What is a detached retina? Retinal detachment is when your retina, the thin layer at the back of your eye, peels away from the back of your eye. Before the retina detaches you may see flashes and/or floaters. You should contact your optometrist straight away if you notice: a sudden…
What is a chalazion (Meibomian cyst)? A chalazion is a hard lump in the upper or lower eyelid. It is caused by an inflammation or blockage of the meibomian gland. It can sometimes be mistaken for a stye. A chalazion is harmless, unless it becomes infected, and will usually go…
BBC, 9 March 2017 This week, the BBC covered a story about Jane Austen; based on tests conducted on the spectacles she owned, it is said she possibly died of arsenic poisoning. Experts at the British Library have said that arsenic, which was commonly used in medicines at the time…
Daily Mail, 20 January 2016 “Children are TWICE as likely to be short-sighted than 50 years ago: Too much screen time and a lack of daylight ‘may be to blame” The Daily Mail, 20 January, 2016. “Children twice as likely to be short-sighted than 50 years ago”, The Telegraph, 21 January, 2016. You…
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If you spend time outdoors in the sunshine or on a sunbed, then you need to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has been linked to certain eye conditions including cataract, and there may be a link between exposure to UV light and…
The information on this website is as accurate as we can make it. However, everyone’s eyes are different, and the advice may not apply to you. Please note that our advisers can’t answer questions from outside the UK. They are also unable to answer specific questions about your sight or…
Please note that our advisers can’t answer questions from outside the UK. They are also unable to answer specific questions about your sight or eye health as they have not examined your eyes. In this case, you should talk to the optometrist who has examined you or make an appointment…
What is a squint? A squint occurs when your eyes don’t point in the same direction. The most common type of squint is where one eye turns slightly inwards, towards your nose. Sometimes the eye may turn out or – very occasionally –up or down, while the other looks ahead….
What is astigmatism? Most people’s eyes are round like a football and light focusses on one area of the retina (the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye). If you have astigmatism your eye is shaped a bit like a rugby ball. This means that the…
