Vision & Eye Health
Prioritise your eyes: getting access to eye care in the cost of living crisis
Henry Leonard, Head of Clinical and Regulatory, Association of Optometrists Page 06
Answering questions on sight tests
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, Clinical Adviser, College of Optometrists Page 06
Regular eye tests and simple lifestyle changes can save your vision
sight is precious. Good vision helps us enjoy daily activities and contributes to our general physical and mental wellbeing.
Sadly, one in five Brits will suffer sight loss in their lifetime.1 For millions, though, this could be avoided by having regular eye tests and making a few simple lifestyle changes.
Early detection prevents vision loss
The natural ageing process as well as the cumulative effects of environmental and lifestyle factors all take their toll on our eyes as we age. Early detection and treatment of common eye diseases are vital to prevent avoidable sight loss and reduce the risk of poor vision affecting your quality of life.
Sight-saving cataract treatment
More than a quarter (26%) of all cases of sight loss in the over-75s are due to untreated cataracts.2 Your local optometrist can spot signs of cataract development (and other sightthreatening conditions) years before they become a problem. They can advise on any treatment and prescribe appropriate glasses in the meantime to make the most of your sight.
Surgery is an option for many cataract sufferers. This is a simple outpatient procedure available on the NHS. What many may not realise is that NHS cataract operations can be performed at private eye hospitals where waiting times are often less than four weeks. Ask your local optician for more information.
Essential health check
Routine eye tests are essential for everyone, even if you
think your vision is fine. Yet, 40% of us have not had our eyes tested in the last two years, as recommended. Worryingly, more than 2 million over 65s have also missed a recent eye check.3
Free NHS sight testing is available for more than 30 million people including children, people aged over 60 and those on income-related benefits.
Disrupting daily life
Almost half of us (49%) say the quality of our vision affects daily activities such as household chores, driving, reading and hobbies.3 Lifestyle habits have a significant impact on eye health regardless of your genetic predisposition. Your diet, weight, activity levels and alcohol consumption can all affect your eye health.
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays and not smoking will help keep your eyes and vision healthy. Research also shows spending more than two hours a day outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia, even if there is a family history of the condition.4
References
1. Key Statistics About Sight Loss, RNIB (2021)
2. Evans JR, Fletcher AE, Wormald, RPL, Causes of visual impairment in people aged 75 and older in Britain, British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2004; 88; 365-370
3. OnePoll survey of 2,000 Adults representative of the UK population conducted 6th to 10th September 2024 on behalf of Eye Health UK to mark National Eye Health Week (23-29 September 2024).
4. Xiong S, Sankaridurg P, Naduvilath T, Zang J, Zou H, Zhu J, Lv M, He X, Xu X. Time spent in outdoor activities in relation to myopia prevention and control: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Acta Ophthalmol. 2017 Sep;95(6):551-566.
For
about caring for your eyes check visionmatters. org.uk or visit your
Regular eye tests and outdoor play to combat childhood myopia
Cases of childhood myopia are growing in number, which can lead to visual complications in later life. There are ways to reduce the risk of its progression, however.
In the UK, myopia in children and teenagers used to be rare, says Dr Annegret Dahlmann-Noor, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital and NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre. Now, it’s on the rise.
Prevalence of childhood myopia
Myopia (also known as shortsightedness) is a condition where the eye grows too long. As a result, objects in the distance look blurry unless vision-correcting glasses or contact lenses are worn. “At least 10% of UK children have myopia by the time they are 10–12 years old, and a quarter have it by the age of 15–16,” explains Dr Dahlmann-Noor.
a part; your risk is increased if one of your parents has the condition. If both are shortsighted, the risk is even greater. Yet, Dr Dahlmann-Noor states that environmental and lifestyle factors are driving the uptick in childhood cases.
Environmental and lifestyle factors are driving the uptick in childhood cases.
“Unfortunately, the earlier myopia starts, the more it can progress, which increases the risk of serious and sight-threatening complications developing in adulthood,” adds Craig Wallace, General Manager of Santen UK and Ireland. What’s more, a shortsighted child who needs to wear glasses but doesn’t can fall behind at school — and their myopia can worsen. “Children should have a regular sight test to make sure that they don’t need glasses or that their prescription is up to date,” says Dr Dahlmann-Noor.
Strategies for reducing the risk of myopia
Why does a person develop myopia? Well, genetics plays
Preventing vision loss: tips for looking after your eyes
Vision is the sense people fear losing the most. Yet, 5 million people in the UK have never had an eye test, and a quarter haven’t had one in over three years. Worldwide, some 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable.
Q: I don’t wear glasses. Should I still get an eye test?
“Children today spend a lot less time outdoors than they used to a generation or two ago — and spend a lot more time indoors on books and screens,” she says. “Sunlight has a protective effect, so the recommendation is that children, particularly young children, should be outdoors for at least an hour-and-a-half per day.” Another strategy is known as the 20-20-2 rule, where every 20 minutes, they take a break from close work, look into the distance for at least 20 seconds and spend two hours a day outside.
We need to talk about myopia more Public health campaigns are needed to increase awareness of myopia in children. This can also help break down the stigma of wearing spectacles that can still impact children, and stop them from being teased by their peers. “The right glasses and lifestyle adjustments are the first steps to tackling childhood myopia,” she says. “Have your child’s eyes tested once a year — which is free in the UK — and get them to play outside as much as possible. It’s important for their eye development and also their general health and social skills.”
ImageprovidedbyFightforSight|Canva
Prof Jeremy Guggenheim (JG): Have a regular eye test (at least every two years) even if you aren’t wearing glasses. Regular testing can prevent or limit the damage caused by certain eye conditions. For example, early detection of glaucoma can reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss. If you have a parent or sibling with glaucoma, the advice is to have an eye test once a year (the NHS will cover the test fee). Regular eye tests are also advisable for people who have
diabetes to spot early signs of diabetic retinopathy; a sight-threatening complication of diabetes.
Opticians also offer additional tests, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) tests. OCT tests generate an image of the back of your eye (retina) and can identify early signs of eye disease, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes-related retinopathy. An eye test can also reveal early symptoms of diabetes, brain tumours, heart disease, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis and other conditions.
Q: Is there any truth in carrots being good for your eyesight? Can certain foods improve your eye health?
JG: Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, but many other foods are known to support good eye health. Include nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E in your diet. Recommended foods include green leafy vegetables, oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, avocados, eggs and citrus fruits. There is emerging evidence of the link between diet and age-related macular degeneration — the leading cause of blindness in the UK. Some research suggests that certain supplements can slow down the progression of the disease.
Q: Can exercise improve good eye health?
JG: Exercise is good for your general health and could also support eye health. For example, being overweight is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of a condition called diabetic retinopathy, a sight-threatening complication of diabetes and the most common cause of vision loss for people living with diabetes. Alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise decreases your risk of diabetes. Studies show that regular exercise may lower the risk of other eye conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
INTERVIEW WITH Professor Jeremy Guggenheim, Optometrist and Researcher, Fight for Sight
Paid for by Santen Pharma
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
Interview conducted by Craig Wallace, General Manager, UK & Ireland, Santen
Why your optician should be your first stop for eye and vision concerns
Local opticians aren’t just there to prescribe glasses and contact lenses. They also help patients who have vision or eye-related symptoms that require investigation.
When we have a problem with our teeth, we don’t go to our GP — we visit a dentist. Likewise, if we have an eye or vision problem, our local optician should be our first port of call, argues Darren Parrish, Optical Services Manager at Asda Opticians.
Opticians’ role in our health and the NHS
That’s because community opticians aren’t just there to perform eye examinations and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. They also play a crucial role in alleviating the burden on the NHS by investigating any concerning eye or vision symptoms. This can include minor symptoms such as dry, irritated or red eyes; but it can also include more serious ones, such as sudden loss of vision.
“The strain on the NHS is well-documented,” says Parrish. “If patients have any vision or eye-related symptoms, it may not be easy to get a GP appointment quickly — or a referral to ophthalmology, which is a busy outpatient specialty with high waiting lists. If patients book an appointment with their community optician at a convenient time, they’ll get the help they need sooner from a fully qualified and accredited optical professional. Any patient who presents to us with any eye problem is triaged and directed to the most appropriate pathway.”
What options are available to parents and carers to help slow childhood myopia
progression?
Instances of myopia are increasing in children. Optometrists can help parents and carers understand what options are available to help reduce the risk of the condition developing and progressing.
The prevalence of myopia — or shortsightedness — is increasing globally, with almost 5 billion people predicted to have it by 2050. There’s another statistic to consider: more children are becoming myopic at a younger age. In the UK, the proportion of young people (aged 10–16 years) with myopia has more than doubled in the last half-century.
Myopia causes and risk factors
Myopia occurs if the eyeball is too long from front to back, or if the cornea is too steep, which affects where the light is focused on the back of the eye. “Instead of the eye receiving a clear picture, light falls in front of the retina, making the image blurry,” explains Adam Purcell, Optical Professional Services Manager at Asda Opticians. “It’s a bit like using a projector. If the screen is positioned
You shouldn’t take any chances with your eye health, insists Parrish — you certainly shouldn’t wait if you are experiencing any worrying symptoms because it may lead to irreversible sight loss. “Sight loss is often preventable if it is treated in a timely manner,” he says.
Collaborating with other medical professionals
Asda Opticians also works closely with hospitals, GPs and other medical professionals to provide ‘enhanced optical services’, aimed at providing the best care for patients and communities.
Enhanced optical services include offering appointments to assess patient suitability and eligibility for cataract surgery, and also post-operative cataract care. “Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in the UK, so we provide glaucoma services to help professionals better identify patients who require onward referral,” says Parrish. During an eye examination, patients can expect a thorough assessment of their eye health and vision. “Eyes are windows into the body,” says Parrish. “For instance, by looking into the back of the eyes, we can see signs of non-vision and non-eye-related conditions, such as high cholesterol and diabetes. So, a regular eye exam isn’t just important for the health of your eyes — it’s important for general health, too.”
too far away, then the image won’t be clear.”
Genetics play a part, so children with parents or siblings with myopia are more likely to develop the condition; as are people of East Asian origin. Modern lifestyles could also contribute to longer use of screens, and more time spent indoors is thought to increase myopia risk.
“Children who become myopic under the age of nine are at higher risk of it progressing, compared to those who develop the condition in their teens or twenties,” says Purcell. People with higher levels of myopia are at increased risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic maculopathy, all of which have the potential to affect vision permanently.
Importance of regular eye tests for children
While there’s no cure for myopia, there are ways to reduce the risk of it developing, or at least slow its progression. For example, specific multifocal spectacle lenses and contact lenses are designed to reduce the rate at which myopia changes — these solutions are suitable for children.
“Dual focus areas of the lenses provide clear vision to the wearer, but they also include areas of de-focus, which reduce the stimulus that promotes eyeball elongation,” says Purcell.
“When worn for a significant portion of the day, they can make a significant reduction in how myopia progresses.”
Whether or not your child is displaying symptoms, Purcell is a big advocate for regular eye tests. “The NHS offers free eye tests for under16s,” he says. “Even if you don’t have any concerns, it’s easy to have their eyes checked regularly.”
INTERVIEW WITH
Darren Parrish Optical Services Manager, Asda Opticians
INTERVIEW WITH Adam Purcell
Optical Professional Services Manager, Asda Opticians
Spread paid for by Asda Opticians
SPREAD WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
Optical training programmes that can shape the future of eye care
The best opticians help their support staff reach their full potential with professional development programmes. That way, the right people are in place to serve patients.
At an appointment with your local optician, it’s not only the optometrist — the fully qualified professional who performs sight tests and writes prescriptions — who is there to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Various support staff will also guide you through your appointment. With the right qualifications, they can carry out pre-screening tests, advise on eye care and make adjustments to your spectacles to ensure they fit properly.
Role of dispensing opticians and training available
This year, for the first time, Asda Opticians has introduced various professional development programmes to support the career progression of these colleagues. For example, it now gives its hourly paid optical colleagues the chance to become a General Optical Council-registered dispensing optician, via a three-year Level 6 Dispensing Optician apprenticeship. This is delivered by their chosen training provider ABDO College, a training centre for optical professionals established by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.
“A dispensing optician does not carry out sight tests,” explains Kristy Jackson, Optical Professional Development Manager at Asda Opticians. “Instead, these are optical professionals whose professional qualifications allow them to manage and advise on more complex prescriptions and optical needs. For instance, only fully qualified dispensing opticians can dispense prescriptions to under-16s.”
Professional development opportunities
A diploma in Contact Lens Practice is also available, so Dispensing Optician Optical Managers can develop their professional skills and become contact lens opticians. These optical professionals do not carry out eye tests either but have the specialist knowledge and qualifications to fit and assess contact lenses.
Additionally, Asda Opticians is opening a pre-registration optometrist programme in 2025, which it will deliver in partnership with Optom Academy. “Optometry degree students have to complete a year in practice, gaining clinical experience before they sit their final examinations,” says Jackson. “Successful candidates will soon be able to complete that year with us, under the direct supervision of a qualified and registered optometrist.”
Optometry talent growth and retention
There are numerous reasons why these professional development pathways are important. “Firstly, they help our people reach their full potential,” notes Jackson. “Secondly, training skilled support staff gives us a chance to grow and retain our own talent, so we have the right professionals serving our patients. Thirdly, optometry faces difficult recruitment challenges in parts of the country. We’re making sure the next generation of optical professionals are available to enter the industry and serve communities’ eye care needs.”
It’s easier than ever to have regular tests that protect your eye health
People are more aware of their health nowadays, agrees Stuart Laird, Head of Optical, Superintendent Optometrist, Asda Opticians. They’re also more proactive about seeking help whenever they have a medical concern.
Regular eye tests detect issues early Yet, when it comes to eye health, there’s still a temptation for people to wait for symptoms to occur before visiting their optician. Laird believes this mindset must change. “Having regular eye tests allows optometrists to detect and correct any changes to a person’s vision,” he says. “It can also detect any eye health issues that a patient may have before symptoms occur so that the appropriate management plan can be enacted. This could be retaining that patient in
Regular eye check-ups are important for people of all ages. They ensure you have the sharpest vision possible and also allow optometrists to check on the health of your eyes.
the community for follow-up, review or, if required, a hospital referral.”
This includes sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. It can also pick up potential neurological conditions, so it’s recommended that — symptoms or no symptoms — adults should have an eye test every 24 months.
OCT enhances eye health diagnostics To help build a better picture of the development and progression of an individual’s eye health, Asda Opticians has invested heavily in optical coherence tomography (OCT). This is imaging technology invaluable for deciding when interventions, treatment or onward referrals are required.
“The benefit of an OCT scan is that it takes an internal photograph, in
three dimensions, of all the structures at the back of the eye,” explains Laird.
“Some conditions, such as glaucoma, develop in the early stages with subtle changes that occur deep in the retina and simply wouldn’t be visible without this technology.” Because OCT imaging is increasingly available in community optometry settings, patients don’t have to wait for a hospital appointment.
Making eye health care available and affordable
Laird and his team are keen to ensure that no one is excluded from vital eye care. “We have a one-price model on our spectacle ranges,” he says. “This means that the price you see on the spectacles in store is the price you pay, which includes the frame, lenses and anti-reflection coatings and thinner lenses, if they are required.
“There are no nasty surprises on the final bill. That’s important because patients must be able to trust the professionals who are giving them advice and know that they aren’t simply trying to sell them spectacles. Instead, it should be about recommending the best eye care options for patients while keeping it simple and affordable.”
INTERVIEW WITH Kristy Jackson Optical Professional Development Manager, Asda Opticians
INTERVIEW WITH Stuart Laird Head of Optical, Superintendent Optometrist, Asda Opticians
When was the last time you had a sight test?
Your sight test should have been within the last two years, but if your answer is ‘Never’ or ‘What is a sight test?’ — find out why you should get one regularly.
Asight test is part of what happens when you have an ‘eye care appointment’ or an ‘eye test.’
How optometrists conduct sight tests
A complete sight test is done by an optometrist. Optometrists typically work in the consulting room with charts of letters on the wall. They are eye health professionals qualified to carry out sight tests, specific eye health examinations and contact lens fittings. They provide advice and treatment, including prescribing medicines where they have additional qualifications.
When to get your eyes examined Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, College of Optometrists Clinical Adviser, explains: “Most people should have their eyes examined at least every two years, depending on their clinical circumstances. It should be as routine as having regular dental check-ups.
movements and coordination to make sure both eyes are working together normally.
Importantly, they conduct an eye health examination as part of the sight test. Dr Bilkhu explains: “The eye health examination can identify any issues you may have with the health of your eyes and even potential general health problems that you may be unaware of, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
“It involves checking the health of both eyes in detail, including examining the outside and inside of them using specialised equipment, such as a slit lamp microscope. Photographs or scans of the back of your eyes might sometimes also be recommended to gain additional information.”
If your sight test is overdue — or you have never had one — this is the week to change that.
Your and your family’s general eye health is discussed alongside lifestyle, work, hobbies and any eye concerns. This helps the optometrist decide on further tests and how best to manage your needs.
Prioritise your eyes: getting access to eye care in the cost of
living crisis
The cost of living can make eye health seem like a necessary sacrifice, but eye care should always be a priority.
When facing pressure to adjust our lifestyles to the rising cost of living, the prudent choice is to cut back to keep households afloat. However, your sight and eye health should never be neglected. Sight tests are vital, and going without can have long-term consequences.
Cost of living impact on eye health
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of people who wear glasses or contact lenses say they have put off going to an optometrist due to the cost of living, and 31% say they wear friends’ and family’s eyewear to avoid spending money on their own. However, help is available to access a funded NHS sight test and to purchase glasses, which is especially important during difficult financial times.
Demystifying the sight test
A sight test is adapted to an individual’s needs. Everyone should have one every two years — or more often if recommended by an optometrist. During a sight test, your optometrist checks what your vision is like when looking close up and to the distance, usually using charts to work out if glasses or a prescription change is needed. Sight tests are important because they can also detect signs of wider, underlying general health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Manageable costs
If you fall within certain qualifying groups, you could be eligible for a fully funded NHS sight test. This includes children under 16; those 18 or under in full-time education; people over 60; and those receiving certain means-tested benefits. In Scotland, anyone can receive an NHS-funded eye examination.
“People who have not needed to wear glasses as children often don’t realise that they should see an optometrist regularly, even if they think their sight is fine.”
Sight tests assess vision and health
A typical sight test takes around 20–30 minutes. Optometrists check how well you see, including your distance and near vision, to determine whether you need visual correction or whether your current prescription has changed. They also check your eye
Get regular sight tests
Dr Bilkhu concludes: “Anyone who notices any changes in sight or is having any problems with their eyes should always contact their local optometrist as soon as possible. If your sight test is overdue — or you have never had one — this is the week to change that.”
If you don’t qualify for an NHS sight test, your employer may be able to help if you use screens to work. Employers should provide funded eye care including a sight test and a contribution to the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you need a correction specifically for computer work.
Continuing to care for your eyes
In addition to regular sight tests, maintaining a healthy balanced diet which includes lots of omega-3 fats, darkgreen leafy vegetables and Vitamins A, C and E may help reduce risk of eye disease. Making lifestyle choices that support your health can also make a difference. Avoiding smoking benefits eye health; smoking increases the risk of developing eye diseases, such as cataracts. Family history is also helpful as many eye conditions run in families, so pre-existing knowledge of any problems can support early detection and treatment.
WRITTEN BY
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu Clinical Adviser, College of Optometrists
WRITTEN BY Henry Leonard Head of Clinical and Regulatory, Association of Optometrists
Why myopia is rising in children — and how new lenses can help control its progression
Innovative lens technology has been shown to control the progression of myopia in children. It’s an exciting development, says Ben Marchant, Director, Colin Lee Opticians.
Are you seeing more children with myopia?
Ben Marchant: Unfortunately, yes. Historically, myopia onset occurs in teenage years. However, over the last decade, we’ve seen a rise in younger children. One study noted that the reasons for this include spending less time outside in natural light and more time indoors on near-work activities with technology. The younger you are when you develop myopia, the more quickly it can progress and to a higher level. It’s associated with a greater risk of developing more serious eye conditions in later life.
You now offer children corrective spectacles that control myopia progression. How does this work?
One reason for shortsightedness is that the eye becomes too long, essentially. We’ve been dispensing Essilor® Stellest® lenses since their launch in 2021, which not only correct but also work by slowing the eye’s elongation and therefore slowing down myopia progression.
A clinical trial showed that the lens slows down myopia progression by 67% on average when worn for the recommended 12 hours a day. How encouraging is this?
Very. We’re seeing these lenses massively reduce eye growth — and therefore the progression of the child’s shortsightedness. For us, we feel the sooner they’re prescribed, the better the outcome.
How do you assess if a child is suitable for these lenses?
If we find that a child is myopic, we’ll discuss options with
Why childhood myopia should be detected as early as possible
A child may not be displaying symptoms of myopia (shortsightedness) — but it’s still important to get their eyes tested regularly in case any optical interventions are necessary.
Parents and carers aren’t always aware of the importance of getting children’s eyes tested regularly. That should change, insists Charlotte Timbury, Director of Medical and Professional Affairs for North Europe at EssilorLuxottica.
When to start testing children for myopia
A routine eye test can assess if your child has myopia (or shortsightedness), an eye disorder that results in blurred vision at a distance and clear vision at close range.
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
In most cases, this is due to the eyes being too long and usually develops in children of school-going age and tends to worsen every year until adulthood.1
“The earlier the onset of myopia, the faster it progresses and potentially reaches high levels2,” says Timbury.
“Which is why it is important to have your child’s eyes tested as early as
parents, including these lenses — although they aren’t available on the NHS. If we discover myopia has advanced during a follow-up appointment, we can work out how we expect it to progress.
How do you do that?
By using a biometer, which measures axial length (the distance from the front of the cornea to the back of the eye). Our practice has biometer technology called Myopia Expert; we use it to plot the growth of the eye on a centile chart, in the same way you might plot a child’s height and weight. We use it for children who are having active treatment and to plot the risk of those not yet treated, to determine if and how treatment would help.
What happens once the lenses have been prescribed?
Children who have spectacles fitted with Essilor® Stellest® lenses will have appointments every three months to check the fit of their glasses, which is crucial for treatment effectiveness. We’ll also check their level of vision and remeasure their axial length.
Why is offering children’s myopia management important to you? Normally, as high street opticians, whenever you prescribe spectacles, you’re not treating shortsightedness. You’re correcting it. Now, we can prescribe treatment that is actively going to benefit children in later life.
complaining they can’t see the board at school, rubbing eyes, squinting and complaining of headaches and eyestrain (aka eye fatigue).
‘Correcting’ vs ‘controlling’ childhood myopia progression
possible. Usually, we suggest the first eye exam from around four years old, as per NHS guidance.”
In the UK, evidence suggests that the prevalence of myopia in children aged between 10–16 years has more than doubled over the last 50 years, and children are becoming myopic at a younger age.3,4
Factors influencing the onset of childhood myopia
Several factors have been identified as possibly contributing to the onset of childhood myopia. These include parental history (a child whose parents are both myopic is up to five times more likely to develop the condition5); spending less time outside (lack of exposure to natural light can disrupt growth of the eye); and time spent on close work, such as reading and playing computer games. Telltale signs in children may include
If your child is found to have myopia, Timbury notes that there is an important difference between correcting the condition and controlling its progression. Correcting myopia is done with standard spectacle or contact lenses. Controlling myopia progression is achieved with specially designed spectacle lenses, such as Essilor® Stellest® lenses that both correct and work to slow down eye elongation and therefore slow down progression in children.
“Most children up to age 16 are recommended to have a sight test every year, but if your child is myopic, optometrists may suggest they are seen more frequently,” she says. “Generally, the sooner we can detect any vision problems in children, the better.”
References:
1. Hou W, Norton TT, Hyman L, Gwiazda J, COMET Group. Axial elongation in myopic children and its association with myopia progression in the Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial (COMET). Eye & Contact Lens. 2018 Jul;44(4):248.
2. Sankaridurg, P., 2015. A less myopic future: what are the prospects? Clin Exp Optom, 98 (6), 494-6
3. McCullough, S. J., O’Donoghue, L., & Saunders, K. J. (2016). Six year refractive change among white children and young adults: evidence for significant increase in myopia among white UK children. PloS one, 11(1), e0146332.
4.Williams K.M., Hysi P.G., Nag A., Yonova-Doing E., Venturini C., & Hammond C.J. (2013) Age of myopia onset in a British population-based twin cohort. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. May;33(3):339-45. doi: 10.1111/opo.12042. Epub 2013 Mar 20. PMID: 23510367.
5. Jones L, Sinnott L, Mutti D, Mitchell G, Moeschberger M. Parental history of myopia, sports and outdoor activities, and future myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2007; 48(8): 3524-3532.
INTERVIEW WITH Ben Marchant Director, Colin Lee Opticians
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
Page paid for by EssilorLuxottica
INTERVIEW WITH Charlotte Timbury, Director of Medical & Professional Affairs, North Europe, EssilorLuxottica
Find out which spectacle lens type is right for you and your eyes
In recent years, new technologies have been producing lighter, more comfortable spectacles with specialised designs and coatings to enhance vision and comfort in demanding environments.
The demands on our vision are higher than ever, prompting spectacle lens designers to continually enhance vision zones and offer tailored lens options. Your dispensing optician can recommend lenses perfectly suited to your needs, like a custom-made suit. You can also request lenses specifically designed for computer and tablet use.
Thinner and lighter spectacle lenses
Dispensing opticians are the experts in finding the thinnest and lightest lenses for your spectacle prescription. This will ensure they are as comfortable as possible. This is true whether you are short- or longsighted and even when you need reading spectacles.
Therapies for the ‘myopia epidemic’ Across the world, more children are becoming short-sighted (myopic).1
Coloured lenses and driving lenses
Dispensing opticians are the experts in finding the thinnest and lightest lenses for your spectacle prescription, ensuring maximum comfort.
This means that, without spectacles, they cannot see clearly in the distance. This may be due to insufficient time spent outdoors and prolonged use of tablets and laptops.
Changes in lifestyle can help, although using specially designed spectacle lenses has been shown to slow down the increase in short-sightedness as your child grows. Dispensing opticians can discuss the options available to children and to reduce future risks of eye problems as lens power increases.
Why early detection in glaucoma care is critical
Glaucoma is a term given to a group of largely chronic conditions that damage the optic nerve at the back of the eye, which, if left untreated, can lead to permanent sight loss.
Despite these significant and life-altering effects, glaucoma may not have symptoms, particularly in the early stages, so the importance of regular sight tests to prevent avoidable vision loss cannot be understated.
Glaucoma risk factors
Although age is the greatest risk factor, other factors can also increase your risk. Having family members with glaucoma or being of black African or black Caribbean ethnic origin could potentially place you at an increased risk. Other conditions, such as diabetes, are also a risk factor.
The two main types of glaucoma come with varied symptoms.
While many of us visit the optometrist and dispensing optician to update our glasses, some experience discomfort, like flickering words and headaches, even when a new prescription is not required. Such discomfort can be associated with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD) autism, Asperger’s syndrome, dyspraxia, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and headaches.2 It has been found that, for some patients, the use of an overlay with coloured plastic can reduce and sometimes eliminate these symptoms.3 There are eye care professionals who specialise in this subject, which often affects children at school and therefore their learning. Lens designers recognise that vision quality while driving is crucial, especially at night, on long trips and as we age. Dispensing opticians are the experts in visual task analysis and can recommend helpful products. Polarising lenses are useful on sunny days; light (specialist colour) tints can help at any time; and more specialised driving lenses can enhance the experience. Anti-glare coatings are essential, with some designers offering advanced coatings for even greater visual comfort.
References
1. Myopia: A Global Epidemic. (2019). Retina Today.
2. What is Irlen Syndrome?. (2022). Irlen Syndrome Foundation.
3. Use of coloured overlays and lenses are unlikely to help children with dyslexia, study finds. (2015). BMJ, 350, h2830. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2830
Closed-angle glaucoma can develop symptoms quickly, including, red and painful eyes, headaches, nausea and coloured halos around lights. Openangle glaucoma is typically slow onset, with no pain or symptoms in early stages.
There may only be minimal changes to your eyesight, but peripheral vision could be compromised. This can eventually affect your central vision as well. You should have regular sight tests to enable early detection and referral for treatment to prevent disease progression, as once sight is lost, this is irreversible.
Treatment matters
Open-angle glaucoma is typically treated by laser or with daily eye
drops; both aim to reduce pressure in the eye. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to control the pressure. As closed-angle glaucoma can progress quickly and lead to lasting damage, it is initially treated with eye drops and tablets; occasionally, medicine is injected directly into the bloodstream to reduce pressure in the eye quickly. Laser treatment is also often used for closed-angle glaucoma to improve flow of fluid within the eye and reduce eye pressure. If this is unsuccessful, surgery may be required.
Care in the community
Currently, most patients with glaucoma are monitored within hospital eye departments. These visits happen multiple times a year, and patients are often reliant on public transport or friends and family to get them to hospital appointments as examinations often involve pupil dilating drops that blur vision.
Greater access to community monitoring via high street opticians gives patients access to necessary care closer to home rather than in a busy hospital environment. While many optometrists are trained to provide this type of clinical care, unfortunately, these schemes are not available everywhere.
At the Association of Optometrists, we’re calling on the Government to change glaucoma care for patients so that patients can access a monitoring service near where they live.
WRITTEN BY
Kevin Gutsell President, Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO)
WRITTEN BY
Farah Topia
Clinical Adviser, Association of Optometrists