Archive for the ‘AVC Advice’ Category

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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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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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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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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Learning to Relax – The AVC Way

There’s something about the thought of a medical procedure that brings out the gibbering wreck in all of us. Even the most composed and rationally-minded person can experience the dreaded nerves, and eyesight is so precious that it’s no wonder that treatment for them can be daunting.

So, with that in mind, here are some of our best de-stressing tips to help put you in the right frame of mind before and during your time at AVC:

  • Envision the outcome of your procedure; try to imagine how having better eyesight will make you feel, and how more confident you’ll be
  • Know what will happen on the day – there’s no fear in the expected! Familiarise yourself with the information AVC will already have sent you, and if in doubt about any element, get in touch. We’d be more than happy to talk you through any step – from your arrival to the end of the procedure
  • Eat properly before your appointment. You’ll feel much better for having a good breakfast or a light lunch inside you. Avoid caffeine which can make you jittery, and drink plenty of water
  • Control your breathing. Prior to your appointment spend a good ten minutes sitting quietly, away from any distractions. Close your eyes and start to breathe deeply, focusing on the air coming in and out of your lungs. Relax your muscles. Don’t resist any thoughts that come into your mind but try not to dwell too much on any one. Some scientists have suggested that this kind of meditation is much more effective in relaxing you than a twenty minute nap!
  • Bring some support. We actually advise all of our patients to bring with them some moral support on the day. Knowing that you have someone close waiting outside for you – with whom you can share a joke afterwards – is a mood booster
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Old Wives Tale #1: Carrots can Help you See in the Dark

Ah, the humble carrot. Pushed around the plates of children everywhere, too readily available to be seen as exotic and forever associated with the not entirely fussy rabbit.

But, carrots do have their trump card: that popular adage that if you eat them you’ll be blessed with the ability to see in the dark. That’s right, no more night-vision goggles, torches or candles for you! Right? Not quite.

The myth that carrots contain special properties related to eyesight has persisted for years, but there has never been any proven link between the two. What is accepted is that the vegetable is a decent source of Vitamin A, which can play a part in fighting infections, clearing skin and yes, helping support healthy eyes. They also contain Beta-carotene, which may reduce the risk of macular and cataract degeneration. But the power to see in the dark? Afraid not.

If you really want to know where and why carrot-eating lore first appeared, you need look no further than World War II. During this period British Intelligence were feeling pretty pleased with themselves for implementing special Airborne Inception Radar technology that helped the Royal Air Force spot enemy bombers before they reached the English Channel. The trouble was, Britain didn’t want the Germans to find out the real reason why the number of enemy bombers they were hitting was increasing.

Suggesting that it was carrots that were giving British pilots the edge may sound rather far-fetched, but thanks to the press whole-heartedly embracing this theory, it was no time at all before it became accepted into the public consciousness. One popular story widely circulated was that of RAF pilot Lieutenant John Cunningham, who became known by the nickname ‘Cats Eyes’ thanks to his ability to hunt enemy in the dark due to a diet made up of carrots, carrots and more carrots.

That’s not something AVC would advise now, as an overdose of Vitamin A can be toxic, and Beta-carotene in large quantities has the unfortunate habit of turning the skin of the eater into a luminous orange colour.

So, that’s carrots out the window. If you are experiencing difficulties with your vision or have noticed that your eyesight just isn’t what it used to be, it’s probably a good idea to give AVC a call on 020 7935 7497. Our specialist treatments involve absolutely no carrots at all. We promise.

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Andrew Hallett’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Andrew Hallett

Treatment received at AVC: Lasek

Why you decided to have treatment:

I was recommended AVC by my brother and sister-in-law who had both previously had treatment. I was really fed up with wearing glasses and I decided that enough was enough – time to bite the bullet and go for treatment.

How was the AVC experience?

I was really pleased with my treatment. It was exactly how I thought it would be. I experienced no pain at all during the treatment and I was looked after well throughout the treatment and after-care process.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

I’m a very sporty person and very active in everyday life. Therefore, not having to wear glasses anymore has made a massive difference to me. Whilst on holiday with my family last week I was able to swim without my glasses and still be able to see everything beautifully, something I’d never been able to do before. Everything is so much clearer now. I have never had such good eyesight.

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After Lasik: Top Tips for a Speedy Recovery

You might be surprised to read that recovery after Lasik laser eye surgery is relatively quick – most people can drive and return to work a full day following surgery. While this is the case, the recovery process is still essential. So, at AVC we always recommend that our customers do everything they can to help the process along.

Here are AVC’s top eye care tips for a speedy recovery:

• At night, wear the protective shields we provide you with following treatment with us

• Remember to use your special eye drops to encourage healing

• Avoid rubbing your eyes and try to minimise the amount of makeup you wear for up to two weeks afterwards

• Bad luck for water babies – stay away from those swimming pools for a month!

• Try to avoid dusty or smoky environments which are going to be just plain aggravating

Finally, don’t worry if your vision seems a little hazy after Lasik. It is perfectly normal for vision to fluctuate for up to six weeks following treatment. That said, even at this early recovery stage many people are amazed at how their vision is transformed. Some patient’s sight even meets that of good driving standard the very next day!

If you’d like to find out more about the laser eye surgery experience 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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