BBC, 18 February 2019 “This week’s news story about the woman who had gene therapy to try to halt the progression of AMD is very exciting. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK; a treatment which could preserve vision in patients who would otherwise lose their sight…
Daily Mail, 28 January 2019 You may have read the Daily Mail article on pinhole glasses and whether they really improve your vision (28 January 2019). This was the advice our Clinical Adviser, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom, had to offer: “A lot of people dismiss pinhole glasses outright, but that’s not…
Daily Mail, 18 December 2018 You may have recently heard about the resurgence of the ‘sungazing’ trend, a practice which has claimed to provide many benefits over the centuries. Some proponents, with millions of followers on social media, have encouraged others to try it, with claims that it may improve…
BBC, 14 January 2019 You may have seen the BBC’s article on lens replacement leading to ‘blind patches’ (14 January 2019). The story focuses on the deterioration of an artist’s vision after lens replacement surgery to treat cataract. The current investigation focus on the legal implications for those experiencing “opacification”…
Most people are very happy with the services that are provided by their optical practice. However, things do occasionally go wrong. If you are dissatisfied with the service or conduct of your optometrist, you should try to resolve any difficulties directly with the practice. In most cases your problem will…
It is important to have regular check-ups to make sure that your contact lenses are still suitable for you, and are not damaging your eyes. Your optometrist will tell you how often you need to have check-ups, as this will depend on factors such as the type of lenses that…
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…
