Saunders and Schwarz
Keeping an eye on glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that affects around two per cent of over-40s in the UK. It can potentially develop at any age, and was once associated with vision loss and disability. Thanks to advances in optometry, it’s possible to successfully manage glaucoma through a combination of early diagnosis and ongoing care.
Glaucoma relates to optic nerve damage being caused by high pressure within the aqueous fluid that fills our eyeballs. This initially occurs at the periphery of our vision, while central vision remains unaffected at this early stage, and it tends to affect one eye more than the other. Eye tests often provide the first evidence of glaucoma’s onset, since our staff can examine peripheral vision and painlessly measure pressure within the eye. We will discuss your sight and vision, asking pertinent questions about common symptoms like light haloes or cloudy vision.
There are many misconceptions about glaucoma. Patients often worry about being unable to drive, yet less than one in eight diagnosed glaucoma sufferers will lose their driving licence. Routine eye tests are vitally important for ensuring vision remains sufficiently clear, especially among people in higher risk groups. These include the over-40s, people with high blood pressure or diabetes, long-term steroid users and anyone with a close blood relative suffering from glaucoma.
Although there’s no cure for glaucoma yet, it’s possible to slow or potentially halt further damage with effective treatment. The vast majority of newly diagnosed people will retain reasonable sight levels forever, providing their condition is identified early enough by a trained optometrist.
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Protecting your sight on holiday
After two lost summers, millions of people escaped the UK last year when international tourism resumed. A similar exodus is likely this year, with 47 per cent of Brits expected to jet off to warmer climates. However, while sunshine might improve our mood, it’s not always beneficial for our eyes.
By using sophisticated equipment to examine each patient’s eyes in detail, our expert optometrists often find unexpected variations. For instance, one eye might have astigmatism, meaning it’s less spherical and more rugby ball-shaped. This is a common reason why prescription strength varies between the two eyes, but it might not be noticeable in normal daily life as the brain prioritises images from the dominant or stronger eye. This also happens if one eye develops a condition like glaucoma, underlining the value of regular eye tests.
Differences in vision may increase with age, as it becomes harder to view objects close up after 45. Varifocal lenses enable people to read close-up text and immediately refocus on more distant objects, or vice versa.
By taking precise measurements for each eye, our expert team can ensure everyone has spectacles or contact lenses that offer optimal vision at varying distances. That’s something off-the-shelf reading glasses (which have the same prescription in both lenses) can’t match.
Lifestyle choices for eye health
As uniquely complex and important organs, our eyes benefit from the wider lifestyle choices we make. These recommendations for healthier living can bring particular benefits to our vision and long-term eye health…
- Quit smoking. Smoking can lead to everything from dry eyes to cataracts.
- Take vitamin supplements. Multivitamin tablets ensure our eyes receive key vitamins including A, C and E.
- Regular exercise. This increases oxygen supplies, lowering eye pressure and reducing the risk of glaucoma.
- Keep prescriptions updated. Incorrect spectacle or contact lens prescriptions can lead to eyestrain and discomfort.
- Remove cosmetics before bed. As well as benefiting skin, this helps prevent eye infections and irritation.
- Drink plenty of water. Like other organs, our eyes require constant hydration to stay healthy.
- Maintain a healthy BMI. Some eye diseases can be triggered or exacerbated by obesity.
- Maximise sleep. Sleep accelerates healing and optimises health. Head to bed early, leaving screens downstairs.
The benefits of different frame styles
It’s easy to overlook the changes which have taken place in terms of both frame design and manufacturing in recent decades. Although the adoption of more traditional style frames has become fashionable, there are numerous frame types and shapes available in our practice. Today’s frames are equally well suited to spectacles or sunglasses and some styles offer distinct benefits…
- Full rimmed. These frames extend all around the lenses, making a statement in bold colours or striking patterns like tortoiseshell. Low bridge versions have a larger or lower bridge, helping prevent them sliding down the wearer’s nose – ideal for jobs which involve regularly looking down!
- Semi-rimless. While fully rimless glasses have fallen from favour, semi-rimless are a stylish alternative. They tend to draw people’s attention to your eyes rather than the frames surrounding them, and they work especially well with prescriptions which don’t require thick lenses.
- Aviator. These outsized frames are unusual as they have two bridges connecting the lenses – a decorative upper one and a lower one which rests on the nose. As well as making iconic sunglasses, they cover a large field of vision, which is why pilots initially championed them.
- Wire frames. Manufactured out of hardwearing metals like titanium, slimline wire frames have a simplicity that complement people with strong facial features. They can accommodate numerous lens types, and their lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear all day.
Whichever frames take your fancy, ensure their shape complements your features. Round or oval frames soften square faces, whereas angular or rectangular frames often suit round faces.