Archive for the ‘Eye Care’ Category

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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Lucy Pond’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Lucy Pond

Treatment received at AVC: Laser Eye Surgery in both eyes

Why you decided to have treatment:

It was something I had always thought about and always wanted to do,but I never felt confident enough to actually do it. I finally decided to have the treatment when it was recommended to me by a friend in the army who had his treatment done with AVC and was really pleased with the results.

How was the AVC experience?

I was very impressed with the surgeons at AVC and it was so much easier than what I expected. It was actually a really easy process. I would recommended AVC to any of my friends with poor eyesight.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

It has changed my life dramatically. Since having the treatment I can be better at my job. I am an Officer Commander in The Royal Logistic Corps and being able to see clearly without wearing glasses or contact lenses enables me to be better in the role. My job is obviously very active and involves a lot of training, and wearing contact lenses or glasses makes it very difficult. Often one of my contact lenses would fall out meaning I would basically have to work with vision only in one eye.

I would recommend anyone in the army who has eyesight problems to have Laser-Eye Treatment. I wish I had done it sooner as I cannot stress enough what I difference it has made.

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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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Nicola Austin-Pugh’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Nicola Austin-Pugh

 

Treatment received at AVC: Lasik Wavefront

 

Why you decided to have treatment

 

I came to AVC on the recommendation of a friend.

 

How was the AVC experience?

 

I was apprehensive but should not have been. My experience of the whole process was outstanding. The staff are professional, caring and I had total trust in them.

 

How has your life changed post-treatment?

 

I had Lasik Wavefront and now have 20:20 vision. The day I had the surgery now counts as one of the happiest of my life.

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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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Keratoconus: AVC’s Quick-Fire Guide

The terminology and industry lingo used in the eye care world can be pretty mind-boggling, even just plain confusing. So with that in mind, here’s the first of a series of quick-fire Did You Know guides that’ll hopefully make it that little bit clearer.

First up is the tricky Keratoconus….

• The term ‘Keratoconus’ is formed of two Greek words meaning ‘cornea’ and ‘cone’

• It’s near impossible to pronounce the name over and over after a few glasses of shandy

• Keratoconus was first recorded back in 1748 by German oculist Burchard Mauchart, though he didn’t
exactly know what to do with his new-found knowledge at the time. Incidentally, this was the same
year that the ruins of dusty Pompeii were discovered

• The condition changes the structure of your cornea, making it weaken and thin. Under pressure the
cornea adopts a cone-shaped bulge, but don’t worry, it won’t be visible to anyone else

• As a result, you can end up experiencing myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism, which is
distortion of vision

• Keratoconus’ cause is slightly mysterious in that it can develop due to any number of factors, but a
number of patients do have a genetic disposition to the disease, meaning that they have mum or dad
to thank for it!

• Keratoconus often tends to kick in during puberty or early adolescence, which is frankly just all you
need at this stage in your life

• If you start seeing ghostly visions, Keratoconus may be developing. A classic symptom is the
perception of multiple blurred images, as well as distortion around light sources, rather giving the
impression of otherworldly visitors

• Try not to rub your eyes! Keratoconus has been linked to other forms of eye trauma, like excessive
rubbing and contact lens wear

If you’d like to find out more about Keratoconus 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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