Ski-ing and winter sports High altitudes and the reflective properties of snow can increase ultraviolet (UV) exposure, so, it’s important that you wear the appropriate protective eyewear when holidaying in snowy resorts and taking part in winter sports. People with light coloured eyes are most at risk from sun damage,…
Short-sightedness (myopia) Children who are short-sighted have difficulty seeing things that are far away, such as the TV or the board at school. Research suggests that short-sightedness is twice as common in the UK now compared with 50 years ago, and children are becoming short-sighted at a younger age. If…
The Sun, 1 July 2017 This week, Ben Fogle tweeted about using breast milk to treat an eye infection. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MCOptom, Clinical Adviser at the College urges readers not to follow Ben’s lead: “I would strongly advise against using breast milk for anything other than feeding babies. There is no…
What is dry eye? Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly. This can make your eyes feel scratchy or irritated, and in severe cases may temporarily make your vision blurry. Who is affected by dry eye? Dry eye is more common…
The winter weather has arrived, and it’s time to protect your eyes, especially as the pandemic may mean you are spending more time indoors. Here are some of the ways that winter can affect your eye health, and some tips for prevention. Winter sun Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. Snow…
BBC, 5 January 2016 This week the BBC reported on a story about a woman who was given a retinal implant as part of a trial to restore some vision in those with advanced retinitis pigmentosa. Dr Susan Blakeney, clinical adviser to the College of Optometrists gave her thoughts: “Those diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa…
Here are some of the ways winter can affect your vision, or worsen an eye condition, and tips for prevention. Driving in winter In winter you may have more difficulty seeing clearly because the evenings are longer and there is not as much light as in the summer. When it…
What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the white of your eye. It may be caused by an infection, or by an allergy. If it is one eye it is more likely to be caused by an…
Being able to see clearly is important for a child’s overall development. Most children have excellent sight and do not need to wear glasses. But if there are problems and these are not picked up at an early age, a child may have permanently reduced vision in one or both…
There are lots of sayings, myths and misconceptions about eyes and eyesight. We’re here to help sort fact from fiction in some of the most common ones: Reading in the dark or dim light will damage your eyes Fiction. It is more difficult to see in the dark or in…
