How blue light can affect your eyes

Posted on January 19, 2022June 23, 2022 by Sokada

Eye strain is always such a big topic, with all the hours spent on different devices. If you ever have felt any eye strain whilst working on a digital screen, then you may have heard about ‘blue light’ and scared yourself by doing a quick Google Search. Maybe even coming across the increasingly popular blue light glasses, due to their bold claims of being a protective shield for your eyes. But do they really work?

What is blue light?

First off, blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum; which is a fancy way of saying what the human eye can see. It has the shortest wavelength and operates at the highest energy. We are exposed to this light from many sources; the biggest being the sun. however, many man-made sources have caused blue light to gain its notoriety due to its link to digital screens.

Some of the most notable blue light emitters are bulbs, LEDs, flat-screen LED televisions, computer monitors, smartphones and tablet screens. With all of these devices becoming more and more popular the amount of blue light we are exposing our eyes to is going up. The amount of time people spend using these devices and the proximity of these screens to the eyes has also caused some concern about the potential long-term effects of this light on eye health.

Does it damage your eyes?

Some experts have suggested that too much exposure to this light can damage the light-sensitive cells in the retina. Whilst there is little research to support this, the short wavelength of the light makes it very easy to penetrate the eyes.

However, a study by O’Hagan JB, Khazova M & Price LL found that the level of blue light we expose ourselves to from screens is significantly lower than that of natural daylight – and neither levels approach eye safety limits.

What are blue light glasses and do they work?

Blue light glasses contain lenses that are designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches the eye. This prevents the waves from actually penetrating the eye. There is also a setting on your PC that can help reduce blue light and make your eyes a little more comfortable when working on a screen.

However, there is no research backing that these lenses can protect eye health at all. Essentially, there is no scientifically proven benefit to wearing these glasses.

It is just maybe more about ensuring a bit more eye comfort.

Are they effective against eye strain?

Eye strain is not necessarily caused by the blue light emitted by the screen. It is more likely that your eyes are straining to have to concentrate on a single screen for too long. Your eyes are having to constantly refocus when you’re looking at a screen, which can be fatiguing. Other factors such as the distance you sit from your screen or if the environment you are in is too dark; can affect eye strain. Many factors have an effect on how much your eyes strain; some that blue light glasses will be ineffective at preventing.

Need Any Help?

If you’re starting to find it difficult to look at a digital screen for long periods, then you might want to consider getting a professional examination on your eyes. Getting glasses for use with your computer might help to relax and 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.

Does eye strain cause headaches?

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Sokada

If you’ve ever wondered to yourself “what’s giving me all these headaches?” and you suffer from eye strain then that could be the very cause.

What causes eye strain headaches?

There are many factors that can affect the strain your eyes are under. Here are just a few examples:

If you have prolonged time on a single task then your eyes can get tired after continual focus. This applies to both digital and physical tasks.
Sitting too close or too far from a screen.
If the environment you are in is too bright or dim then your eyes may become tired and strained. A good way to test if a room is not lit properly is if you have to squint to see what you’re doing.
Finally, if you have existing poor vision or recently were given a new prescription of eyewear then it’s likely that your headaches could be due to your eyes working in a new way.

New Prescriptions

Headaches can occur when wearing new prescription eyeglasses. Usually, these go away in a day or so as your brain and eyes adjust. It’s important to remember that wearing accurately prescribed glasses are going to be incredibly helpful for your vision in the long run.

Wearing new glasses changes how your eyes function. You essentially have to wait for the muscles to catch up and adapt to the new frames. These headaches are not permanent and will disappear as soon as your eyes have adjusted. However, you should get in contact with your doctor if this is not the case and your headaches don’t dissipate within a week. Or you are showing any of the following symptoms:

sudden vision changes
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
severe eye pain

Normally, however, all that is needed is a slight adjustment to the frame or lens of the glasses to make them more comfortable to use.

How to Prevent Eye Strain

The majority of methods to prevent or reduce eye strain are simple lifestyle adjustments that are easy to make. For example, it can be as easy as sitting in a dimly lit room as opposed to a dark one whilst watching TV. Alternatively, you could sit further away from your digital screen. One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is take breaks. Taking a 20-second break, looking at something 20 feet away for every 20 minutes of work is considered the golden rule.

If you are currently experiencing headaches and you’re not sure why then a good first step would be to get your eyes tested. This could lead to you discovering that all you need is to have a prescription update.

Getting your eyes tested at Focus Eye Centre

We have a large selection of high-quality spectacle frames to choose from. If you’re looking to get your eyes tested, even if you’re not experiencing headaches; get in touch with us at Focus Eye Centre today. To book an appointment with us, call 01323 442062 or email info@focuseyecentre.co.uk. Alternatively, you can fill in a contact form here.

How to Find the Perfect Frames for You

Posted on November 18, 2021June 23, 2022 by Sokada

We understand that finding the perfect frames can be a tricky thing to do. After all, they often completely change the way we look. It can seem like an impossible task when stood in the opticians to pick a pair that really suits you. Which is why we’ve written this list to make the process on how to find the perfect frames for you a little easier.

Did you know that the biggest thing to take into account when picking glasses is your head shape? This could be the reason why nothing looks ‘right’ on you, you’re just looking at the wrong style. In total, there are around seven common head shapes, all with frames that are better suited to each shape.

Which Head Shape Have I Got?

The easiest way to figure out your head shape is to ask your optician next time you’re looking to buy or replace your spectacles or follow our easy to use guide. Simply stand in front of a mirror with your hair out of your face and compare it to the shapes below.

Round Head Shape

In round head shapes typically all features are uniformly shaped. The face is shorter with a wide forehead, often with full cheeks and a wide chin. Rectangular Frames help to give some contour and make the face look narrower, which is what we’re looking for. We can help you find the happy medium between frames that aren’t too thin but also aren’t too heavy looking. Round or oval frames should be avoided as they make the face appear rounder.

Oval Head Shape

In oval faces, it is typical for all features to be balanced. A narrow chin and forehead with pronounced cheeks. If you have this face shape then you’re in luck because any style, no matter the shape or boldness, will suit this face shape. However, It is recommended that extremely narrow frames are avoided simply due to it making the face look longer.

Square Head Shape

Typically in square head shapes, all features are equally broad and angular. Square faces are often extremely angular, with most of that coming from the jaw. What’s recommended is anything that softens the more angular face, so round or oval glasses are perfect. Glasses with large boxy frames are not advocated as it emphasises the features and makes the face appear more angular.

Rectangle Head Shape

Rectangular faces generally have a strong jawline and a deeper forehead. Similarly to the square head shape, boxy frames are not recommended due to them making your angular features look more pronounced. Your head shape is better suited to round or oval glasses that complement your angular features and make your face look more balanced.

Triangle Head Shape

Triangle-shaped faces have a broad forehead and very strong cheekbones that narrow to a small chin. Again almost any frame will suit this head shape, so lucky you! However, we think that frame styles that are wider at the bottom look that much better, so a rounded square frame style is perfect for you. We would recommend avoiding anything too narrow as it could make your face appear longer.

Heart Head Shape

The typical features of the heart-shaped face are a broad forehead, pronounced cheekbones and a narrow, tapering chin. A similar shape to the triangle but with less defined cheekbones. Again, almost every style suits this face but your goal is to choose frames that will provide contrast to your face. We’d recommend an oval or round frame to bring your features into balance. We would suggest that you avoid bright colours and extremely wide frames as they underline your face shape

Diamond Head Shape

Diamond-shaped faces are nicely balanced, being narrow at the eye line and jawline then having contrasting broad cheekbones that may be high and dramatic. There are multiple options for this face shape oval or rounder frames will soften the angles of your face whereas more rectangular frames will highly contrast your facial features. One tip we can offer to help you find your perfect frames with this head type is to look for glasses that are wider or angle towards the top.

Choosing Spectacles at Focus Eye Centre

We have a large selection of high-quality spectacle frames to choose from. Therefore, if you’re looking to find the perfect frames to suit you, get in touch with Focus Eye Centre today. To book an appointment with us, call 01323 442062 or email info@focuseyecentre.co.uk.

Sunglasses are not just for Summer….

Posted on October 29, 2021 by Sokada

During the summer months, the obvious way of protecting your eyes is to wear sunglasses. However, even when it is cold and the sun still shines, harmful UV rays will still be able to damage your eyesight.

Why should I wear Sunglasses in the Winter Sun?

UV Rays become intensified in the winter, often brighter than summer – although the temperature is lower. This is because the sun sits lower in the sky – doubling the risk of exposure. You might also notice if it’s recently been raining (as it so often does in our country!), the sun reflects off the surfaces such as roads and pavements. This intensifies the suns glare on your eyes and therefore increases your risk of exposure.

At certain times of the days, when the sun is very low, having a good quality pair of sunglasses will ensure driving is more comfortable and also make it much safer for you.

On top of this, if we’re lucky enough to get a dusting of snow on the ground, the snow reflects light even more. That’s why you should wear sunglasses or goggles if you ever go skiing.

Polarised Vs Non-Polarised

Polarised lenses enhance colour perception, improve visual comfort and provide optimal UV protection to your eyes. Compared to non-polarised glasses, polarised glasses make it much easier to see in bright light conditions. Whilst non-polarised glasses still provide adequate UV protection, they won’t be able to reduce glare from standing water or snow.

If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, particularly in wintery conditions like snow, it’s advisable to have polarised lenses as they will give you the best protection from the sun’s glare. You can find out more about polarised lenses here.

Prescription Sunglasses at Focus Eye Centre

We have a large selection of high quality sunglasses to choose from. We are also stockists of Maui Jim, Cocoa Mint and Ray Ban sunglasses. Therefore if you’re looking for a new pair of sunglasses to get you through the winter sun, get in touch with Focus Eye Centre today. We can also fit prescription lenses to sunglasses so you can enjoy enhanced UV protection coupled with better vision. To book an appointment with us, call 01323 442062 or email info@focuseyecentre.co.uk.

What is a Posterior Vitreous Detachment?

Posted on October 11, 2021October 12, 2021 by Sokada

A Posterior Vitreous Detachment or PVD is where the vitreous gel (the jelly inside your eye) shrinks with age and peels away from the retina. Although this is a benign condition, patients often experience flashing lights and floaters in their vision as this happens.

When young, the vitreous gel attached firmly to the back of the eye. As we age, this gel becomes thinner and more of a liquid consistency and then can peel away from the back of the eye. It is also much more common in people who are short sighted, due to the shape of the eyeball. The main symptom of a PVD is quick flashes of light in your peripheral vision. Sometimes they can be so quick that you may think it is your imagination. Then very occasionally they can be right in your sightline and can appear like little sparkles or fireworks. You may notice the flashes when you move your eyes quickly or when you move from dark into light conditions. They don’t last for a set amount of time; they may only last a day, but can also keep returning for a longer period of time.

Commonly with PVD you may also experience floaters, which form as the gel collapses in the back of the eye. Floaters are actually strands and knots that form from old cells in the vitreous gel which clump together. This causes shadows on the retina as light bounces off them which are perceived as little black spots or strands in your vision. You may only see these for a while, until the brain gets used to them being there, or if they disperse.

What to do

If you suspect you have had a PVD you must still see your Optometrist. This is because the main symptoms of flashing lights and floaters are also the main symptoms reported with a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Your Optometrist will be able to check your eyes to make sure the retina is not damaged. If you did have a retinal tear or detachment this is a much more serious condition and would need prompt referral to the hospital for treatment.

Focus Eye Centre has the Optomap ultra wide-field retinal scanner which helps them to fully assess your eyes. This special technology allows them to image up to 90% of your retina which makes detecting small retinal tears or detachments much easier which otherwise could be missed.

If you have experienced new onset flashing lights or floaters please do not hesitate to contact our team on 01323 442062.

National Eye Health Week

Posted on September 21, 2021June 23, 2022 by Sokada

This week, 20 – 26 September is National Eye Health Week, promoting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all. At Focus Eye Centre, we are always very busy promoting the well-being of the eyes.

Did you know one in five people say that their eyesight deteriorated during lockdown?

While some habits – such as increased screen time – have stuck over the last 18 months, there are plenty of things people can do to help support their eye health going forward.

To mark National Eye Health Week (20-26^th September) here are four simple tips that can help protect your vision and keep your eyes in top condition.

Book Regular Exams

It may seem like obvious advice but attending regular check-ups with your optician should be your first port of call when it comes to looking after your eyes.

Worryingly, looking at recent research conducted by Optos, we learned that a quarter of adults in the UK have not had an eye exam in the past three years. With a whopping 3.2 million have still never attended an appointment at all.

Many eye diseases, including detached retinas and glaucoma, can be prevented or treated more successfully if detected early. Therefore, booking a regular eye exam can give you the best chance of catching any potential issues and maintaining your eye health.

Invest in Advanced Imaging

In the UK, there are currently more than one million people living with sight loss that could have been avoided. While booking in to get your eyes tested regularly is the first step to caring for your vision, advanced imaging technology can also help your optician get a clearer picture of your eyes.

Most eye diseases can only be detected by looking at the retina – the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. A basic eye exam is designed to test your vision but only shows 15% of the retina. With advanced imaging, such as Optomap®, more than 82% of your retina is visible to your optician.

By opting for advanced retinal imaging technology, you will be giving yourself peace of mind that problems, such as retinal detachments and tears, glaucoma, and age-related macula degeneration, will be detected early.

You can ask your optician about Optomap and its benefits when booking in your next eye test.

Get Moving

We all know exercise is good for us, but did you know that it can also have a positive impact on your eye health?

Whether it’s swimming, running or yoga, regular movement can help prevent eye diseases. In particular, cardiovascular exercises that get your heart pumping can lower the pressure in your eyes, while increasing the flow of blood to the optic nerve and retina.

Vision problems can stem from issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so being active could also benefit those who suffer from these conditions. The NHS recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise to keep your body fit and healthy.

Adopt the 20-20-20 Approach

The last 18 months have seen us rely on screens more than ever before. From Zoom calls to more time spent in front of the television, screen use is having a big impact on our eyes.

On average UK adults spent half a day in front of a screen, browsing the internet and watching television.

Extended time in front of devices can cause common eye issues including dryness, itchiness, and strain. The easiest way to prevent and reduce the likelihood of these problems is to introduce the 20-20-20 rule. This means for every 20 minutes of screen time, look away for 20 seconds and focus on something 20 metres away.

After two hours of continuous screen time take a 15-minute rest. Make sure you also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water during your breaks. Set a timer and try it for yourself!

Next steps

If you would like to speak with someone or have a consultation, then please get in touch. Focus Eye Centre is based in Hailsham and works with many customers around the area of East Sussex. We look forward to your call.

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Category: Vision