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!