The AVC Blog

Old Wives Tale #3: Reading in Bad Light Harms Your Eyes

Although not ideal, there are many occasions when reading by a dim or poor light becomes a matter of necessity. Perhaps there’s been a power-cut and you’re urgently inspecting the fuse box by way of a shaking match, or perhaps you’re a considerate bedfellow who reads by awful light in order not to disturb your sleeping other half.

It’s fortunate, then, that there is no evidence to suggest that reading by bad light is detrimental to the health of your eyes. It can tire them certainly, due to the fact that they need to work harder, but you’ll suffer no long-term negative effects. That’s because your eyes are clever enough to be able to adapt to different levels of light – as soon as you walk into a room.

When light is low, your eye adjusts itself in a number of ways. Firstly, the rod and cone cells on the retina begin to produce more light-sensitive chemicals. These chemicals detect light, convert it into electrical signals and then transmit those signals to the brain. Secondly, anyone looking at you might notice that your pupils have become enlarged, and this is because the iris recognises the fact that good light is in short supply, so it relaxes somewhat, allowing your eye to open wider. By doing this your eyes are essentially making a bid to collect as much light as possible!

Reading in poor light tends to frustrate eyes by sending mixed messages. On the one hand, the muscles want to relax in order to absorb as much light as possible, but on the other they’re trying to focus on the words on the page and soak up the detail. This, of course, makes focusing difficult, and over a long period of time they will inevitably become tired, as any muscle would. Any feeling of tiredness, however, is temporary, and if you find that you are experiencing any lasting symptoms we’d recommend that you get your eyes checked out by a professional. You could have an underlining problem such as nearsightedness.

So, reading in poor light is not so detrimental after all, but try not to do it too often!

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Presbyopia…what’s that?

Presbyopia is an age related condition which makes near vision become blurry. It usually occurs around the age of 40, hence the name ‘Presbyopia’ which literally means ‘old eye’ – ‘presbys’ means ‘old man’ or ‘elder’ in Greek and ‘opia’ is the Latin word for ‘eye’.

Presbyopia is a completely natural part of ageing. It occurs when the natural lens within the eye gradually thickens and starts to lose flexibility. The focusing power of your eyes is very much dependent on the elasticity of the lens. This is why, if you suffer from presbyopia, you probably find yourself having to hold reading materials further away in order to see them clearly. Reading and other close work can also cause headaches and eyestrain.

The condition has in the past been treated with reading glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses. This can be a pain for those who already need glasses to correct their vision, as it means carrying two pairs of glasses around with them!

Now there’s another treatment that can make life just that little bit easier – Conductive Keratoplasty. It’s a non-laser treatment, specifically designed for being with presbyopia that literally takes 3 minutes.

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Lawrence Gardiner’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Lawrence Gardiner

Treatment received at AVC: Clear Lens Exchange (CLE with IOL)

Why you decided to have treatment:

The main reason I decided to go for treatment was to have the convenience of having clear vision.

How was the AVC experience?

I was extremely happy with my experience at AVC, all the way from consultation to post-treatment. I was recommended to go and see the AVC team by a colleague, and I would definitely recommend them to others.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

As the MD of an engineering company, I have to travel a lot and not having to take glasses around with me everywhere makes life a lot simpler. I can read better, work on my computer and I can take up more hobbies. I am able to work on my computer for much longer periods of time without suffering from dry eyes and headaches. Everything I do is just that little bit easier now. I was also always terrible at misplacing and losing my glasses, so that’s one less thing to worry about!

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Douglas Hall’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Douglas Hall

Treatment received at AVC: LASEK

 

Why you decided to have treatment:

I have played rugby for a number of years with contact lenses which would constantly fall out during games which can cause stress and obvious problems in high level sport. I decided that something had to be done and the best solution by far was laser eye surgery.

How was the AVC Experience?

From start to finish I was delighted with the level of service I received from AVC. Laser eye surgery can be a daunting prospect and I was aware that as with any surgery things can go wrong and with my career on the line it was important to me that I should have absolute faith in the surgeon who would be performing my operation. In Mr Pillai I knew I had found my man and the confidence he gave me along with his realistic appraisal of the risks involved meant I could go ahead with the surgery in the knowledge I was in a very safe pair of hands.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

Absolutely the best thing about the laser eye surgery is that sometimes I forget that I even had to wear glasses. Not only are my contact lens problems a thing of the past, but the simple pleasure of waking up in the morning and not having to reach for my glasses is brilliant. I can’t recommend AVC and laser eye surgery enough.

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Amanda Mealing’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Amanda Mealing

Treatment received at AVC: LASIK

Why you decided to have treatment:

I had an astigmatism, so contact lenses never sat properly in my eyes, but I had to wear them as it was difficult to work, drive, live without them. On set, the heat from the studio lights along with tiredness and sore eyes would make daily contacts wither which made focussing tough later in the day. Also, for premieres and charity functions the option of wearing glasses wasn’t mine.

How was the AVC Experience?

I was very nervous of having laser treatment. So much so I cancelled my appointment twice. Third time lucky though. When I finally plucked up the courage I couldn’t have been happier. Instantly I felt happy and secure in the evident experience and confidence of the team at AVC. I was informed of every detail and reassured that if at any point I was worried, we would stop. I was in control, but I never needed to be.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

Within hours of the treatment my vision was amazing. It makes me realise how much of my life I have missed by not seeing well enough. All the searching and panic over lost glasses or contacts are gone. I an just get up in the morning and go! I can buy sunglasses off the shelf. I’m so much freer. I just wish I had done it sooner.

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Protect Your Eyes in Style and Prevent Cataracts

We’ll all be keeping our eyes on the weather forecast this week as the Bank Holiday approaches. It’s been pretty dismal lately so fingers crossed for a bit of sunshine!

If it does turn out to be a glorious one, remember to protect your eyes and wear shades.

Studies have shown that cataracts can develop after long-term exposure to sunlight. This exposure to UV radiation causes the formation of free radicals which can disturb the delicate composition of the eye lens.

That’s why it’s so important to protect our eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. We all love a bit of sunshine, but just make sure to wear a pair of sunglasses that have the CE mark and British Standards number EN 1836: 2005.

Another thing to remember is that although cataracts do not usually occur until later in life, research shows that much of the sun damage can actually be done before the age of 18. So, making sure that children wear protective sunglasses from a young age is vitally important.

Not sure what sunglasses to buy? See our top shades style tips for the summer below…

Coming up rosy

The ultimate in accessories for fashion’s romantic trend. Wear them like Paris Hilton.

Hollywood glamour

Make like your favourite old school movie star. Wear them like Victoria Beckham.

Circular spectacular

Quirky ‘granny style’ shades. Wear them like Alexa Chung.

Retro Squares

Seventies inspired square shades for the ladies, or the modern square aviator for the gents. Wear them like Nicole Ritchie

Looking fly in Aviators

This classic trend never goes out of fashion. Wear them like Bradgelina.

Wrap it up

Sporty lifestyle? How about a sporty trend to match with wrap around shades? Wear it like Matthew McConaughey.

Presidential

Look distinguished in rimless visor shades. Wear them like President Obama.

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AVC’s Top Tips: Eye Exercises!

Most people recognise the importance of exercising the mind,  body and soul to stay healthy, but many do not realise that you can exercise the eyes as well. In fact, carrying out unique exercises specifically for them is a great way of keeping them in tip-top condition post surgery because it tones the eye muscles that help you focus,  ensuring that you’ll reduce the risk of experiencing common problems such as eye strain.

Here our Medical Director Mr.C.T.Pillai shares his exercise suggestions:

  • Imagine that you are looking at a large clock ahead of you. Look at the centre of the clock, then look at any hour mark, without turning your head. Look back at the centre, then look at another hour mark. Work your way around each hour mark of the clock
  • Focus on an object in the distance for several seconds before slowly re-focusing on a nearby object that’s in the same direction. Try this exercise for up to 3 minutes every half hour or so. It can help to maintain the quality of your eyesight during the day, and prevent further deterioration of your eyesight. It is particularly useful if you sit in front of a computer screen all day
  • Close your eyes tightly for around 3 to 5 seconds and then open them for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise seven or eight times

It’s more important to carry out the exercises regularly than it is to perfrom each one for a long period of time,  so we recommend around 30 to 60 seconds of eye exercise every hour.

You might want to find a private place to carry them out to avoid strange looks, but what are you waiting for? Get pumping that eye iron!

If you’d like to find out more about the different eye exercises you can try, and the range of treatments we offer at AVC, just give us a call on 020 7935 7497, send us an email at enquiries@advancedvisioncare.co.uk or simply fill out our enquiry form to the right of the page.

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David Thomas’ AVC Testimonial

Name: David Thomas

Treatment received at AVC: Clear Lens Exchange with toric IOL

Why you decided to have treatment:

I have been wearing glasses for years, and always found them really inconvenient. I am a real keen motorbike rider and have been riding pretty much all of my life.  It is really uncomfortable having to wear glasses under your helmet when riding, and I have always wanted to change this.

How was the AVC experience?

As soon as I went to meet Mr. Pillai at AVC I had absolutely no apprehension on getting the treatment done. I spoke to the team and I was really impressed by their knowledge – they were clearly experts in their field. I was comfortable throughout the whole process and I knew I was safe in their hands.

How has your life change post-treatment?

For me, I am so happy to be able to ride my motorbike with such clear vision and when riding on a race track I have fantastic vision now. Generally, it is great to see everything so much clearer. I am really happy with my results.

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Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes are a common side effect of laser eye surgery, and although uncomfortable, are nothing to become concerned about. Typically, symptoms include a feeling of ‘grittiness’, irritation in the eye and a burning sensation. Fortunately, dry eyes can be managed with treatment, and surgery side effects clear up after three months.

It’s worth noting that Dry Eye Syndrome is not always an inconvenient side-effect of  surgery. You may also suffer from the condition if you use a computer day-to-day for long periods of time, if  you become affected by environmental factors (such as extreme heat or a windy climate), if you are undergoing any hormonal changes or if you wear contact lenses.

In the first instance dry eyes are normally treatable with lubricating drops, gels and ointments. But if  symptoms are severe or persistent, there are other treatments that can be used.

At AVC, we have helped many patients combat the symptoms of dry eyes by using something called Punctal Plugs. These silicone plugs are inserted into tear drainage ducts in the eyelids. This helps to keep the eye moisturised by preventing tears on the eye from draining away too quickly. The procedure is entirely painless, and you will not feel the plugs once they are inserted.

In extremely rare cases AVC will prescribe you Restatis drops , to be used for 3-4 months. However,  in all his years as a laser refractive surgeon, our Medical Director Mr C.T. Pillai can count on one hand the number of instances this has been required! You can be rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands at AVC.

If you’d like to find out more about Dry Eye Syndrome and the range of treatments we offer at AVC, just give us a call on 020 7935 7497, send us an email at enquiries@advancedvisioncare.co.uk or simply fill out our enquiry form to the right of the page.

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Old Wives Tale #2: Crossing Your Eyes Permanently Crosses Them

Heard the one about how crossing your eyes can lead them to become permanently crossed? Deriving from the same school of thought as, ‘If the wind changes direction, your face will stick like that,’ this is another classic old wives’ tale.

Thankfully, pulling a cross-eyed expression for the amusement – perhaps – of your friends and family will have no lasting ill effects for your eyes. When we focus on an object close-up our eyes naturally come together, so crossing your eyes deliberately is merely an exaggeration of this response.

For those of you who have never quite got the hang of the enviable art of eye-crossing, you can follow AVC’s top tips below and become an eye-crossing expert in no time at all!*

• To get started, simply focus on one object at eye level – such as a finger. The best location is one that is level with the bridge of your nose, about 1-3 inches away

• Slowly bring your finger closer to your face. Keep your focus

• When you’re ready, slowly move your finger out of sight, but try your best to hang on to your by now crossed eye expression

• Practicing in a dim light might make things easier, as there is less for your eyes to try to focus on, and
therefore less distraction

• You won’t be able to check yourself that you are crossing your eyes correctly, so have a friend on
hand to critique!

• Once you get a real feel for crossing your eyes, you’ll find that you can start doing it instantly, without
the need for a focusing prop like a finger

• Eye-crossing veterans should consider the next-level trick of crossing one eye but not the other. Start by
looking hard with both eyes to either the right or the left, then cross your eyes without moving them
back to the centre. Once you get the hang of doing this from either side you’ll even be able to shake your
head and shift the one crossed eye over to the other side!

*Possibly

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