
  • Wear sunglasses with a high eye protection factor to help prevent UV damage.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of vitamins A, C and E.
  • If you work on the computer for hours a day, then avoid screen glare by keeping lights from shining directly on to the screen. Keep the screen below eye level and as far from you as possible. Speak to your optician about computer glasses which relieve screen glare and take the pressure off eye muscles.
Posted on by — Leave a comment

What Causes Blurred Vision in Eyes?

Blurred Vision?

What causes blurred vision in eyes? Blurred vision isn’t something that should be ignored. Whilst tiredness or a common cold could be an occasional cause, regular episodes of blurred vision could be caused by something else, and could lead to more serious problems. We take a look at some of the most common causes of blurred vision and what can be done about them.

Refractive Eye Conditions

Refractive eye conditions are a common cause of blurred vision and include myopia (short sightedness), hyperopia (long sightedness) and astigmatism (where both distances cause a problem). This is easily identified by an eye test and corrected by prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Presbyopia

You may not have heard the term very often but you will certainly be familiar with the condition. Presbyopia is an age related condition typically experienced in your mid 40’s onwards which impairs the eye’s ability to focus on close objects and like the conditions mentioned above, can be helped with glasses or contact lenses.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes affects many people, and is caused by the eyes inability to produce sufficient moisture for the eye which is essential to protect it. This can be a result of occasional irritations such as the weather, allergies or blocked ducts. Many dry eye problems can be helped with the use of eye drops which can help to keep the eye moisturised and encourage tear production.

Ill Health

Blurred vision can happen as a result of common health problems such as cold and flu, migraines and hayfever. If blurred vision has come on at the same time as other symptoms associated with these conditions, the blurred vision should improve as the other symptoms are treated.

Cataracts

One of the most serious sources of blurred vision is a cataract, which unfortunately, like many other eye conditions, develop as we age. A cataract is essentially the clouding of the lens, which causes blurred vision and an inability to focus. Cataracts can be treated with surgery and many people are able to regain their sight following a successful procedure.

There are of course more serious causes of blurred vision and you should be extra cautious if you develop sudden blurred vision without an obvious cause or other symptoms. If you are concerned at all about blurred vision, Chapman Opticians can help diagnose the cause and provide treatment where needed. Get in touch with one of the team to arrange your appointment.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

What An Eye Test Can Detect

According to a 2010 survey by Mintel, 1 in 5 adults admit to either rarely having an eye test or never having one at all. For many people an eye test can be a distraction; if you don’t think you need glasses then why bother going to see an optician? However, this doesn’t tell the full story and an eye test can reveal much more about your health than just your eyesight.

An eye test can detect a range of poor health conditions including diabetes

Far from simply assessing your need for glasses, an eye test can detect conditions such as diabetes. Around three quarters of a million people in the UK are currently suffering from diabetes and do not even know it and the condition can prove to be life threatening if it is not treated with proper medication and a healthy diet.

A simple eye test can detect the signs of diabetes; over time the condition weakens the tiny blood vessels which are close to the retina and this can be picked up by an optician. Most people are very surprised what an eye test can detect.

An eye test can detect high blood pressure

Aside from diabetes, high blood pressure is another major ailment that can be detected through a quick trip to have your eyes tested. Indeed, this actually applies greatly to younger people who haven’t had any blood pressure checks.

While we associated the condition with old age many people in their twenties are starting to develop high blood pressure and it is unlikely that they will get checked for it by their GP. Through an eye test an optician can see the signs of high blood pressure through blood vessels in the retina and in many cases it has saved peoples’ lives.

An eye test can detect glaucoma

Perhaps one of the biggest conditions detected by an eye test is glaucoma. A common problem that can eventual lead to blindness if not treated correctly it can be easily spotted by an eye test check-up even though in its early stages it shows no real symptoms so often goes untreated and unnoticed for years.

An eye test can detect macular degeneration

Lastly we have macular degeneration, a serious condition that an eye test can spot and lead to earlier treatment. The condition generally affects older people and it is categorised by wet and dry types. Although there is no effective treatment for the dry type of macular degeneration an early diagnosis can help you adapt quicker to the problem and the wet type can be treated through laser surgery or medication.

This is not an exhaustive list of conditions and diseases that can be picked up by an eye test but rather it is to highlight some of the more serious medical problems that can be easily identified. Although rare, brain tumours and even cancer can all be seen in their early stages by an optician’s examination and it goes far beyond just inspecting you for new glasses.

How often should you have an eye check?

A good guideline to follow is to have an eye check-up once every 2 years or once per year if you are under 16, over 70 or suffer from diabetes. The process is simple and straightforward and could potentially do much more for you than just prescribing new lenses.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Tips For Contact Lens Wearers

Is My Contact Lens Inside Out?

A question many newbie wearers have is: “How can I tell if my contact lens is inside-out?”

The difference can be subtle, but before placing a contact lens on your eye, make sure it looks like half a ball, not a soup bowl with a rim.

The trick is to place the lens on your finger so that a cup is formed. Then hold the lens up directly in front of your eyes so you’re looking at the side of the cup.

If the lens forms a “U” with the top edges flared out, it’s inside out. If it forms just a “U,” it’s in the correct position.

If you’re wearing lenses with a handling tint, another way is to place the lens on your fingertip and then look down at it. The edge of a tinted lens should look very blue (or green, depending on the tint); that won’t be the case if the lens is inverted.

Some contact lenses also have a laser marking, such as the brand name, on the edge to help you. If you can read it properly, the lens is not inside out.

Don’t worry if you place a contact lens in your eye inside out. The lens will feel uncomfortable, but it can’t do any damage.

Applying Your Contact Lenses

Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before applying your contact lenses, but avoid scented or oily soaps that might adhere to the lens surface. Especially avoid using products containing lanolin and moisturizing lotions.

Some eye doctors say to always apply the first contact lens in the same eye, so you’ll avoid the possibility of mixing up lenses for the right eye and left eye.

Other basic guidelines for contact lens application include:

  • Gently shake your lens case containing the storage solution, to loosen the contact lens should it be stuck. (Don’t try pulling at the lens with your finger, or you might damage it.)
  • Slide the lens out of its case and into the palm of your hand. Rinse thoroughly with the appropriate contact lens solution.
  • Place the contact lens on the tip of your index or middle finger, which should be dry or mostly dry.
  • With the fingers and thumb of your other hand, simultaneously pull up on your upper eyelid and down on your lower eyelid.
  • Position the lens on your eye while looking upward or forward, whichever you find to be easier. You also can apply the contact lens by placing it on the white of the eye closest to your ear.
  • Gently close your eye, roll your eyes in a complete circle to help the lens settle, and then blink.
  • Look closely in the mirror to make sure the lens is centered on your eye. If it is, the lens should be comfortable and your vision should be clear.

Removing Your Contact Lenses

Always wash your hands before removing contact lenses. If you are standing in front of a sink, use a clean paper towel to cover the drain where the contact lens might accidentally fall.

To remove soft contact lenses, look upward or sideways while you pull down on your lower eyelid. With a finger, gently maneuver the lens onto the white of your eye. There, you can very gently pinch the lens together with your index finger and thumb and lift it off the eye.

Until you master contact lens removal, you might want to keep your fingernails short to avoid accidentally scratching and damaging your eye.

Gas permeable contact lenses can be removed by holding out the palm of your hand, bending over, and then opening your eye wide. With one finger of your other hand, pull the skin between your upper and lower eyelid (just outside the lateral aspect of your eye) outward toward your ear with your eye wide open. Then blink. The contact lens should pop right out and into your open palm.

Devices for removing contact lenses, called “plungers,” also are available from your eye doctor, and can be used to touch and directly remove a lens from your eye. Just make sure you touch only the lens and not your eye’s surface with these devices.

While you might hear a myth or two about someone “losing” a contact lens in the back of the eye, this is actually impossible because of a membrane that connects your eye to the back of your eyelid.

Contact Lenses And UV Light

Researchers have linked ultraviolet (UV) light to the formation of cataracts. Exposure to excessive UV light also may result in a condition called photokeratitis.

That’s why some contact lenses now contain a UV-blocking agent. You can’t tell if a contact lens has a UV blocker just by looking at it — the blocking agent is clear, so as not to disturb vision. The contact lens packaging will specify if the product has a UV blocker, or you can ask your eye doctor.

Very important: UV-blocking contacts are not meant to replace sunglasses. A contact lens covers only your cornea, not your entire eye.

However, UV-blocking contact lenses do help protect the portion of the white of your eye that is covered from formation of growths such as pingueculae and pterygia.

Sunglasses with UV protection can cover more of your eye and the parts of your face that surround the eye, depending on the size of the sunglass lens. That’s why contacts with UV blockers are designed to complement sunglass use as an added protection.

Contact Lens Safety Tips

  • DO make sure contact lenses and lens storage cases are cleaned and disinfected regularly, according to your eye doctor’s instructions.
  • DON’T place contact lenses in your mouth or use your saliva to wet them.
  • DO replace contact lenses regularly, according to your eye doctor’s directions.
  • DON’T “top off” old solution in your contact lens case. Instead, discard old solution and replace it with fresh solution.
  • DO always rub contact lenses when you clean them, even if using a “no-rub” solution.

Eye Makeup and Contact Lenses 

Getting makeup in your eye is annoying. But it’s even worse with contacts, because it can stick to the lenses instead of flushing right out. Follow these tips to keep your eyes looking and feeling good:

  • Put your contact lenses on before applying makeup. And always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your contacts, so you won’t transfer any oils, creams or lotions to the lenses.
  • Use only non-allergenic makeup. Almay and Clinique have eye-friendly products, but there are other good brands as well.
  • Cream eye shadow is less likely to get in your eye than powder. But creams can irritate your eyes more if they do make it into your eyes. Choose water-based rather than oil-based creams.
  • If you prefer powder, keep your eyes closed during application. Then, brush off any excess powder before opening your eyes.
  • Never apply eyeliner between your lashes and your eye. Apply eyeliner only on the portion of your lashes that is well away from your eye.
  • To remove eye makeup, wash and dry your hands. Then remove your contacts, being careful not to bump them into any makeup. Finally, use your eye makeup remover.
  • Replace your eye makeup frequently — at least every three months. Don’t use old eye makeup, because over time bacteria will get into the product and then into your eyes, where it can cause an infection. One way to tell if your makeup is too old is if it smells funny. Also, don’t share your eye makeup with others.
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Learning About Vision: The Stages Of Development in Children

Childhood Myopia

Infants

Development of the eyes takes place between the first 3-10 weeks in the womb. There after changes will continue to occur much till their adolescence. These stages are interpreted into the following significant changes you should be observing in your child and potential problems to be aware of. The well-being of our vision are of great importance as 80% of our memories are created by what we see in day-to-day life.

Warning signs

  • Child struggles to track objects by 3 months
  • Eyes remain disordered and unable to lock onto objects
  • Eyes appear white

Premature babies may have abnormal replacement of tissue in the retina in serve cases can lead to blindness. Hence, internal eye exams should be made to rule out Retinopathy or Prematurity (ROP), highlighting the importance of immediate incubation after birth.

Complaints about double or blurred vision is also a cause for concern to make a visit to the optometrists, which may also offer referrals to the GP if necessary. Dilation can also be performed in our clinics, this observes the retina and optic nerve to identify any on-going problems particularly used to treat sight loss and various other eye conditions.

Other signs of eye sight problems

  • Sitting to close to the TV or holding a tablet
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Squints when reading
  • Frequently eye rubbing
  • Reports headaches/eye pain

4 months +

In the early 4 months’ baby’s eyesight remains poor as they can only perceive objects 8-10 inches from their face. Hand and eye coordination will begin as they start stacking blocks and track moving objects. Usually minor crossing of the eyes will occur as coordination is yet lacking. Coloured vision is expected to develop at 5 months. You may find as they attempt to examine smaller objects, a cheeky game of hide and seek allows them to build on facial and object recognition.

At 8 months your baby should have clear vision and the ability to calculate distance between objects. Baby’s found to crawl during their growth will have better coordination skills and full 3D interpretation of their surroundings to pick up small objects using their thumb and forefinger. Although in rare cases glasses may be needed.

12 Months +

By 12 months they should be able to tell between near and far. At the two year mark your child should have the capabilities to fully immerse in exploring the environment. Make sure you keep sharp edges especially cabinets away from your child. They also should be encouraged to scribble and draw to create interest in primary colours,visual books cam be helpful in this instance. Colour blindness could also be identified at an early stage, if signs of any struggle to decipher between reds, browns and oranges or blues and purples.

4 Years +

Your child should be able to have an eye test at the age when they are able to decipher their alphabet.  Many schools will start screening at the age of 4+. Usually short-sightedness begins at ages 6+ or earlier as computer and tablet usage in children rises. If you recognise your child to have lazy eye, effective procedure is most successful before the age of 7. Also make sure your child’s eyes are UV protected.

The growth spurt

As eyes continue to develop it becomes increasingly important to have regular eye test, the earlier problems are identified the easier they can be treated. Into adulthood eye sight may deteriorate, frequent monitoring is essential particularly if headaches and eye strain occurs. As many as 1 in 5 children are reported to be short sighted. Take advantage that Children under the ages of 16 or those in education will continue to receive FREE eye test under the NHS.