Category: Industry News

With spring firmly waiting around the corner, we are all looking forward to some warmth and sunshine. However, if you are a hay fever sufferer (an allergy to trees, grasses ,weeds and pollen) it could be a nightmare for you as billions of particles are about to be released by flowering trees and grasses. Plus, added to this, research shows that the pollen season is getting longer, by up to 30 days over the year! So instead of starting mid to late March and ending in early September, it is now starting in late February and continuing well into October!

In a typical year, the tree pollen season begins first, starting in February and lasting until June. The grass pollen season starts in May and finishes in July. Weeds such as stinging nettles release pollen from June to September. It used to be that there were good allergy years and bad allergy years but now they all tend to be bad. This could possibly be down to climate change and warmer temperatures.

It’s not just in the countryside either…

Increased air pollution may also be to blame. Pollutants found more in cities, including diesel particles, irritate the lining of the airways and make them more sensitive and cause an inflammatory response. Studies have shown people who live in areas of higher pollution are more likely to have more severe nasal symptoms.

The techy stuff!

Particles in the air from trees, grasses, weeds and pollen trigger an allergic reaction in the body. The immune system sees these particles as a threat and makes antibodies in response.  These antibodies bind to special cells involved in the immune response called mast cells which are found in various structures in the body including the eye.  During exposure to the pollen, the mast cells release a powerful chemical called histamine in an attempt to rid the body of the threat. This is where the trouble starts, as histamine dilates blood vessels causing fluid to leak which in turn triggers a runny nose, sneezing, red and itchy eyes.

If you know you suffer from hay fever, you can take action in advance. Corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Nasonex or Flonase are available over the counter and can be used 2 weeks before usual symptoms start. They work by reducing local inflammation but it can take a little while for them to take effect. Oral antihistamine tablets work well and are widely available, and creams containing antihistamine can help skin rashes and itchy skin.  However, all of these preparations are often ineffective in treating red itchy eyes due to the low concentration actually reaching the eye.

How you can help yourself

• Pollen levels in the air tend to be highest in the morning because they have risen throughout the night; and again at around 5pm because many plants release their pollen later in the day. Try not to sit outside in the late afternoon.
• Keep windows closed at these times to reduce the amount of pollen that manages to get into your home.
• Watch the weather forecast. Rain can either raise pollen levels or reduce them, depending on the type of rain. Heavy droplets may break pollen grains into smaller particles, increasing the problem, but gentle rain absorbs pollen and brings it down to the ground where it can do no harm.
• High pollen levels are more likely on a hot, sunny day with little wind, because pollen grains stay airborne for longer then. So take extra precautions on bad days, such as wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen affecting the eyes.
• Keep eyeglasses on whenever you go outside during the pollen season.
• Keep car windows closed and use the air conditioning on the “recycle air” setting.

• Don’t hang your washing out in the fresh air – try and tumble dry to so you don’t find pollen has attached itself to your clothing. Especially your bedding!
• If you know you always get hay fever symptoms at a certain time of year, start using them in the two weeks running up to that time. Keep an eye on when your symptoms start one year and adjust the timing accordingly.

Treatment for the eyes

If nasal sprays and oral antihistamines are ineffective for your itchy red eyes there are 2 main eye drops that can be used.

The first eye drop is a mast cell stabiliser containing sodium cromoglycate such as Opticrom. This works by stopping the mast cells from releasing histamine and as such is useful for regular hay fever sufferers just before symptoms start.

The second is an antihistamine eye drop such as Otrivine which tackles the histamine after it’s been released. These drops work well in the short term but regular sufferers may also need to use a mast cell stabiliser in conjunction. Newer prescription-only drops are available from Focus Medical Eye Centre which are dual acting combining the mast cell stabiliser and antihistamine in one.

Please speak to our team about assessment and treatment via our Minor Eye Conditions clinic. This is a free NHS run service for patients registered with a local GP for any minor eye complaint including red eye.

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 Medical 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 Medical 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 Medical 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!