Archive for October, 2009

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Celeb Watch Late October

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

It’s that fab time of year Celeb watchers, when we can cover up our Botox disasters with Halloween masks and indulge in pumpkin soup to our heart’s content. Our Celebs have no such luxuries however, as they have to hit the circuit in frocks even more revealing than Cheryl’s X factor outfits. So let’s see what looks made the headlines this week…

Gwen Stefani – this girl always rocks! Bang on trend with this season’s bright red lipstick, and a huge square sunnie with a cool graduated lens.

Gwen Stefani Cool Sunnies with graduated lens

Gwen Stefani Cool Sunnies with graduated lens

Prince – The purple popstar managed to find a sharp pair of shades with a very sleek side shield that looked stylish and mysterious. Of course everything looks pretty big on him but he’s always cool!

Elle Macpherson – the body shows she can do the face as well! Gorgeous, tall, svelte, in a square sunnie that sits high on the brows, to give balance to her oval face.

Julianne Moore – with her hot Autumnal colouring Julianne hit on the perfect sunnies for her, a rich tortoiseshell that looks delicious with her warm skin and hair tones. Black may be the fashion packs fave but you go girl – stay true to what nature gave you!

So snuggle up in your legwarmers and sweater dresses, but do slip on the Celeb shades when you venture outside for tricks and treats! It may be cold outside but it’s always warm in Harvey Nicols darlings, so there’s no excuse not to shop, and we’ve all got those Christmas lists to write….

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Eye Test – Health Check

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

When we do an eye examination we don’t just look at your prescription and the inner mysteries of the eyeball itself. Looking in and around it gives us plenty of information that may just save more than your sight….

On more than one occasion we’ve sent a patient to have a suspicious mole checked out, that of course we notice when talking to a patient at close proximity and noticing it on their face. While these are sometimes harmless, we have had patients with malignant melanoma that we’ve picked up, or rodent ulcers. Rodent ulcers, or Basal Cell Carcinomas, are slow growing, non-malignant skin tumours, but they don’t heal and can cause considerable localised damage if left untreated.

Xanthelasma is a common skin problem that shows up as flat yellow patches on the skin, usually around the nasal side of the eye socket. They are collections of lipids in the superficial dermis layer of the skin. Blood cholesterol and lipid levels should be checked, as in 30% of cases they are due to high cholesterol. They are easily removed surgically, with chemicals or laser treatment.

High blood pressure is often diagnosed by examining the blood vessels inside the eye. The optician gently telling the patient to get this investigated is often the time when this problem is picked up. Signs of Diabetic problems are often picked up by us too, when we examine the retina and the growth of any new blood vessels.

Arcus Senilis is an eye problem that many people think is connected with high cholesterol levels, although that actually isn’t the case and it doesn’t require treatment. It’s a grey or white ring that appears above and below the cornea – the clear window at the front of the eye – and is common in older adults. Although it’s due to fat deposits deep in the cornea, it’s not an indicator of high cholesterol.

Eye showing ArcusSenilis

Eye showing ArcusSenilis

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Boys Will be Boys!

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

In these days of the Metrosexual male and men finding their feminine side, you might think that when it comes to the sex war, it’s kind of fizzled out. Yet when we look at the shopping habits of boys and girls, there are still some surprising differences…

Traditionally, men’s shopping habits have always been quite different to that of women. Girls like to touch textures, feel products, and try them on before they make a purchase. Men like to know the facts, learn about technical aspects, and then make a decision based on that data. Yet 50% of all our purchases are based on an emotional need, and that’s true of both of the sexes. So there must be more to it than just hard facts.

Eyewear is an interesting purchase as it contains elements of fashion; the frames and tint colours, and technical information; the lenses, the materials, the coatings. There is also a great deal of history and emotion tied to glasses – boys don’t make passes, bullying for being a four eyes – and nowadays we want to look good wearing our specs, and see as well as possible too.

In practice, we see that for both sexes fashion and function have to blend to give you the perfect pair of specs. Our data is roughly fifty/fifty for men and women taking up our try before you buy option, but of course we don’t know if they’re interested in the look or the technical aspect. We certainly have more male Internet shoppers, so this has obviously provided men with the perfect retail experience – they can collect information, assess the pros and cons, and they don’t have to trail around feeling and trying on the goods! E-mail enquiries are more likely to be from men too – are they less confident in making a decision without further help, or do they just like mailing?! Their e-mails are more likely to be of a technical nature too.

So when it comes to shopping boys will obviously always be different to girls even in cyber space, we just have to do our best to keep everyone happy!

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Weight Loss Solutions!

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Going back into glasses after years of wearing contact lenses has been a big decision for me, but the newest lenses on the market have really boosted my confidence in once again becoming a spec wearer. So here’s how I’ve got on the last couple of months….

During my first pregnancy and subsequent breast feeding my vision and life style did not really suit contact lens wear any more. Hormonal changes and late nights turned me back to my ancient pair of frames, which a) I hated, and b) I couldn’t see with!! So I had an eye test and then dashed home to panic about specs in the privacy of my own home!

Since my last eye examination in 2000 (oops!) I’ve got more short sighted, and am I now -6.25. This is quite a lot stronger than my glasses, so no wonder they’re not very good. Although I’m a Mum I wanted to find my trendy image again, so I liked the looks of a heavy rectangular plastic frame in brown.

I mailed the online optician, as when I had my test they said my lenses would be thicker now. I had created a problem for myself by picking quite a big frame, as my face is fairly small. They said that my lenses would be chunky on the edge, so I bit the bullet and ordered thin plastic material lenses. The type I chose take about 35% off the edge.

The glasses arrived last week, and they’re really nice. I feel very funky in them and I can see! Although it was weird at first having edges round my sight, I’ve now got used to seeing the frame and I don’t notice it. As I suffer from a touch of sinus problem I think the normal plastic lens would have been very heavy, because this thin lens is denser it’s lighter weight too.  Life is considerably easier now I’m not struggling to put contact lenses in at 2am!!

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Retinal Detachment – The Facts

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

The eye condition Retinal Detachment has been in the news of late, as Gordon Brown answers speculation about his sight. Here are a few facts and figures if this raised concerns for you.

The retina is a vital component of our visual system, it’s the light sensitive layer that lines the eye. Light enters the eyes and the retina processes the image into neural impulses and sends it to our brain. It has been likened to a film in a camera. The retina is a delicate structure, and if damage occurs it can peel away from it’s underlying layers. Early symptoms include flashing lights, the sudden appearance of large floaters, the sensation of a curtain drawing across the field of vision, or loss of central vision. Onset of any of these symptoms must be investigated at once.

Retina Detachment

Retina Detachment

It can occur due to trauma, including a blow to the head or orbit, although it may not happen immediately after the accident occurs. It’s more common if you are very short sighted, as your eyeball will be longer and the retina will be stretched. It’s also more common as we age. Patients who have undergone cataract surgery and patients suffering from Diabetic retinopathy are also more at risk. Usually it will only occur in one eye, but there is a risk of it then appearing in both.

There are several methods of treatment, depending on where the detachment has appeared. Silicone oil is sometimes injected into the eye, this holds the retina in position and allows it to re-attach itself. The oil is removed within twelve months of treatment. Scleral buckle surgery is a permanent solution, where silicone bands are stitched to the outside of the eyeball itself. This applies pressure to allow the tear to close and then re-attach. This is usually carried out in conjunction with laser surgery to seal the tear. The patient may end up more short sighted as a result of this, as the band alters the shape of the eye. Cryotherapy or laser treatment is used if a tear needs sealing, this stops fluid leaking in and making the tear bigger.

The most important part of treatment is early detection and assessment. Visit A & E or talk to your optician or GP at once if you’re worried. If left untreated sight will be permanently lost or damaged. After successful treatment vision will slowly improve over time, although it may never be as good as it was before.

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The Wonders of Nature

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

Eye wear trends are always a difficult thing to pinpoint as the fashion pages are obsessed with clothes, shoes, accessories, and specs are rarely on their list. Here at the blog we try to turn the spotlight on specs – the more you see them as a desirable purchase the happier all you spex wearers will be! So here we go – for the last quarter of the year trends and forecasts are for looks inspired by nature.

We all have that urge to hibernate as the nights draw in, and Winter fashion often revolves around warmth, comfort, and the colours of Autumn. The colour palette at this time of year tends to be softer than the harsh brights of Summer, to suit our Winter complexions! Tones are dulled down to warm shades of plummy purples, olive, khaki and brown, dull greens rather than acid lime

Classic tortoiseshell is always a winner, but more recently it’s brought up to date with laminated layers, and inserts of caramel, or even red and blue. Advanced technology has given us the ability to mix in transparent layers, detail such as lace sandwiched into the material, or inset trims and metal filigree work.

Retro is still up to date! The re-emergence of big hair and shoulder pads is influencing eyewear, and for the first time since the eighties we’re seeing round frames creeping back in. These go with geek styling – solid plastics and very preppie shapes, but round in shape this time and with metal joints and bridge parts. Sizes are big or small, the choice is yours, but generally sizes are getting bigger as the year goes on.

The emphasis for detail is still on the sides, with nature inspired designs, lacy cobweb type patterns, leaves, butterflies, flowers. For boys it’s still techno, with inlaid wood patterns or etched metal. While we all like a bit of a Designer label, logos are more subtle now, with the global financial situation giving rise to a bit of austerity!

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Eighties Revival!

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Well I’m sure of my place in heaven now, after my good deed for the week. I’ve finally hit on a solution to a niggling problem that my Grandma has had for quite a while…..

After three falls my 85 year old Grandma finally admitted that she could no longer cope on her own, and she went into a residential home last year. Obviously we were all really apprehensive, but she settled in quite quickly, and she actually liked not having to deal with things on her own any more. The home arranged visits for services like the chiropodist, the hairdresser etc, and they got her eyes tested.

Although the test was ok, she didn’t want to pick from the glasses range they had, and she wanted our opinion. I had got some glasses for myself from the internet, and when I was browsing my online optician website I found notes on picking glasses for ‘seniors’, and realised I was able to e-mail them for advice if I needed it. Grandma was quite desperate for new glasses as someone had sat on hers, and she wanted a spare pair too in case they got broken again.

Picked her own glasses from The Internet Glasses Store

Picked her own glasses from The Internet Glasses Store

We logged on thanks to the wardens’ computer and Grandma was able to pick her own glasses, with our input, and be in charge of choosing the style she wanted. They arrived within a week and I went over the day she got them. She was over the moon! She loved both pairs, and she was really relieved not to have to worry about losing them. We ended up helping four other ladies pick new glasses, and they’re all really pleased with their funky new look, and the fact they can see Coronation Street again!

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Looking at Lids

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Like many other parts of our anatomy the eyelids seem to be simple little structures that we all take for granted. They just help us get to sleep by shutting out the light don’t they?!! But if we delve a bit deeper and take a closer look at our lids, there’s much more to it than that….

Eyelids are one of the thinnest areas of skin

Eyelids are one of the thinnest areas of skin

Eyelids are one on the thinnest areas of skin on our bodies, and these slivers of tissue are rich in glands and specialised calls that fulfil several functions. Firstly, the complex muscles that control the lids enable us to protect the eyes from foreign bodies with the lightening fast blink reflex. Then, the action of closing the lids smoothly distributes the tear layer across the eye, wetting it, disinfecting it, and washing out debris.  The cornea, the sensitive layer that covers the front of the eyeball must be kept wet, so the lids have a vital role to play here.

Although the skin that forms the lids is very thin, it’s made of many layers – skin covering the lids, soft subcutaneous tissue beneath, layers of muscle plates, and then the tissue that lines the lid against the eyeball, the conjunctiva. Glands lie within the lid to add components to our tear film.

As they are such complex structures, there are several things that can go wrong with the lids. Physical defects can cause problems, such as ectropian, a condition where the lower lids turn outwards. This isn’t just in humans, you see it in many breeds of dog! It may be present at birth, or happen due to scarring or slackening of the lids as we age. It can be corrected with surgery. Entropian occurs when the lids turn inwards. This can be extremely painful as the lashes rub against the cornea. Treatment must be fast as if the cornea is scarred then damage may be permanent. Surgicial treatment involves removing the excess skin and tightening up the edge of the lids.

Ptosis is a condition that many opticians deal with, this is a drooping of the top lids due to probelms with the nerves or muscles. The drooping lids obstructs vision, and is treated with glasses that have a metal prop attached to hold the lid up, or by surgery. Styes are a common irritation, a blockage and then swelling of one of the glands that lie along the lid margin. These are simply treated with topical anti-biotics.

So next time you’re sweeping your eyeshadow or mascara along your eyes, spare a moment to take a look at your lids, and appreciate the work they do!

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Screen Savers

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Many patients that come in for eye tests are worried that using a computer screen is adversely affecting their eyes. As we all spend more and more time at the screen it’s becoming of greater concern that staring at the monitor will somehow damage our eyes.

The first thing to note is that there is no evidence to suggest that VDUS can cause damage to your eyes or your sight. The main problem is that long periods spent staring at the screen can lead to fatigue, and dry eyes because you’re not blinking enough. So drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, look away into the far distance at regular intervals, and remember to blink! Make sure that the screen is at a comfortable working distance for you, and that your work station is well lit. Take breaks and get up from your desk regularly.

No evidence to suggest working with VDU's damages your eyes

No evidence to suggest working with VDU's damages your eyes

If you wear glasses adding an anti-reflection coating to the lenses may help you to deal with glare from the screen. The reduced reflection makes your vision clearer and more comfortable. Make sure that your prescription lenses are suitable for your working distance at the VDU – if you are over fifty and need help for close work then you may need a specially calculated power for the screen. Ask your optician or mail your online optician and tell them what you need the glasses for and how far away your screen is.

If you use a screen for long periods of time at work, then your employer will pay for your eye test. By law they must also pay for prescription glasses if they are specifically for the VDU. Speak to your HR department and make sure they are aware of this legislation. You may have to go to their approved optician for the examination, but you will be able to take the prescription and order the glasses from wherever you like.

Varifocals often work well at the VDU but you may have to move your screen to position it at a distance that works with your specs. If you sit still for too long you may suffer neck ache as the screen height is not always perfect, so take regular breaks. People who are permanently at a computer may be better with single vision lenses for comfort.

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Designs on You!

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

The concept of the ‘Designer’ product has come a long way since those heady, excess filled days of the eighties, when everyone was clamouring for jeans or other clothing bearing a logo. Prices have come down, so have reputations in some cases, and the flood of counterfeit goods has had an effect of the kudos of a named brand. Even in these credit crunch times however, there is a huge demand for luxury product, built to last, and the designer frames market has a huge place in this.

People often wonder if you’re just paying for the name with a designer product, but particularly with frames and sunglasses the stakes are high for designers if the quality doesn’t live up to the cost. Image the impact on a global brand like Giorgio Armani or Christian Dior if they supplied shoddy items of poor manufacture. These are multi million pound, internationally known names, and every item bearing their logo is a showpiece for them.

Designer labels need to be associated with quality

Designer labels need to be associated with quality

So you’re paying for workmanship and quality, and you’re also getting the assurance of a huge brand behind your precious piece of eyewear. What else do you get?!! You get innovation, and the chance to be ahead of the fashion pack. Every frame on the market will have been inspired by what the big brands are producing. Today’s Ralph Lauren will be echoed in a range brought out by mainstream suppliers tomorrow, but if you have the inspiration for the style it’ll be in fashion for some time to come, as it filters down to the mass market.

Often designer pieces are produced in limited quantity, with exclusive hand finished detail and luxury materials like gold, pearls, and hand enamelling. These specs will be made to last, we see vintage Christian Dior and Chanel from twenty years ago, still being worn and having new lenses fitted, and these styles are hot right now! Fashion has swung full circle to showcase bigger fames again.

So don’t be afraid to splash the cash on an investment purchase that will stand the test of time. You’ll be able to feel and see the quality, and be the envy of your friends! And if you still feel guilty remember that a Marc Jacobs spec frame is considerably less than a Marc Jacobs handbag – so really you’re saving money!!

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