Category: Industry News

Sunglasses are a real necessity in our climate. They help protect your eyes, the skin around your eyes, make it safer to drive as well as being more comfortable while driving. So why do so many people not consider buying sunglasses from an Optometrist? The people who are guaranteed to only sell you the best quality sunglasses for your eyes! Optometrists and opticians will offer you experienced advice on what will be best for your individual eyesight. They understand the eye problems you may be experiencing and can offer guidance as to the best product that will be suitable and bespoke to your eyes.

UV Protection

Many of us love the sun. However, along with all the vitamin D benefits, the sun can be extremely harmful to your eyes. Eyes are extremely sensitive to sunlight and can lead to many health problems. UVA rays from the sun can enhance your wrinkles (gasp!!) as well as signs of ageing around the eye. However, it’s UVB rays that can be even more damaging, causing serious health problems.

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is is an ageing condition where the macula of the eye deteriorates. This can then cause blurriness to the vision and in some cases it can cause total blindness.  The UV rays of the sun can speed up this process. So it is important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.

Cataracts

Cataracts is one of the leading causes of blindness and can get much worse with age. This can be enhanced by the UV rays in the sun. so wearing sunglasses will reduce the risk.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be found around the skin of the eyes. Faces indeed have the most exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, so keeping your eyes covered with sunglasses, along with a good protection sun cream will go some way towards helping to prevent this skin disease. Don’t forget the suncream – you will get daft white goggle lines otherwise!

Driving

Wearing sunglasses whilst driving will help to eliminate squinting. Especially when the sun is lower in the sky. It can be quite hazardous for the driver as well as oncoming traffic. Wearing a pair of sunglasses will remove the glare and ensure your vision of the road ahead is much clearer.

Being Outdoors

As well as protection from the sun, other weather elements can certainly damage your eyes. For example, if you go fishing or spend time on water, the glare on the surface could reflect into your eyes and harm your vision. As well as lots of summer fun, snow will also reflect 80% of UV rays from the sun and can cause a condition called snow blindness (where the glare actually burns the cornea).

Sand and dust can be dangerous too, as the grains can get into your eye and scratch it, causing lasting damage. And rubbing can make it all much worse! Wearing sunglasses whilst on the beach or in windy conditions can add a layer of protection against unwanted particles.

Why should you buy good quality sunglasses?

Whilst there are many many styles of sunglasses on the market today, they are not all equal! Many sub-standard sunglasses can be purchased from supermarkets, high street chains as well as online. However, buying sunglasses from an Optometrist or Optician will ensure you buy the correct standard and quality that will benefit your eyes the most. Sunglasses come in all shapes, sizes, colours as well as brands to suit your personality and this is the fun part – choosing what you like! And Focus Eye Centre in Hailsham have lots of styles to choose from.

From normal sunglasses to top designer brands such as Ray-Ban, Maui Jim or Cocoa Mint. The difference with buying from somewhere like our surgery is that you will always get great service, advice and also a fabulous looking pair of sunglasses – as well as this, we would only recommend and stock quality sunglasses that block 100% of UV radiation. Not all manufacturers give you this guarantee.

So what sunglasses do you fancy?

With the weeks we have had recently, whilst being re-opened, we have had lots of enquiries for new sunglasses. From our standard frames up to designer products. What is also great are the options for lenses as well. You may find the need for polarised lenses which are ideal if you have had eye surgery. Or you may actually prefer Transitions lenses as you can have your prescription added and these will react to light conditions, darkening and lightening when necessary. A great compromise for not needing to change glasses! Some customers may choose a pair of sunglasses frames and opt to have their prescription added. And we can do with with most of the frames we hold in stock, including the designer brands.

Get in touch

If you are looking to buy some great looking sunglasses with excellent lenses in them, then buying sunglasses from an optometrist or optician will totally be your best bet! You can be assured of the highest quality products that won’t have any distortions in them as well as giving you full protection from the sun’s harmful rays. They will protect your eyes as well as the skin around them. Get in touch with our team at Focus Eye Centre on 01323 442 062. You can arrange to pop in and try a few pairs on, choose your lenses and we will do the rest!

According to an official study by Ofcom, 1 in 5 people spend more than 40 hours a week online, in front of a digital device. With more and more people using smartphones, tablets and computers, it seems that as we enter 2020, more and more people are having issues with their eyes, in the form of eyestrain. This blog is all about ideas on how to prevent eye strain from computers.

For a long time there has been concern over the effects that using digital technology has on eye health. You may remember the well-known childhood myth that warns children they’ll get square eyes if you stay in front of the TV? But if you’ve ever spent a long time in front of a computer or television that you might have some discomfort with your eyes, you’ll know that it can cause varying amounts of discomfort.

What is Eyestrain & How do I get it from Computers?

Eyestrain is caused by excessive use of computers and looking at computer screens or other digital devices. According to Medicine Net, eyestrain can occur after extended use of the eyes on digital screens, with symptoms including headaches, blurred vision, or dryness. This can be quite uncomfortable, but there is no evidence to suggest that eyestrain causes permanent damage to your vision.

People who look at screens for over 2 hours in a row have the greatest risk of getting eyestrain. But there are a few simple ways you can prevent eyestrain from computers affecting your daily life.

Distance from the Screen

You should make sure that your computer screen is at least 20 inches away from your eyes. Making sure that the top of the screen is level with your eyes. You should either do this by having a monitor stand that can be adjusted to suit your height, or by using an adjustable chair. This is also good for other parts of your body, it should stop you from slouching and causing back pain.

Lighting

Making sure that the light around you isn’t too harsh is also important to make sure that the light from the computer screen doesn’t cause strain on your eyes. You should make sure that the lighting around you avoids a lower glare and harsh reflections. You can also have glare filters put over your digital screens which also help to reduce the risk of eyestrain.

Adjust Your Brightness Settings

If your computer screen is too bright or too dark, it can be straining for the eyes. You should always make sure that the brightness of your screen is the same as the brightness as the room you’re in. If it looks like the computer screen is more of a light source, it’s probably too bright. If you’re struggling to see using lower brightness settings, you can always change the contrast or text size of your computer.

Take Regular Breaks

According to all about vision, you should take at least one 10 minute break every hour that you’re in front of a screen. Other medical advice suggests to go by a 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. You might be able to do this to keep a timer on your desk to make sure you’re making sure your eyes get regular breaks from the screen.

Need Any Help?

If you’re starting to find it difficult to look at a computer screen for long periods of time, you might want to consider getting a professional examination on your eyes. Getting glasses for use with your computer might help protect the health of your eyes.

We are an award winning local opticians based in Hailsham, East Sussex, so if you’re in the area and want an eye test, or have any questions about the health of your eyes, then please call in and see us!

If you’d like to book an appointment with us, click here, or call us on 01323 442 062.

At this time of year, you may not have seen the sun in a long time. It certainly doesn’t provide the warmth as it does in the summer! With the days getting shorter and the evenings drawing in, I’m sure you’ve not seen much of it this winter. It might actually be incredibly useful to have a pair of prescription sunglasses to hand, over the winter months. Here are a few reasons about why you should get prescription sunglasses this winter.

Winter Driving

Although the sun might not be out much during this time of year, it’s a lot lower in the sky than in the summer. This can cause havoc when you’re driving, especially during school pickup time and rush hour. During sunrise and sunset, the sun is much lower in the sky for much longer so the glare that you’ll get when driving can create some pretty hazardous driving conditions. It’s always a good idea to have a pair of prescription sunglasses in the car with you throughout the year, particularly at this time when the sun visor doesn’t block out the sun’s rays.

Let it Snow!

In the South East, we might not have had too much snow in the last few years, but there’s always a chance! Either that or you might be going for a little trip to the ski slopes this winter. In snowy weather, it’s also useful to have a pair of sunglasses. As snow reflects the sun’s light, it makes it (fact) brighter than usual. In these conditions, you should always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from that extra brightness that’s all around. You can actually get sunglasses that are perfect to protect your eyes from these conditions.

Prescription Sunglasses

Many people swap over glasses on a regular basis. Having prescription sunglasses when you need sight help can make your life so much easier. At Focus Eye Centre, we have a fabulous array of sunglasses to choose from, including all our designer sunglasses. And you can choose from nearly all our standard and design ranges, to have your own prescription fitted. That way, you can still enjoy having a pair of designer sunglasses, but with your own prescription added to them.

Polarised Sunglasses

You may have also heard of polarised sunglasses before, and they are a popular type of sunglasses – particularly with skiers. Read a bit more about the benefits of having polarised lenses here.

So if you’re interested in getting a pair of prescription sunglasses, pop into our opticians in Hailsham and we’ll set you up with a stylish pair of sunglasses, all ready for the winter months!

All you need to know about Polarised lenses

Reducing Glare and not just reducing brightness

Have you ever worn sunglasses only to still find yourself squinting? This is because sunglasses are designed to reduce brightness, not blinding glare. Glare can cause eye strain or fatigue, and it can also be strong enough to block your vision. Glare can vary from mild discomfort to blinding, and it can be worse with age or if you have lighter coloured eyes. Polarised lenses are designed specifically to reduce this experience.

Glare is caused by light reflecting off horizontal surfaces, such as roads, bodies of water, ice or snow. The light becomes concentrated horizontally, which can be very uncomfortable for your eyes. Glare caused by reflective sunlight can cause discomfort, and in some cases, can even be dangerous. It’s important to protect your vision from harsh, blinding glare by wearing the right lenses.

Polarised versus non polarised

They offer enhanced colour perception, improved visual comfort and optimal UV protection. They make it much easier to see in bright light conditions. Regular sunglasses can provide sufficient UV protection, but they won’t diminish glare.

Polarised lenses are best suited to those who spend a lot of time outdoors. If you take part in activities such as fishing, water sports or driving, you are likely to experience a lot of glare. You can combine polarised lenses with your corrective lens design in order to experience safer, clearer vision.

When polarised sunglasses come into their own

Polarised lenses are particularly beneficial for driving and for certain hobbies. Roads, other cars, puddles and even your dashboard can create glare, which can be very distracting when driving. Polarised lenses can help make your driving experience much safer.

Those who enjoy water sports, or snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding, will also find polarised lenses a convenient solution. This is because glare can be caused by water and snow, making it difficult to see clearly. Wearing polarised lenses for these activities can enhance your vision, creating a more enjoyable experience.

Next steps

If you want some advice as on the best lenses for you, then please pop into our eye surgery in Hailsham. If you are looking at some new sunglasses or even spectacles, then feel free to give us a call on 01323 442062.