Archive for September, 2010

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Don’t be Short Sighted!

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

Of all the corrections that we see for the under forties, myopic, or short sighted eye defects are the most common. If you’re myopic, you’ll see very clearly close too, but far distance will be blurry. How close up you can see depends on how short sighted you are! There are different issues for patients regarding their different eye problems. Here are some of the FAQ’s we get about glasses and lenses for short sighted people.

I heard that my short sightedness is a risk factor for detached retinas. Is that true? The problem with being short sighted is that your eyeball is too long. Your retina lines the back of the eye, and in trying to fit the elongated eye it can weaken and tear. You are at a higher risk, although a detachment can happen to anyone. The important thing is to be aware of the symptoms – sudden appearance of floaters, flashing lights, or loss of vision. Seek medical help at once, and then the chance of a small tear turning into a detachment is much reduced.

I’m twenty two and I’ve been getting more short sighted since my teens. Will it ever stop?! The good news is that usually by the mid-twenties the progression of myopia slows down. It’s hard to generalise and if you’re at the higher end of the scale the changes may go on a little longer, but it will stop at some point! As you get older you’ll get a little more long sighted, so your lens power will neutralise a little. The other good news is that you’ll need reading glasses much later than if you weren’t myopic!

I’m very short sighted and my Optician says I can’t have Photochromic lenses because they’ll look dark around the edges? Really?!

Photochromics work thanks to crystals in the lens material that go dark in the light. As your lenses are thicker at the edge than in the centre, you’ll have more crystals there, so the edges will appear darker. How noticeable this is depends on your lens power, the size of the frame, and the type of Photochromic lens. There are specific photochromics that are designed to get round this problem, or you could opt for prescription sunglasses that have a fixed tint.

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A Whole New World

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

After thirty years of wearing hard contact lenses, I thought my eyeballs were pretty much cast iron, and could cope with anything I threw at them! I had my contacts in my teens and after a few days of watering eyes I happily got on with my life and tried to pretend I wasn’t short sighted. Then I hit a little bit of a trauma. Six months ago I got a corneal ulcer, couldn’t wear my lenses anymore, and due to my hard-lens-warped-corneas, my optician couldn’t get a stable prescription for glasses either. I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t see the TV, and I could only work at very close distances. I had to put up with six months of getting friends to chauffeur me around, listening to but not watching Mad Men, and squinting at everything with watering eyes!

Finally this week I got glasses I could almost see with. My corneas are calming down and although the specs are not quite spot on, they’re ok. I quite like them although they’re thicker than any specs I’ve had before, and I’m now looking forward to wearing the new pairs I’ve ordered. They’re cheap from the online optician and as my lens prescription fluctuates I can have new lenses at a reasonable cost. I’m having chunky black plastic frames for work, to match the dark suits I wear, and skinny light metals for the gym. Off duty I’ve got mauve plastics for casual wear, and sunnies for driving. In retrospect I really wish I’d given my eyes a rest on a regular basis, and worn specs instead of lenses for part of the time. It’s easy to say now, but I kept putting off having an eye check without lenses in, but obviously two days of discomfort would have been a walk in the park compared with months of inconvenience and poor sight. I’d say to anyone that if you wear lenses, take time out to wear glasses, and don’t keep putting it off when that reminder comes to go for an eye test. It’s really worth it!

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All About the Retina

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

The retina is an amazing part of the eye that like most of our body parts, we don’t appreciate until there are problems with it! For those of you who don’t know, it’s a light sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside surface of the eye. Think of the retina as the film in a camera – light enters the eye, reaches the retina and is transmitted to the brain via nerve impulses, and our brain then interprets the image.

The retina is made up of layers of neurons joined by synapses. They contain photoreceptor cells that allow us to distinguish light, dark and colour. Photoreceptor cells give us our reflex reaction in bright light., rod cells work in low light and give us shades of grey vision at night, cones work during the day and allow us to see colour. It’s the lack of certain cone cells that leads to being colour blind. Each retina has about 7million cones and 75 – 150 million rods.

Retinal detachment is the commonest retinal problem, and can happen due to a blow to the head, or as a result of the retina being stretched if you’re very short sighted. If the retina tears it will come away from the underlying layers. The early symptoms are the appearance of lots of floaters in the eye, or flashing lights, or loss of part or all of the visual field in one eye. This is an emergency, and if you notice any of these symptoms you should go straight to your GP, Optician or A&E. Treatment involves surgery to re-attach the retina, and is usually sight saving if done quickly enough.

The macula is a tiny area of the central retina which is highly pigmented and gives us the middle of our visual field and fine detail. Macular degeneration can lead to loss of vision and usually affects adults over the age of fifty. There are two types of the disease, wet and dry. The wet form is sudden and severe, when blood vessels grow behind the retina and lead to detachment. Urgent laser surgery is needed to save the retina. The dry form occurs slowly, call debris builds up behind the retina and damages and detaches it. At present preventative treatment in the form of UV protection and vitamin supplements is the best treatment.

Swift action is the key to retinal problems, so at the first sign of anything unusual with your sight, seek help immediately.

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Lady Like Looks

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Open any fashion magazine this autumn and you’ll notice that the trend for girly, ladylike dresses and accessories is everywhere for the new season. (Except on Lady Gaga – steak style – what is she thinking?) Circular skirts and cinched waists are in, along with demure new hem lengths and sophisticated colours like camel. In eye wear, the dull days of unisex styles are behind us, and along with your kitten heels and flirty frocks a truly feminine frame is a must!

Larger, retro shapes have been with us for some time, and with the bling trend fading, designers are using shape and contour to add interest and glamour. The classic upswept cat’s eye shape is only for Dame Edna and the very brave, but softened versions of it are creeping in now. It’s still there, but not as exaggerated, a little bigger, and with solid colours that scream 2010 not 1960. The bang on trend can go for it by heading for deep winged shapes in solid shades, but for the rest of us a feminine, curved plastic with detail at the temple will bring us nicely into fashion this season.

Take Mad Men as your inspiration and then create your own version, checking out high street styles in Mango, Zara and H&M for swirly frocks, full skirts, and dresses with nipped in waists. Bring it up to date with chunky heel ankle boots, skinny belts and attitude. Shop for the wardrobe then the eyewear, with soft neutral tones of taupe and navy complimenting the clothes and complexions. Metal frames are seen less and less at the moment, because plastic lends itself well to a fifties look and gives you a shot of colour. So keep your geek frames with preppy jeans for your casual days

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Focus on Frames

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

A few frame queries have been coming up lately, and of course we’re happy to answer any individual mail enquires. But just in case you’re all wondering about the same things, here is our top three………

I like the plastic frames but they do look heavy compared to my thin metal ones. Will I find them uncomfortable?

Plastic frames do look solid and chunky compared to metal, but then that’s part of their appeal! Looks can be deceiving though, and most people find plastics comfy thanks to the moulded bridge area. With a metal frame, all the weight is centred on the two little nose pads, which can make metals feel heavy on the nose. Take advantage of our try before you buy system and see for yourself at home!

If I try a smaller frame, will I see all the edges? Frames seem very small nowadays.

Frames have gone smaller over the last ten years, but bigger shapes are creeping back in. Small is good however, as smaller rims means less weight, and thinner, lighter lenses. Even with the largest frame around you’ll always see the rims if you look for them, and you do get used to it. Most people find that the reduced weight makes up for any initial settling down period.

I like one of your styles but it has no rim at the bottom. Is this going to be strong like my metal glasses with frames all the way round?

This style of frame is called a supra, and it has a nylon thread holding the lens in place. This cuts physical weight and makes the frame look insubstantial on the face. It’s great for people who might have an allergic reaction to rims sitting on their cheeks, and those very sensitive to weight. They are a nice alternative to fully rimless, as they are pretty tough. They might bend, but rarely break if seriously bashed, and anyway the thread is more easily replaced than a broken rim.

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Facing Your Fears

Monday, September 20th, 2010

As opticians we are comfortable and happy in our little world, dispensing glasses, advice and prescriptions with a cheery word and a smile. We are aware though that not all of you love us as much as we love you, due to worries and fears about all sorts of things. Can we help you to see us with enthusiasm and without fear?

Some people are worried that they will be told they need to wear glasses. We love specs of course, and find it hard to believe that you may not feel the same! Still, it’s not the end of the world, and frames and lenses today are marvels of technology and style. Specs are light, comfortable and effective, and thanks to the likes of the InternetGlassesCompany, you don’t have to pay the earth for them. If you fancy treating yourself and you do want to splash out, it may be comforting to know that a Gucci frame is an awful lot cheaper than a Gucci handbag, and you’ll get more wear out of it!

Patients also worry about the health of their eyes, and what we might find. Thankfully for the nerves of ourselves and our patients, it’s pretty rare to discover anything nasty, and at least if the worst comes to it we can refer you quickly for treatment. In twenty five years of practice, testing all day every day, we’ve only come across one brain tumour, so you’ll probably be ok! We do warn patients about early signs of high blood pressure and diabetes, but again, it’s rare and relatively unusual that the patient had no inkling of a problem. We might just give you the nudge you need to seek help before matters escalate.

Another fear is that you’ll give us the wrong answers to our tests, and be given glasses that you don’t need or are wrong. We do several tests to verify prescriptions, double and triple checking your responses. You won’t be given glasses you don’t need – you would know very quickly that you couldn’t see! You won’t offend us if you take your prescription and order glasses online – there’s room for everyone and even in our online role we adhere to our professional guidelines when checking prescriptions and making up glasses.

So even if you feel the fear, go for it anyway, come to see us and be as pleased as we are about it!

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Winter Lights

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

As the nights draw in we get queries about tints and coatings for driving and general vision in winter light conditions. There is still much confusion about what you should and shouldn’t wear, so here’s our round up of how to make the most of what light we do get in winter….

Contrast is a huge issue as autumn mists begin to swirl. On dull days and darker nights people become more aware of visual defects. Reading becomes harder if you’re on the verge of presbyopia, and out of date reading glasses that just about did the job now start to fail you. Make sure your glasses are fully up to date – remember that you don’t have to make an expensive investment in them nowadays – check out what we can do! Don’t wear tints indoors for the greatest clarity in poor light conditions. Make sure you have a good strong reading light and always wear prescribed glasses when you need them – don’t give yourself headaches and eye strain by trying to cope without them.

Low sunlight can be annoying at best, dangerous at worst as the days shorten. A dark tint will help you, but always take a clear pair along with you and swap as soon as dusk approaches. It’s illegal to drive in all but the lightest tint at night, as it will impair your sight. Photochromic lenses that change with the light may be best, as you’re never without a suitable tint. They work really well in the cold, so they’re excellent for bright, chilly, sunny days.

An anti-reflection layer really comes into it’s own when light is bad. It helps to make your vision as sharp as possible, blocking reflections that can get in the way, and making night driving much more comfortable. Add to any new specs you order, for safe, dazzle free night driving. You can add it to clear, Photochromic or tinted lenses, it doesn’t add colour, just clarity.

Safe, comfortable sight is easier and cheaper than ever, so take advantage of products and technology that will help you in your everyday life through winter and beyond!

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Celeb Watch Autumn 2010

Friday, September 17th, 2010

Before we totally lock ourselves away in hibernation mode, Celeb watch is working on creating some Christina-like curves ready for winter. We salute you Miss Hendricks, for bringing back the hourglass and giving us an excuse to scoff Belgian truffles! While we await our transformation to Mad Men type Goddess, maybe some Hollywood glamour will spur us on. Let’s see what the Celebs are sporting this week…..

Brad Pitt – Thankfully no longer covered in that dreadful beard, Brad’s now disguised in an oversized Aviator with very retro old gold rims. Good job he looks gorgeous in anything……

Victoria Beckham – Celebrating the launch of her scrumptious new couture collection, chic as ever in a yummy high and deep black plastic with uber cool graduated lenses. You never get it wrong VB!

Victoria Beckham in Cool Graduated lenses

Victoria Beckham in Cool Graduated lenses

Colleen Rooney – After a tough couple of weeks Colleen may not be smiling but she is looking pretty sharp in a sleek and minimal Aviator with the darkest lenses seen since Roy Orbison hit town. Chin up Colleen, and stay stylish….

Chloe Sevigny – Still rocking those Ray Ban Wayfarers, and still our best blonde girl. Chloe has the perfect indie style to make even the Wayf look fresh.

Hmmm – we may have to postpone the hibernation to get shopping, loving that look on Chloe. Must not wear ourselves out though or our Christina curves might melt away before we have a chance to get our Zac Posen frocks made…..

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Make Progress with Progressives -Varifocal Glasses Online

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

Over fifty years after their initial launch progressive or varifocal lenses are still a product that the public love, loathe or worry about in equal measure! Despite their success and constant evolution varifocals are still surrounded in myth and anecdotal evidence as to what they can and can’t do. So are you thinking of taking the plunge? Are you at that difficult age when your arms aren’t long enough? Read on and see if we can allay your fears and make life a whole lot easier…..

Most people need help for reading around age forty, for some it’s earlier, for some later, but you can’t avoid it and it happens to us all! At first, simple reading specs make threading a needle or reading the phone book easier. But if you have a distance prescription too, or use a computer, or drive, or want to walk around and see small print when necessary, then readers won’t help you for long. Something a little more specialist will be required. A varifocal lens lets you see far distance – driving, sightseeing, watching TV, middle distance – computer screen, reading music, and close work – reading and sewing all in one lens. The powers you need are blended together all the way down the lens, so as you look from the horizon to the window sill to your watch, all will be clear and you won’t even be aware of the difference in lens strength. What could be more perfect? No tell-tale line on the lenses to let people know you won’t see forty again, no swapping specs!

So why do you hear negative comments about them? The very first varifocals that reached the spec buying public were not a perfect product by any means. You needed a deep frame, deeper pockets, and masses of grim determination to get used to wearing them. Over the years however, like all things, these lenses have changed. Now they are easy to wear, you can fit them into very slim frames, the price has come down, and the adaptation time is short. It may take a day or two, but soon you’ll forget you’ve got them on, and get on with your day to day living without specs causing you any hassle. We guarantee them too, so if they don’t work we’ll simply refund you. Our failure rate is less than half a percent on all varifocal jobs we do, so you’ve got nothing to lose! We can’t help you with any other signs of ageing, but we can do a really good job of this one!!

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A Blaze of Glory

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

As it’s coming up to the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, the colour palette we think of for autumn is hot reds, vibrant orange and glorious gold. Not just in our woodland though – as summer tans fade and we wrap up against the upcoming chill, we think about warmer colours for clothes, hair and makeup. The divine Christina Hendricks is doing her bit too, bringing red hair into the spotlight (Yes boys – some of us look above her décolletage!) So if you are a red head, natural or otherwise, how can you enhance your glowing beauty with eye wear?

Your first job is to take a close look at your colouring in general – your hair might be a russet red, a soft strawberry blonde, or a fiery titian. Skin tones range from warm honey with freckles, to translucent cream. Eyes may be brown, green, blue, or any shade in between. With redheads, one shade does not fit all! Depending on your exact colouring, you may wish to enhance your eye colour or find a match for your hair. Look carefully at the different colours within your eyes, and tones and highlights in your hair.

Strawberry blonds usually have pale skin and blue or green eyes, and they need warmth to stop them looking washed out. Go for delicate frames in a teal or blue to match your eyes, or a shimmering gold to complement your hair. Brown will probably be too heavy, so if you want something neutral go for lighter tones of toffee. Metal trim should be soft gold, avoid bright yellow gold.

Dark red Auburn hair, usually accompanied with brown eyes and possibly freckled skin tone, needs a strong frame to balance your lively locks. Tortoiseshell brown is perfect, but plum toned purples will suit you, giving colour and contrast. Make sure colours are warm not cold, and avoid gold, which will stand out starkly against your skin.

Bright orange-toned red hair is a crowning glory indeed, often paired with brilliant green eyes. Again, you can tone with your hair or eyes, although green is a tricky frame colour to track down. Tan, orange or copper will be amazing, and the right shade of mauve will give contrast and a dazzling blast of colour. Gold will bring out glitter in your eyes and hair.

Celebrate your beautiful glowing mane with something special in your eyewear and make the rest of us jealous – and how fabulous that Christina has replaced Violet Elizabeth as the role model for redheads!

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