As we are about to enter a cold snap, The College of Optometrists is urging the public to take steps to protect their vision and eye health this winter, particularly as many more people are working from home. The College has issued the following advice to safeguard eye health and…
To mark Road Safety Week, taking place from 16-22 November, The College of Optometrists has issued advice to drivers encouraging them to ensure their vision is up to standard before getting behind the wheel. The advice comes following research conducted by The College showing that two-thirds (66%) of British adults admit…
The first ever completely blurred film, Focus on Life is launched today to highlight the national issue of our worsening eyesight and its impact on our lives. The College of Optometrists has teamed up with BAFTA award-nominated director Mark Nunneley from the Ridley Scott Creative Group to direct a film…
Trying to slow down how quickly myopia (short-sightedness) gets worse is called myopia management. Some treatments have been developed for this, including specially designed contact lenses and glasses. Current evidence suggests that using special contact lenses or glasses may reduce progression of the level of myopia by 40% to 60%….
What is herpes simplex keratitis? Herpes simplex is a very common virus which may remain inactive in your nervous system for many years. It causes no symptoms until some factor, such as poor health, disturbance of your immune system, or certain drugs cause the virus to become active and travel…
What is uveitis? The uvea is the coloured part of your eye, which lies beneath the white part of your eye (the sclera). The uvea comprises: the iris – which gives your eye its colour the ciliary body – controls your focussing and produces the clear fluid that fills the…
What is myopia? Myopia is also known as being short-sighted or near-sighted. If you are short-sighted you have problems seeing things in the distance clearly, but can see things that are close to you. There are different degrees of short-sightedness. Myopia is often due to the eye being slightly too…
What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is the term given to a group of eye conditions which affect the optic nerve inside your eye. The optic nerve connects your eye to your brain so that you can see. In most types of glaucoma, increased pressure of the fluid inside your eye causes…
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…
