Glaucoma is the most common cause of blindness, and is estimated that around 80 million people in the world are living with glaucoma, around 3.5% of the total population. Around 50% of these individuals with glaucoma are unaware they even have the disease.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, associated with high pressure within the eye. A certain level of pressure is needed for the eye to keep its shape, however, if pressure gets too high it can cause stress to the optic nerve leading to damage.

What signs and symptoms are there?

The early stages of glaucoma have no symptoms and significant vision can be lost before you experience any signs of glaucoma. Glaucoma affects your peripheral vision, which is why you may not notice any changes in your vision in the early stages. Some people may notice their vision becoming blurry or misty, coloured rings around white lights and eye discomfort. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is advised to seek medical advice immediately.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Glaucoma is diagnosed through an eye examination. By attending regular eye examinations, your optometrist will be able to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages and monitor the condition. At an eye examination there are a few ways in which we will check for glaucoma, these include the eye pressure test which measures the pressure within your eye and using our OCT to take scans of the back of the eye, assessing the health of the optic nerve.

How is glaucoma treated?

There is no cure for glaucoma, however, there are methods of treatment for the condition. Eye drops are the most common treatment. Drops decrease amount of fluid in the eye by increasing drainage of fluid or reducing the amount that is made. Another treatment method is laser treatment. The laser is targeted at the drainage channel in the eye, opening it up to increase the drainage of fluid from the eye.

For more information on glaucoma, get in contact with us today!

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Cataracts, often considered a natural part of aging, are a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. But what exactly are cataracts?

Simply put, cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision and, if left untreated, potentially significant visual impairment. The lens, which is typically clear, is responsible for focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When cataracts develop, this process is hindered, resulting in diminished vision quality.

Several factors can contribute to the development of cataracts, including age, genetics, certain medical conditions like diabetes, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and even some medications. Symptoms of cataracts can vary from mild blurriness to significant vision impairment, difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights.

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for cataracts. In the early stages, vision correction aids such as glasses or contact lenses may help alleviate symptoms. However, as cataracts progress and begin to significantly interfere with daily life, surgery may be necessary. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. This procedure is generally safe and highly successful, with millions of surgeries performed each year worldwide.

Moreover, advancements in medical technology have made cataract surgery safer and more precise than ever before. With proper diagnosis and timely intervention, individuals with cataracts can regain clear vision and resume their daily activities with confidence. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of cataracts, emphasizing the importance of proactive eye care in maintaining overall visual health.

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Our eyes are essential organs that allow us to see the world around us. However, they are also vulnerable to various conditions that can significantly impact our vision and overall quality of life. By adopting healthy habits and making simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of developing common eye conditions. Here are some tips on how to protect your eyes.

Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Always wear sunglasses with UV protection, especially on sunny days.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods like carrots, leafy greens, and fish, which are high in vitamins A, C, and E, can help maintain good eye health. These vitamins play a vital role in reducing the risk of eye conditions.

Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can have a significant impact on your eyes. Keep these conditions under control by following your doctor’s recommendations.

Blink Regularly: Staring at screens for extended periods can lead to digital eye strain. To combat this, remember to blink often and take breaks to rest your eyes.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause dry eyes, leading to discomfort and potential damage. Drink enough water to keep your eyes adequately hydrated.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is a leading cause of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

Regular Eye Exams: Even if your vision seems fine, regular eye exams can detect issues early. Early intervention can prevent many eye conditions from progressing.

Protect Your Eyes from Injury: When participating in sports or engaging in activities that pose a risk of eye injury, wear protective eyewear to prevent accidents.

Limit Screen Time – 20-20-20: Excessive screen time can lead to eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and focus on something at least 20 feet away.

Taking care of your eyes is essential for maintaining your vision and overall well-being. By following these simple tips and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of common eye conditions and enjoy clear and vibrant vision for years to come. Remember that regular eye check-ups with an optometrist are vital for monitoring your eye health and catching any issues early on.

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Managing myopia involves a combination of approaches that aim to slow its progression. Some effective strategies include:

• Prescription Eyewear: Eyeglasses or contact lenses are the most common and immediate solutions for correcting myopia. They provide clear vision by compensating for the refractive error and alleviating blurry distance vision.

• Screen Time Management: Excessive screen time, especially ones that are used much more frequently like smartphones, PC’s and TV, has been associated with a higher risk of myopia in children. Implementing time away from the screen and the “20-20-20” rule (looking at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) can reduce eye strain and slow myopia progression.

• Regular Eye Examinations: Early detection is crucial for managing myopia effectively. Regular eye examinations help monitor the condition’s progression and ensure timely adjustments to prescriptions.

Myopia is a common eye condition that requires proper management to ensure clear vision and prevent further sight problems. Regular eye check-ups, prescription eyewear, orthokeratology, multifocal contact lenses, atropine eye drops, outdoor time, and screen time management are all valuable strategies to effectively manage myopia. A comprehensive approach, including a healthy lifestyle and early intervention, can contribute to better eye health and improved quality of life for those living with myopia.

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Placed directly on the eye’s surface, they provide a wider field of view compared to your normal frames, enabling wearers to have more natural and uninterrupted vision. They eliminate the distortions caused by frames and allow for better peripheral vision, making them particularly advantageous for activities such as sports and driving.

Contact lenses offer unparalleled convenience and comfort, they don’t interfere with activities like playing sports. They provide a sense of freedom, allowing wearers to engage in various physical activities without the hindrance of eyewear.

Furthermore, contact lenses can correct a wide range of vision problems, including near-sightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and Myopia. They offer personalized options for individuals with unique vision needs, providing a precise and accurate correction. The advancements in contact lens technology have led to the development of specialized lenses for those suffering from conditions such as dry eyes or corneal irregularities, catering to a broader range of people.

In conclusion, contact lenses offer a multitude of benefits, from improved visual acuity and convenience to enhanced appearance and personalized corrections. They have transformed the lives of many individuals, enabling them to see the world clearly while enjoying the freedom and comfort that comes with wearing contact lenses.

To find out more about contact lenses and what we offer at Bush the Opticians, visit our practice, give us a call on 01482 323443 or visit our contact lens page HERE.

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Cocoa Mint are an iconic brand, known for their effortlessly stylish frame shapes and designs, with fine bursts of colour throughout. The signature brand is designed by award-winning sisters Jayne and Julia Abel, who also design Land Rover and Range Rover frames.

Bold, yet subtle, the frames give a runway feel to the wearer and are also available at multiple price points, meaning everyone can enjoy the stylish feel from Cocoa Mint. One of their frames won ‘Optical Frame of the Year’ at the Optician Awards back in 2016, with the frame described as a ‘product whose quality defies its price-point’.

For more information about Cocoa Mint, stop by Bush The Opticians to browse the brand and speak to a member of our team.

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Eco Eyewear is a sustainable eyewear brand that is committed to creating high-quality, stylish eyewear products that are environmentally friendly. The brand is known for its use of eco-friendly materials, such as bio-based and recycled plastics in its eyewear designs.

One of the key features of Eco Eyewear is its commitment to reducing waste and environmental impact. The brand uses recycled materials in its products, and also implements sustainable practices throughout its supply chain, from sourcing materials to manufacturing and packaging.

In addition to its focus on sustainability, Eco Eyewear is also known for its fashionable designs. The brand offers a wide range of eyewear styles, from classic and timeless to bold and trendy. Whether you’re looking for a pair of stylish sunglasses or a comfortable pair of prescription glasses, Eco Eyewear has a variety of options to choose from, helping you stand out from the crowd with their fantastic range of frames.

Another aspect of Eco Eyewear’s commitment to sustainability is its partnership with Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization that works to promote sustainable agriculture and improve livelihoods in rural communities. For every pair of glasses sold, Eco Eyewear plants a tree through Trees for the Future’s reforestation programs.

Overall, Eco Eyewear is a brand that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment while also providing sophisticated and high-quality eyewear products. Its commitment to sustainability and partnership with Trees for the Future make it a socially responsible brand that is making a difference in the world. If you’re looking for eco-friendly eyewear that looks great and supports a good cause, Eco Eyewear is definitely worth checking out.

Stop by our practice now to see the brand for yourself!

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Ray-Ban sunglasses are popular among people of all ages, and they are worn for different purposes, including fashion, sports, and outdoor activities. One of the most popular Ray-Ban sunglasses is the Aviator, which was originally designed for US pilots in the 1930s. The Aviator has a classic design with a thin metal frame and teardrop-shaped lenses. The sunglasses are available in different colours, including gold, silver, and black, and they are suitable for both men and women. The Wayfarer is another iconic Ray-Ban design, with a thick plastic frame and trapezoidal lenses. The Wayfarer was popularized by celebrities such as James Dean and Audrey Hepburn in the 1950s and has remained a timeless classic ever since.

The sunglasses have lenses that block 100% of UV rays, which can cause eye damage such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Therefore, Ray-Ban sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory but also an essential item for protecting your eyes from harmful rays.

In conclusion, Ray-Ban sunglasses are a popular and reliable brand that has been in the market for over 80 years. The sunglasses are available in different designs, shapes, and colours to suit different face shapes and styles. They are not just fashionable but also offer protection from UV rays, making them a must-have item for anyone who wants to look good and keep their eyes healthy.

Stop by our practice to find your perfect new pair of Ray-Ban frames!

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The irritation can be relieved in a few ways including using hot compresses like a clean flannel. Soaking the flannel or a cotton wool ball in hot water and wringing it out and holding it against the closed eye. After this, apply a cotton bud that has been dipped in hot water and massage the whole width of the outside of the eyelids, aiming to dislodge the plugs that were melted from compressing the flannel or cotton ball. Using an Eyebag is the ideal way to apply a warm compress.

Antibiotics may be used as treatment to help get the condition under control and is usually prescribed in a form of cream or an ointment which is massaged into the eyelids after cleaning the lids.

At Bush the Opticians we recommend getting into contact with us if you have any concerns about your eyes and a member of our team can talk you through treatment, advise you on ways to keep your eyes healthy and any other queries you may have.

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The health of your children’s eyes is incredibly important, it is recommended that from school age that a child should have an eye examination. For peace of mind or if recommended earlier then they can be seen earlier to see the heath of their eye’s and check their prescription.

If you have ever noticed that your child has difficulties concentrating or seeing in the distance then it can be a sign that they are suffering from an eye condition called Myopia. By 2050, it is estimated that half of the population of the globe could be affected by myopia – a condition often referred to as short-sightedness and can affect anyone at any age but is much more common in children. With less time spent outside and an increase of using digital devices like phones and games consoles, the chances of an eye condition affecting your child is increased.

Children who are aged up to 16 years old are entitled to an NHS eye examination once per year, and regular visits to your Optometrist will help provide them with data about your children’s eyes so they can recommend the best course of action for them.

If you child does have myopia, there are several products that are available that can help begin to correct their vision including MiYOSMART 1 day contact lenses which re designed using unique technology which has been proven effective in slowing down the progression of myopia by up to 60%.

For more information about myopia and eye examinations for your child, get in contact with a member of our team today!

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