Is it time for you to consider reading glasses?

Have your arms become too short to hold reading material at your preferred distance? Do you struggle with fine print, or experience eye strain when reading for long periods of time? Although you may groan at the thought, if this sounds at all familiar, you may benefit from a pair of reading glasses. 

Reading or near vision glasses are often required due to a condition called Presbyopia, which is a normal age related change that occurs in our eyes. It affects the the ability of the eye to focus on near objects. Normally, our eyes are able to change focus (like the lens in a camera) to focus on objects at different distances from our eye. As the eye matures, the lens in the eye becomes less supple, which means it cannot change focus as well and viewing near objects becomes more difficult. 

Although it comes to us all, it is often the very thought of having to wear reading glasses that has us avoiding the Opticians, and stretching our arms for that extra inch. No-one likes to think of themselves as getting old, but typically, when we think of reading glasses, we think of ageing, inconvenience, and extra expense. The inevitable eye test is therefore put off for as long as possible and we try our best to make do. It doesn't have to be like this. 

Off the shelf glasses or "Ready readers" as they are known, are available to purchase without prescription and are often the starting point for many in terms of reading specs. However, if you haven't been for a sight test, there is a risk of us using an inappropriate prescription, and causing further eyestrain. In addition to this, a recent article published in Optometry Today reports that "Almost half of High Street ready readers do not reach the optical standard required of them by European and British guidelines." For many of us this just isn't good enough, as our eyes are a precious commodity.

Having a pair of glasses manufactured to the specific strength you require is necessary for optimum vision and it can make a massive difference to your daily tasks. Whether it's being able to read your newspaper without getting a headache or helping you do your job more effectively, ensuring you have the right glasses is very important.

Reading glasses don't need to be expensive either. At Tesco Opticians, complete glasses start at just £15, with FREE eye tests available to everyone – So rather than risk your optical health with a pair of ready readers, why not visit your nearest Tesco Opticians. What have you got to lose?

Call us now on 0845 6013479 to arrange an appointment with one of our Optometrists.

On reflection...

Let’s face it – there are probably other things you’d like to spend your money on rather than some new glasses. However, if you’re one of the millions of people in the UK who wears glasses on a daily basis it’s probably worth investing in a good pair that will meet your day to day needs. 


Whilst a lot of thought goes into the choice of frame – and so it should, this is what people are going to see you in every day! – less thought goes into the type of lenses that will be going in these frames. 


Amongst the many options of tints, lightweight lenses and transitions, multi-anti reflection coating lenses can benefit almost everyone. They work by reducing the amount of light which is reflected off the front and back surfaces of the lens, as well as round the edges. 


So what does this mean? Well it might not sound like much, but reducing reflection can help in a number of ways, depending on your lifestyle and how you use your glasses. For example, multi-anti reflection lenses provide a hydrophobic surface, which means that spots of water are prevented from forming on them. This could prove handy if you spend your time in the great outdoors, either during the week or stood on the touchline at a weekend cheering on your team. Or perhaps you drive a lot at night – Multi-anti reflective lenses really help reduce glare, greatly improving your safety.  


And on a personal level they’re also great for showing off your eyes. Rather than have the light reflecting off your lenses and hiding your eyes, Multi-Anti reflection coating prevents this, turning your glasses from a shield into a frame for your best assets. Why hide your eyes away? They’re the most expressive part of your face, so make sure everyone can see them, all of the time.

With fully coated lenses from £30 at Tesco Opticians, the cost doesn’t need to be prohibitive either. If you’re wearing them every day for almost 2 years, it works out at 4p per day – a small price to pay for the benefits the lenses can bring.


When deciding on your lenses the main thing is to make sure your glasses fit your lifestyle. Discuss with your optician when you wear glasses, what hobbies you have, what lifestyle factors could effect your choices. After all, why should you change your habits? Shouldn’t your glasses meet your needs? 


To find out more about the range of lenses on offer, book an appointment on 0845 601 3479 for a free eye test and lens consultation. 

What you need to know about AMD

AMD; have you heard of it? No it’s not the latest dance act from Europe or a new tween actor, AMD (or Age-related macular degeneration) is a serious eye condition that is a leading cause of blindness in the UK. According to a study by the College of Optometry, 50% of British adults have never heard of AMD, which considering the severity of the condition, is concerning.

Age-related Macular Degeneration is a condition which affects an area of the retina, at the back of the eye, called the macular. As this are degenerates your central vision can become distorted and blurry, or even over time a blank patch.

There are commonly two types of AMD – wet and dry. Wet is less common and develops rapidly, whereas dry AMD develops gradually and can be diagnosed in the early stages. Neither can be treated though, but detecting the early signs of AMD means that support can be sought and put in place.

Whilst there is no cure or treatment, certain things have been said to help minimise your chances of developing the condition. As we’ve discussed previously in this blog, diet can have an impact on the health of your eyes and eating green veg, oily fish may help to slow down the development of the condition. Smoking also has an impact, doubling your chances of developing AMD.

Regular eye examinations are essential in checking the overall health of your eyes and monitoring any potential deterioration. Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the College of Optometrists "I also recommend to patients that they regularly check the vision in each eye separately so that they can spot early changes. It is easy to do and only takes a couple of seconds, yet it could save your sight. You can do it by looking at a bit of graph paper and checking if you see any distortion or blank spots."

If you are concerned about AMD, or want to find out more visit NHS Choices or call 0845 601 3479 to book an appointment with one of our qualified Optometrists.

Going abroad? How to protect your eyes this summer

The summer holidays are fast approaching and chances are you’ll be taking a break at some stage over the next couple of months to visit a warmer climate. If you are lucky enough to be going abroad alongside packing your suntan lotion, travellers cheques and a good book, have you stopped to consider what eyewear you’ll need to keep safe in the sun?


Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays is essential. We are all aware of the impact the sun has on skin, but tend to be less clued up about our eyes. Sunglasses are not just a great fashion accessory; they serve the very functional purpose of filtering out harmful UV rays and protecting your lenses from permanent damage. 


Unfortunately there are a lot of sunglasses available which do not offer the levels of protection required to keep your eyes safe and determining which pairs offer protection and which don’t, can prove tricky. Luckily Tesco Opticians is here to help you buy the right sunglasses for going abroad this summer.


What does UV Exposure do to your eyes?
UV radiation is proven to damage cells it comes into contact with. Unlike skin cells which are under constant renewal, the lens of the eye is never replaced, meaning that any damage caused by over exposure to the sun cannot be repaired. UV rays damage the proteins in the lens of the eye, which can play a role in the development of cataracts and age related macular degeneration. 


Who needs sunglasses?
In short, everyone who is out in the sun and exposed to UV rays for a prolonged period should wear sunglasses. This means children and babies, as well as adults, and isn’t just limited to hot climates either. So from beach resorts to ski resorts, if you are expecting to be outside in a sunny environment, you need to consider your eye protection.


Is a hat enough?
Wide brim hats are great for reducing glare, but do not shield UV rays. Sunglasses are the only real guaranteed protection. Contact lenses can offer some level of protection against UV rays, but as they only cover part of the eye, some areas are still left exposed. 


Which lenses offer UV protection?
You need to aim for 100% UV protection when buying sunglasses. Polycarbonate and polarized lenses, available from Opticians, will be guaranteed to offer this level of protection. Fashion glasses from high street stores or online may not always be able to guarantee this same level of coverage. To check, ask what material the lenses are made from; if they are triacetate the chance are they’ll only give 40% protection. 


What should I look out for when buying sunglasses?
The main thing to look out for when buying sunglasses anywhere outside an opticians is the CE Mark, the British Standard Mark or a UV400 label. These logos should only be used by accredited manufacturers, giving you peace of mind that your sunglasses offer a high enough level of protection to keep your eyes safe. 


So now you’re al little bit more clued up on buying the right pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes, you can enjoy choosing the latest style to compliment your holiday wardrobe! It’s not often that you can look stylish whilst taking precautions against a serious health risk, but sunglasses are the fashionable way to protect your eyes and look great this summer.
To see our range of sunglasses, all of which offer 100% UV protection, just visit TescoOpticians.com. 

Get ready for National Eye Health Week

National Eye Health Week 2011 is taking place from 13th June – 19th June and we’re proud to be involved in raising awareness of eye health and helping you learn more about your eyesight. 


What is National Eye Health Week? 
During National Eye health Week (NEHW) eye care professional, charities and organisations from across the UK will join forces to raise awareness of the importance of eye health, in particular the need for regular eye examinations. 


What’s going on?
There are lots of activities going on throughout the week, from community action days, to educational sessions. Visit VisionMatters.org.uk to find out what’s happening in your local community and take the opportunity to find out more about eye health.


How to get involved
Getting involved is easy – simply get your eyes tested and remind friends and family about the importance of getting their eyes tested too. As part of our commitment to eye care, we offer free eye examinations to everyone, regardless of age, employment status or whether you buy from us or not. We don’t believe the health of your eyes should depend on the size of your bank balance, so we’re making it easy for everyone to access quality eye care free of charge. 


You should have your eyes tested approximately every 2 years, but surprisingly few people actually know this, leading to overdue appointments. This can be more frequent for children and those with existing visual problems, but your optician will advise you on the level of care your eyes need, which is why regular check-ups are vital as they can let you know if your requirements have change.


Find out more about NEHW at www.visionmatters.org.uk or call us on 0845 601 3479 to book your free eye test today. 


You only get one pair of eyes – take care of them.

Wearing contact lenses can give you a sporting chance.

Sport is a major part of our lives here in Britain, be it playing or watching. Do glasses dictate which sports you play, after all when was the last time you saw a rugby player or footballer on the pitch in specs? Contact lenses are a great solution and not just for the obvious safety reasons.


The British Contact Lens Association suggests several benefits to wearing contact lenses for sports.  You need to consider the visual requirements of the sport you’re wishing to play, for example you will still require sunglasses for skiing or goggles for swimming, but contact lenses could make a real difference. 


So with rugby in mind, how could contacts help players?


Wider field of vision: Contact lenses give you an all round field of vision, free from frames and lenses. Could be quite advantageous when looking for a gap to break through!


No fogging up with rain: If you’re playing sport in Britain the chances are it’ll be raining at some stage, especially as our rugby and football seasons tend to be winter based. Not exactly convenient to have to stop and wipe down your glasses in the middle of a set piece. 


Less susceptible to dirt: Again, the glorious British weather tends to bring with it an abundance of mud on the playing field, so keeping your vision clear is a massive bonus!


Fewer reflection: Reflections on your lenses can seriously inhibit your abilities, but this is significantly reduced with contact lenses.


Cheap and disposable: Damaging your glasses can be costly and let’s face it, they’re probably not going to get through a rugby match in one piece!


Professional sportsmen seem to have taken this advice on board, with the likes of England’s Rugby Union player Lewis Moody and Scotland’s Max Evans, openly talking about wearing contacts during matches. They haven’t let poor vision stop them becoming top of their game, using contact lenses to help them both on and off the pitch. 


If the thought of changing permanently to contact lenses isn’t for you, there are contact lenses options you can use just for sports or one off occasions, meaning you don’t have to ditch the frames completely. Daily disposable lenses are perfect for just that – up to 12hr contacts which are thrown away after use. 


So don’t let your eyesight inhibit your success in sport. It’s not just rugby where contact lenses can help you, but many other sports such as football, boxing, cricket, to name just a few. There are lots of options surrounding contact lenses and the different types available, so make sure you carefully consider what you need them for and match the lens to your requirements. 


If you’re new to contact lenses ask your optician about daily disposables at your next appointment or book a contact lens assessment on 0845 601 3479 to find out more.


British Contact Lens Association 
Johnson & Johnson 

Do’s and don’ts for contact lens wearers

According to the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers, in 2009 there were over 3.3million contact lenses wearers in the UK. A flexible and easy alternative to glasses, contact lenses have increased in popularity, thanks to some great advancement such as daily disposable lenses and lenses for astigmatism.

However, whilst contacts are easy to use and offer freedom from glasses, there are still some important do’s and don’ts that all wearers need to know. We’ve listed our top ten tips to safe contact lens wear below:

1. Regular checkups – You should usually have eye examinations every two years, which are free at Tesco Opticians, and regular contact lens aftercare appointments. This will ensure that your eyes are healthy and that you have the right prescription and lenses.

2. Don’t use out of date lenses – Contact lenses have expiry dates on for a reason. Do not use them if they are out of date, as the disinfecting solution will have lost some of its potency, meaning bacteria could have started forming on your lenses.

3. Keep some spare glasses to hand – Just in case you do run out, instead of risking out of date lenses, make sure you have a spare pair of glasses on hand in case of emergency

4. Always have an adequate supply – Whilst you might have some spare specs, it is always a good idea to have a supply of lenses so you don’t run out. Ordering online at Tescoopticians.com can help as you’ll receive a reminder when it’s time to re-order.

5. Don’t reuse daily contact lenses - Again for hygiene purposes only use the contact lenses for the specified amount of time on the packet.

6. Put your lenses in before applying make-up – One for the ladies! Make sure you put your contact lenses in first, to stop any bacteria from your make-up being transferred to your eyes during application (and always wash your brushes!)

7. Only use your contact lenses – your optician will have prescribed contact lenses specifically for you. Even if someone wears a similar prescription or the same brand, never use lenses that have not been prescribed for you.

8. Take care not to contaminate your lenses - When showering and washing your face be careful not to contaminate your lenses with tap water or soap. You can either close your eyes or remove your lenses.

9. Don’t swim in contact lenses – Again, to avoid getting water in your eyes you need to remove contacts before swimming. Alternatively wear daily disposable lenses and well fitting goggles to keep your contacts in and your eyes dry.

10. Don’t wear contact lenses if they don’t feel right – Always think about how your lenses feel. If they feel uncomfortable or ‘not right’ take them out. Never wear lenses that are causing discomfort, irritation or blurred vision as this may signify an eye infection or some other defect with the lens.

Following these top ten tips will make sure you keep enjoying the flexibility of contact lenses. Your eyes are incredibly important and you only get one pair – so look after them! If you are in any doubt about your current contact lenses or want to re-try them call us on 0845 6013479 and book a contact lens assessment today.

Also see NHS Choices and The British Association of Contact Lenses for more information.