How to manage screen time

Whether we’re watching TV, working on a laptop or accessing apps on a tablet, modern life revolves around digital devices. However, our eyes are not designed to stare at screens for long periods, so it’s crucial that you use computers, tablets and smartphones in moderation.

Kids rarely know when they’ve had enough screen time, and parents don’t always set a good example in terms of unplugging. Set timeout limits or program devices to power down an hour before bed, boosting sleep patterns and concentration. Defined boundaries help kids to transition back to reality, especially if you offer to join them in sports, board games or other family activities.

Excessive brightness overworks your pupils, but dull displays are hard to focus on. Position TVs and monitors at eye level and keep handheld devices at arm’s length to minimise neck/backache. Other than alarm clocks and emergency notifications, don’t look at phones or tablets in bed. Disable push notifications which draw people back online, too. Hourly screen breaks give our eyes a chance to refocus and relax, as well as increasing blinking rates which typically slow down when we stare at something. If you wear contact lenses, we can recommend moisturising eye drops.

If you notice blurring or discomfort while using devices, make an appointment with our consultants. You might benefit from a revised prescription, or dedicated reading glasses if you’re over 40.

Clean any device screens regularly to avoid squinting through grime/dirt, which could trigger eyestrain or headaches

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The importance of regular eye tests

Our eyes do an incredible job of allowing us to see the world around us, and they evolve across our lifetime. As a result, regular eye tests are crucial to address changes in vision or to identify emerging conditions.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the western world, as damage to the macula’s delicate cells causes them to wear out.

Babies are unable to focus, track objects or identify very many colours, so they must learn these skills. Children often assume the way they see the world is normal, so they might struggle to recognise issues like colour-blindness or short-sightedness. Myopia (short-sightedness) often develops in childhood or our teenage years. Regular eye examinations can detect changes in vision, ensuring children have the right support for learning, sport and everyday life.

The lenses in our eyes become less flexible in our forties, so reading glasses may be advisable. Degenerative conditions like glaucoma become more likely as we get older, with an eye examination often the first indication of an emerging health issue. Comparing past test results with current ones enables our optometrists to track any condition’s progress, so we can recommend appropriate action.

Regular eye tests will let seek advice or reassurance, while replacing old spectacles with the latest designs

What causes your watery eyes?

Tears keep your eyes healthy by lubricating the surface, washing away dust while providing essential nutrients. If your eyes are constantly watering, it doesn't always mean you're producing too many tears. In many cases, it's a sign that something isn't working properly.

A common cause is dry eye syndrome. Although it sounds surprising, dry eyes can trigger excessive watering. This happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears, the tears evaporate too quickly, or the tear film isn't of sufficient quality to keep the eyes comfortable. Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, are another common cause of watery, irritated eyes.

Allergy eye drops and cool compresses can help relieve symptoms. You can also help improve comfort by using a warm eye mask once or twice a day, applying lubricating eye drops, and keeping your eyelids clean with good eyelid hygiene. Removing eye make-up thoroughly each evening is also important.

If your symptoms persist, book an appointment with us. We’ll identify the cause of your watering eyes and recommend the most appropriate treatment, care and a consistent routine so your eyes can stay healthy.

How to look after your glasses

Glasses often lead a hard life, but we can do many things to prevent them becoming prematurely scratched or damaged. These are our top tips for effective maintenance...

Invest in protective coatings. Scratch-resistant coatings will shrug off wear, ensuring crystal-clear vision for longer.

Rest spectacles on their arms. Sitting them lens-down could cause scratches and surface damage when they’re moved.

Use approved sprays. We stock lens-cleaning kits which are less abrasive than wiping lenses with tissues/clothing...

...And clean them regularly. Daily removal of fingerprints/grease minimises eyestrain and maximises sight levels.

Carry a microfibre cloth. This removes raindrops or other materials without scratching or damaging lenses.

Wear protective goggles during DIY. Ensure flying shrapnel from abrasive materials like plasterboard or timber can’t rebound off lenses.

Avoid intensive sports. Wear contact lenses or buy toughened frames with shatterproof lenses during physical activities.

Never put glasses in trouser pockets. You might crush them as you sit down; cases offer limited protection against body weight.

Handle glasses from the arms. Arms are flexible, whereas lenses are more likely to suffer damage if they are directly handled.

Soft cases are beneficial but hard shell cases provide even greater protection in transit. We stock both varieties