In the shadows
If you’ve ever noticed small shadows, dots or lines passing across your vision as you look in different directions, you probably suffer from floaters.
Even people with near-perfect eyesight can encounter these mysterious translucent shapes as they pass across your eyes.
The human eye is filled with a gel, which tends to be thicker and more collagen-enriched round the edges. As we get older, this gel becomes thinner and separates from the retina as part of the normal ageing process.
Floaters are noticeable when looking at bright objects such as clear skies, while being short-sighted often increases their prevalence. It’s important to distinguish floaters from more severe and sudden conditions, including flashing lights or a dark patch spreading across one eye.
These often indicate serious sight-related issues such as a retinal detachment or tear, which require urgent investigation.
A slow change in the number of floaters isn’t a cause for immediate concern, but it’s important to mention them during your next eye examination.
We’ll use state-of-the-art testing equipment to examine your eyes, monitoring the quantity of floaters over time whilst identifying any changes in their composition/behaviour.
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The value of routine eye tests
As one of our body’s most complex organs, our eyes are constantly evolving. As discussed, floaters become more prevalent with age, and this is also the case in other conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Vision also changes over time, especially past the age of 40, as both short and long-distance vision naturally change.
For these and other reasons, routine tests are essential. They allow our trained optometrists to immediately identify any developing issues, enabling us to track incremental vision changes which you might not notice in daily life. This is particularly important if you’re at risk of developing conditions like cataracts or high blood pressure, allowing then-and-now comparisons for effective management. Regular tests also ensure your prescription is up to date.
Another benefit of routine eye tests is to ensure your existing eyewear is in good condition. It’s easy not to notice how scratched your glasses have become, or how often spectacles slide down your nose. We can assess whether your lenses require updating due to wear and tear, and we can supply you with new cleaning cloths and sprays, so you can keep them in optimal condition.
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Get winter sports ready
Choosing the right eyecare for winter sports can be tricky, which is why a chat with one of our friendly team is often a great starting point. Whether your winter sports of choice involve land, air or sea, we’d always recommend investing in appropriate eyewear…
The winter sun can be harsh, and even cloudy days may feature harmful UV rays or glare from wet/snowy surfaces. Skiers often wear lightweight polycarbonate visors, though sunglasses are fine if they fit snugly without gaps between the frames and your eyes.
We’d recommend two pairs if you’re engaging in physically intensive sports; it’s not uncommon to lose sunglasses while snowboarding, or damage them playing ice hockey.
Photochromic lenses change their tint according to current light levels, while impact-resistant frames add durability alongside shatterproof lenses. Anti-mist coatings prevent fogging during sudden temperature changes.
If you’re wearing contact lenses, non-prescription sunglasses should still be worn outdoors. Any lenses sold in our practice will be CE and BS EN compliant, with 100 per cent UV protection, unlike cosmetic products sold by third-party retailers.
Sunglasses which don’t offer full UV protection cause your pupils to dilate, letting in extra harmful ultraviolet rays rather than blocking them.
Making the most of contact lenses
Contact lenses were first envisaged as a concept in the early 16th century, and it’s been over 200 years since rudimentary water-filled tubes were developed. Contact lens technology has improved significantly over the years, with new contact lenses integrating moisturising technologies which allow for comfortable wear all day.
These are our insider tips on how to make the most of wearing contact lenses:
Use lubricating eye drops in each eye. Also, practice full blinks, especially if your eyes feel dry as the day goes on. This is particularly important if you spend long periods of time looking at screens and monitors.
Minimise infections with rigorous hygiene. Always wash your hands before touching lenses, ensuring any cleaning solutions are in date. Don’t put on makeup until your lenses have been inserted, either.
If you’re over 40, wearing multifocal contact lenses can offer better near vision while still offering clear vision over longer distances.
Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses when wearing contact lenses in bright conditions, and buy a pair of tight-fitting goggles if you want to enjoy crystal-clear vision at the pool or while wild swimming.
settle quickly, give them a rinse with a prescribed cleaning solution, and always check they aren’t inside out