Lynne Fernandes Optometrists this month

What else is happening at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists this month?

At the other end of the age range to those that will benefit from our “free macula risk assessment” are children. We feel part of our remit as a community practice is to educate. With this in mind we’ve had the pleasure having our Bishopston practice filled with 30 small children on regular occasions with our “Year 1” school visits. We’re getting fairly experienced at this now with five schools visiting or due to visit this year. We even were given an award by one class for their favourite trip! These are relaxed visits with the classes split into 4 groups alternating between learning about different aspects of eyes, vision, glasses and their manufacture. We hope to encourage all our local children to be confident in having regular eye checks, also to reinforce the benefits of accurate vision (and if appropriate vision correction) to education. My hope is when these kids meet Optometrists through work or socially they will have a different view to my interviewer.

AMD

I was at a meeting last night being interviewed as a suitable candidate for a community group I help with. One of the interviewers, on hearing I am an Optometrist, said “don’t say anything about my glasses…my wife’s always saying I should have a sight test…but I can see perfectly well with these…”

I let that one go. Was I right? I’m passionate about eye care, but there is a time and a place. At Lynne Fernandes Optometrist we think the semantics are important. We call our service an examination because we look at vision and health. Even if my interviewer can “see perfectly well” they should still have an eye examination. In my role in the new patient clinics at Bristol Eye Hospital I see too many people who waited until they were symptomatic before having an eye examination. Let me say this loudly “Eye diseases rarely give obvious symptoms in their early stages”. This is particularly true of glaucoma which is well screened for in most opticians and Optometry practice, but also for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This month at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists in our Bishopston practice on the Gloucester Road we are delighted to be able to a free risk assessment for your macula.

Let’s consider some facts on AMD

* AMD is Britain’s leading cause of blindness in those aged over 65.
* AMD affects some 500,000 people in the UK today, principally those aged 65 years of age or older.
* Risk factors include poor diet, smoking, any family history of AMD and age.
* There are two distinct types of AMD (Wet and Dry)
* Wet AMD: can be treated if diagnosed early and referred urgently
* Dry AMD: it is possible to reduce your chance of developing it and slow its progression.

We can give you guidance on how to minimise the likelihood of developing the condition and we urge anyone in this higher risk group to make an appointment.

Reading glasses

"...reading glasses...where do I start...
....here's what Michael McIntyre thinks....

...but really if you do one thing next year: if you ever think you might need reading glasses...then you do..."

Exciting new contact lens trial

Here at Lynne Fernandes we are proud at keeping up to date with all the latest developments in the Optometry world and right now we are so excited to be involved with a fascinating new clinical trial into contact lenses at our Gloucester road branch. We are currently recruiting our existing contact lens patients so if you are interested and want to be part of something amazing then please pop in, ring up or send an email.

Myopia development

Dr Kathryn Saunders from the University of Ulster was recently talking on BBC 4’s Today programme about the latest research in the development of myopia in children.

Recent research has suggested that exposure to sunlight has a protective effect against myopia.

A large scale study comparing myopia in Northern Ireland to myopia in Australia found that children in Northern Ireland were 3 times more likely to become short-sighted during their teenage years. The difference couldn’t be explained by other factors, so the suggestion is that sunlight plays a protective role against myopia.

Further research is needed to determine why this is the case. And it is important to remember U.V can also damage the health of the eyes so remember to wear sunglasses.

Clariti one day varifocal contact lens

Over the last week, we've had some great news Sauflon have launched a new daily disposable varifocal lens. Which is very exciting because it is years since the last daily disposable varifocal lens was launched.

The new Clariti- 1 day multifocal is made from a silicone hydrogel which means its a lovely breathable lens which lets through lots of oxygen and helps to keep eyes healthy. It also offers UV protection which is excellent as U.V exposure is a large risk for AMD and cataracts in later life.

We've fitted a few patients with them and the results so far are very promising, this lens appears to offer good vision (both distance and near), good comfort, convenience of daily disposables (being able to throw them away), and the health benefits of silicone hydrogel.

Its brilliant being able to offer our patients a great new product.

With summer round the corner (we hope) is the time to be scrabbling round in old coat pockets and handbags for last seasons sunglasses and seeing if they are still fashionable! But really what we should be thinking is how well are these sunglasses protecting my eyes from UV rays. Sunglasses that may appear to be cheap and cheerful often don’t have the UV protection required, and as our pupils get bigger behind dark lenses. The UV will positively flood in!

So please be fashionable but also be safe check that the lenses comply with EU regulations and have a strong enough UV filter, to keep your eyes in tip top condition and less likely to develop cataracts in later life!

Also please be extra careful when choosing children’s sunglasses and this is even more important!

So when were you last checked?

Many people are so often surprised how long ago their last eye test actually was when they really stop and think about it.

For most people every 2 years is quite sufficient and this applies to both glasses wearers and those who do not require them at all.

Most people assume that if you don't need glasses then you don't need to have your eyes tested, which is not the case at all. In fact we spend the majority of the examination assessing the over all health of your eyes and with a lot of eye conditions being asymptomatic this is of the utmost importance!

So when did you last have yours? More than 2 years ago?

If so simply book an appointment today via telephone, email or just pop in! Hope to see you soon!

April showers

Are you enjoying the april showers and sunshine? At least we're getting season appropriate weather now! Its just so tricky you never know what to wear, and end up having to take both sunglasses and a brolly. One minute the sunglasses are on, the next minute they're off and the brolly is up....the joys of april weather. Its at this time of year that I really begin to think contact lenses are so handy for the rain showers - there is nothing more annoying than rain on your specs, but on the other hand, transitions (glasses) would be really useful than at least I wouldn't have to have my sunglasses on and off - only a matter of time before I lose my sunglasses or my brolly or both!

Sun is out

The sun is out...time to dust off those sunglasses or maybe buy a new pair for spring/summer. Maybe a retro rayban or maui jim?

U.V does adversely affect the eyes so its really important to wear sun protection.

Maui Jim Sunglasses offer polarisedplus lens technology which incorporates a polarised film, bi-gradient mirror, and anti-reflective treatment all of which are needed to minimise glare.

Maui Jim Sport offers impact resistance with polycarbonate lenses. And Maui Jim Titanium Sport offers light weight impact resistance.

There is even a Maui Jim that will help you read in the sun!

Eggs-tremely good deals for the whole family starting on the 1st march.

Eggs-tremely good deals for the whole family start on the 1st march and run until easter monday (9.4.2012).

The following offers are available but only with the voucher and from the 1.3.2012 to 9.4.2012.

• 20% off frames for adults (16 to 60yrs). Only available with the purchase of a complete pair of spectacles, a single purchase and not in conjunction with any other offer.
• 20% off lenses for seniors (+60yrs).Only available with the purchase of a complete pair of spectacles, a single purchase and not in conjunction with any other offer.
• 20% off glasses for children (less than 16yrs). Only available with the purchase of a complete pair of spectacles, a single purchase and not in conjunction with any other offer.

Impact of computer use on children

Millions of children use computers both at school and at home on a daily basis.

Children can experience the same difficulties adults experience when using a computer such as eye discomfort, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.

Children are more susceptible because:

• Children have limited self-awareness they will keep doing an enjoyable task until near exhaustion which can lead to problems with accommodation (focussing ability).
• Children are very adaptable which means they ignore problems that adults would address
• Children are not the same size as adults which means they are not looking directly at the screen in fact they may be looking up at the screen by as much as 15 degrees which causes problems for the eyes working together.

What can you do to help protect your child when they are using a computer:

• Have your child’s vision checked
• Build in breaks every 30mins
• Check the height and position of the computer
• Check for glare and reflections on the computer screen – position the monitor to minimise glare

Adjust the lighting so it is appropriate for prolonged use.

IGO lenses.

Wake up to perfect vision: Overnight vision correction with IGO lenses.

We’ve been fitting quite few people with IGO lenses recently and it never ceases to amaze me the difference it can make to someone’s quality of life – to be free of contact lenses and glasses during the day.

IGO lenses use overnight vision correction (OVC). OVC uses what we call ortho-keratology or ortho-K lenses. OVC is a way of correctly short sightness/myopia without the need for glasses, daytime contact lens wear or laser vision correction. Patients wear custom made gas permeable lenses overnight and remove the lenses in the morning. This then gives clear vision throughout the day without the need for contact lenses or glasses. Whilst the patient wears lenses overnight they re-shape the cornea which corrects the prescription. These lenses flatten the cornea, which alters the angle that light enters the eye.

OVC is ideal for people who are really sporty especially sports where contact lens wear is difficult such as surfing , kayaking etc…

IGO have now extended the prescription range for their lenses so more and more people have the option of trying OVC.

For more information contact either us or have a look at the IGO website. (http://igolenses.co.uk/indexb.html)

Biofinity Multifocal Contact Lenses

Here at Lynne Fernandes we are lucky enough to have been given a trial set of these lovely new multifocal contact lenses.

They are from the same family of contact lenses as the very popular and comfortable Biofinity monthly soft contact lenses that a lot of our patients enjoy wearing.

These new lenses have distance, intermediate and near foci that aim to correct your vision at all distances and take away the need for glasses.  Think of them as varifocals for your eyes! They are suitable for existing wearers or anyone totally new to contact lenses.

If you think you would like to try a set of these lenses please drop in or phone to make an appointment with one of our Optometrists, all of whom have been on the recent Biofinity Multifocal fitting course- to help fit these contact lenses more successfully.

Ronit Furst Frames.

Our new Ronit Furst frames will be in store from the 1^st Feb 2012. We’re very excited about them. They’re gorgeous, vibrant, bold, bright frames that are hand painted.

Ronit is a ceramicist of international renown and still works in clay and paper mache. She originally started painting her own specs because she’d become bored with what was on offer in terms of frames. The original design concept was to have frames that looked different from every angle.

Ronit had built a team of hand picked and highly trained painters to execute her designs. After the frames are hand painted they are taken to a kibbutz where a lacquer is applied to protect against wear and tear.

Why not come and have a look at them and see for yourself.

http://www.ronitfurst.com/

Macula Degeneration.

AMD is now the leading cause of blindness in the western world. It is estimated that approximately 6-8% of people over the age of 75years have vision problems related to AMD.

If macula function is degraded, the ability to read, drive and even recognise faces can be lost.

Risk factors for AMD can be divided into 2 groups, modifiable and non- modifiable risks.

Non-Modifiable risks:

• age
• gender
• family history
• iris colour
• spectacle prescription

Modifiable risks:

• smoking cessation
• diet

AMD can be thought of in simple terms as oxidative damage and the retina especially the macula is at risk of oxidative damage.

How can you reduce your risk of AMD?

• Dietary supplements for AMD (containing macula cartenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin.
• Smoking cessation
• weight control
• UV protection.

Winter sun break.

For those of you lucky enough to have booked a lovely break in the sun this winter. Make sure you pack your sunglasses. Apart from making your eyes feel more comfortable and helping with glare when you're abroad sunglasses will protect you eyes from harmful U.V. It is particularly important to wear your sunglasses when you're on the water as water reflects more U.V into your eyes.

All sunglasses purchased in the U.K should be marked with a CE on the side (of the sunglasses), this means that they conform to the European standards for U.V protection. Sunglasses that don't comply with European standards could potentially do your eyes more harm than good as they dilate your pupil allowing more sun into the eyes but not necessarily protecting your eyes from U.V.

If your taking the little people in your life away on holiday with you make sure they've got their sunglasses too as a lot of the damage done by U.V is done under the age of 18years as children and young adults have large pupils, and clear crystalline lenses. U.V is thought to play a role in the development of cataracts, macula degeneration, and pterygium.

And finally if you are heading off to sunnier climes...enjoy!

New years resolutions.

Now that the Festive party season is over...now its time for the dreaded new years resolutions!

Here are a few key tips for keeping your eyes healthy:

1. Good diet: Diet plays a large role in keeping your eyes healthy. A diet rich in sugar and fats puts you more at risk of raised cholesterol and diabetes both of which have serious implications for eye health. Omega three's are important to maintaining good eye health and may even help with dry eye. Foods that are rich in omega 3's include oily fish, and flaxseed. Foods rich in lutein and xeanthanin are important for maintaining the health of the macula (and therefore reducing the risk of macula degeneration). Green leafy veg are also important for keeping your macula healthy so stock up on veg like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and spinach.

2. Regular exercise is important for maintaining good cardiovascular health, which is important for keeping your eyes healthy.

3. Some recent studies have also suggested that spending time outdoors (30mins a day) is beneficial for eye health especially for children.

4.      Sun Protection: It is important when spending time outdoors to wear a pair of good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultra -violet light (U.V) as U.V is thought to play a role in the development of cataracts, macula degeneration, and pterygium. And this is even more important when playing sports on highly reflective surfaces such as water and snow sports.

5. Stop Smoking: If you can manage to give up smoking this is one of the best things you can do for both your general health AND your eye health. Smoking increases you risk of so many different eye diseases it’s hard to list them all here! But some examples include: cataract, macula degeneration, dry eye, vascular occlusions (clots), glaucoma etc....