Beating Blepharitis

You probably haven’t heard of Meibomian Gland Disfunction (MGD) but you are very likely to have suffered from it at some point in your life, particularly if you are over 40 !

It is also known as Blepharitis.

So what are Meibomian glands and what do they do ?

Meibomian glands are glands that are arranged vertically within the eyelid near the lashes.   They can become blocked, resulting in a “pimple” on the inner surface of the eyelid.

Meobiam is a fatty substance, which is spread across the surface of the eye with each blink.  Its main function is to prevent fluid in the eye from evaporating, so when these glands become blocked our eyes dry out leading to that gritty, scratchy feeling and a reddening of the eye.

To unblock these glands and thus restore the optimal balance of the fluids in the eye, a combination of treatments is used.

We provide detailed information  about how the treat this condition at our dry eye clinics at our Wilmslow Practice, as well as stocking a range of products to alleviate symptoms.

As the Meibom is a fat based substance, heat needs to be carefully applied to the eyelid using a specialist Eye Mask. This should be done in conjunction with the application of specific drops to maintain a healthy level of moisture in the eye whilst the Meibomian glands are not functioning optimally. 

It should also be noted that over the counter eye drops do not treat this condition effectively and can often make it worse in the long term.

For further information and advice please visit our Wilmslow Practice or our website at www.jamesdoyleopticians.co.uk/

Look Hot . FeelCool

We are finally starting to enjoy some sunny weather here in Wilmslow, Cheshire, so let’s turn our attention to the stylish accessory that helps to protect our sight…

Sunglasses


Discover the essential reasons to take care of your eyes and protect them from the sun.

1. Each year, 3 million people go blind from prolonged exposure to UV – yet only 1 out of 2 people wear sunglasses.
2. It is possible to burn your eyes, which can contribute to serious eye conditions.
3. One out of every five cataracts may be caused by UV exposure.
4. Maintain a youthful appearance. Sunglasses keep you from squinting, and squinting can increase the wrinkles around your eyes.
5. Avoiding skin cancer. Sunglasses shield you from potential skin cancer of the eyelids.
6. UV is everywhere and is reflected by many surfaces whatever the weather.
7. 88% of the population are sensitive to bright light.
8. Glare contributes to an increased risk of accidents while driving.
9. Looking cool. Do you really need another reason?

Despite all this

• Only one in two people wear sunglasses.
• 70% of children do not wear sunglasses.
• More than 50% of glasses wearers not not have corrective sunglasses.

Here at James Doyle, Opticians in Wilmslow, Cheshire, we believe that you do not have to compromise on style to enjoy all the health benefits of UV protection.

Slip on some shades and say it all in a glance.  Effortless style with maximum sun protection, from iconic designers like, Chanel, Chrome Hearts and Cartier. Classic or current, our sunglass boutique has an unrivalled range to give you year-round style in one jaw-dropping accessory. Our sunglasses are sourced from around the world, just like our optical eyewear, because we insist on a collection that is as unique as it is prestigious. 


What about technical eyewear for intense UV light or extreme sports? Yes, from specialists like Ray Ban, Maui Jim, Adidas and Wimbledon.  Speak to our optical experts who will tell you more about some of the most advanced high-performance sunglass lenses available today.

Drop in. Try them all. Leave excited.

A Sight for Sore Eyes

Do any of these painful eye conditions sound familiar to you?

• Grittiness
• Scratchiness
• Redness
• Excessive tear production
• Soreness or irritation
• Burning
• Tiredness
• Sensitivity to light
• Burning
• Changes in vision

These may be symptoms of an underlying condition called Dry Eye.

They can be varied both in nature and severity and can also vary between different environments and tasks.

Sometimes these symptoms only occur in warm, dry, air conditioned environments or when certain tasks such as reading, using a computer or driving have been undertaken to a significant degree, disappearing once the cause of the problem is removed.  However, sometimes these symptoms persist, even once the trigger has been removed.

Getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult as many patients do not associate these symptoms with eye dryness.


The good news is that if these symptoms sound familiar, help is available.

Firstly the exact cause of the problem needs to be established.

There is more than one form of Dry Eye.

The eye may not be producing enough tears, or the quality of those tears being produced may be reduced, or a combination of both.

Factors that can affect your tears can include

• Diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and diabetes
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Skin conditions
• Medications
• Increasing age
• Eye and eyelid infections and inflammations

What should I do next ?

Arrange an appointment for a Dry Eye Assessment with you Optician.

Here at James Doyle Opticians, Wilmslow we offer a dedicated specialist evaluation of your Dry Eyes. Your

appointment will involve the following steps

• Taking down your health information and a medical history
• Details of your symptoms and occurrence
• Past treatments you have tried
• Your tear quantity and quality assessment
• Microscopic examination of the front of your eye
• Microscopic examination of your eye lids

At the end of this assessment a treatment plan will be drawn up and discussed with you.  You will be given full instruction on how to obtain the maximum benefit from the treatments being prescribed, which you can easily administer at home and finally a follow up appointment will be arranged to monitor the improvements in your condition.

Dyslexia sufferers achieve amazing reading improvement using Colorimetry

When a child suffers from Dyslexia and has Irlens tendencies, their ability to decode words can be severely impaired, making reading very difficult, in turn, leading to them to fall behind at school.

In some cases, the use of custom precision tinted lenses can lead to a dramatic improvement in their reading ability.

For one such family, who are patients at our Wilmslow Practice, this has recently been the case and they are so delighted that they have shared their experience, in the hope that other families can benefit from this process too.

"We have had THE MOST AMAZING feedback re Tommy and Ollie with their specs.
 
Ollie's English teacher has said 'immediate and significant difference'

Tommy's y5 teachers have said (as of last night) ' immediate difference in focus and ability to concentrate. Amazing!'

Tommy's reading has seen a marked improvement and in general both boys have commented on their ability to 'think clearly' whilst wearing their specs.

Ollie has had a fabulous y9 parents evening report with lots if teachers commenting in his improved 'focus' since getting the lenses."

NK

 

If you think that your child might benefit from this simple evaluation, please call us to make an appointment on 01625 548848

Blepharitis Treatment a success

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelids.

It can be a troublesome and recurring condition with no individual or one off cure. However, once symptoms have improved, daily eyelid hygiene can usually keep symptoms to a minimum and eyesight is rarely affected.

Here at James Doyle Opticians, Wilmslow we have had a lovely note from a long term sufferer with this condition, who has attended our Dry Eye Clinic.


Dear Mr Doyle

I wish to thank you again for the huge improvement to my chronic Blepharitis.

As you are aware, I have struggled with this condition for a number of years and tried many remedies, as advised, with very little, if any, success.

When my GP suggested I consult yourself, explaining that you were acquiring a reputation for improving this condition, I freely confess to my reluctance, given the length of time I have struggled to improve it!!

However, I did see you and the improvement to my Blepharitis has been enormous and I am delighted.

The treatment regime is rigorous and continues to be so, but in seeing the change to the condition of my eyes, is all the encouragement I need.

I continue to use each day the Flax filled eye bag. I use Blephasol many times a day to clean my lids, furthermore , I have Blephasol wipes to carry in my handbag. I also take a Flaxseed oil
capsule each day and continue to take, as prescribed, oral Tetracycline.

I wish you well and hope that more people will be able to benefit from your advice.

Yours sincerely

Mrs I.D.

Find the right lenses for you

Most glasses wearers spend their time shopping for the latest fashionable frames, not realising that, as with frame design, not all lenses are the same.

The thickness and design of the lenses affects how appealing your eyes will look, as well as how comfortable your glasses will feel, especially when you are wearing them for extended periods of time.

Nikon lenses feature patented technology to give you eyes picture perfect imaging without distortion and are best suited to high fashion frames.

Here is what Nikon say about the various lens options currently available:-

Find the right lenses for you

Ophthalmic lens technology has advanced to cater the varying needs of visual correction. There are many types of spectacle lenses to choose from to fit the conditions of wearer’s activities. If you need a spectacle prescription, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right lenses for you; which types of lenses to pick, the materials made in, and some optional coatings to maximize the comfort when wearing.

Step 1. Types of Lenses

The types of lenses you choose depend on whether you want the spectacles to suit all activities or single activity.

Single Vision Lens
If you are under age 40 and need a prescription glasses, then single vision lenses may be sufficient enough for your visual correction. Single vision lenses have the same focal power throughout the lens to provide a single focus.
Progressive Lenses (Multifocal Lenses)
Progressive lenses provide a gradual transition in power within the lens to view all distance from near at hand to far across the room. If you are in your 40s or older and have presbyopia, wearing progressive lenses have an advantage to see all distances clearly without taking the eyeglasses off and on.

Step 2. Lens Materials

Glass
Resistant to scratches. However glass lenses are heavy compared to plastic lenses and prone to breakage. It’s not recommended for children or those who are active in sports.
Standard Plastic
Standard plastic lenses, also known as 1.50 index is the most commonly used material for low power prescriptions.
Mid-Index Plastic
Mid-Index lenses range in material index from 1.53 to 1.56. This material is thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses. Ask your eye care professional which material will be est for you based on your individual Rx and your selection of frame style.
High-Index Plastic
High-Index lenses are typically have a material index of 1.60. High index lenses are thinner than mid-index and an excellent option for drill mount frames.
Ultra High-Index Plastic
This category of lenses ranges in material index from 1.67 to 1.74, the highest index currently available. Ultra High-Index lenses are the thinnest and lightest materials currently available for higher power prescriptions. Ask your eye care professional what material will be best for you, based on your individual prescription and the frame style you select. Remember, the higher the material index the thinner the lens.

Step 3. About Coatings

Application of coatings provides various benefits for the wearer.
Anti-reflective coatings help transparency in the lens and glare from various lightings.
UV coatings protect eyes from absorbing harmful UV rays. Long term exposure can damage DNA and it’s cumulative and irreversible. The UV coating blocks the transmission of light in the ultraviolet spectrum.
Other optional coatings such as scratch resistance, smudge and water resistant surface applications extend the lifespan of the lenswear.

Dyslexia, Irlens Syndrome and how to help your child perform better at school

Is you child falling behind at school ?

Do you know which condition affects about 50% of dyslexics, as well as epileptics, migraine sufferers, people with ME and MS, and others ?

Irlens syndrome, like dyslexia, although not curable, if left untreated can lead to children falling behind at school. Often, significant improvements in reading ability can be made following a specialist eye test.

For people with dyslexia, Irlens can often be the cause of major reading difficulty.

At James Doyle Opticians we use a piece of equipment called an Intuitive Colorimeter to determine the exact tint of lenses that each individual patient needs to minimise their visual stress and thus maximise their reading ability.

Many children who go on to be diagnosed with Irlens syndrome are initially thought to lack motivation and are frequently told to work harder. In fact the opposite is true, the brain is in overdrive, with the child making extreme effort to try and cope with the symptoms.

Why not make an appointment today ? Call us on 01625 545 848 for more information.