Contact Lenses

It is essential that you look after your contact lenses correctly. Handling leaflets for a range of contact lens types are available to download here. If you are unsure or have any issues handling your contact lenses, please get in touch. Caring for soft contact lenses Caring for hybrid contact lenses Caring for gas permeable contact lenses Caring for Ortho-K lenses Caring for scleral contact lenses Caring for your lenses – general advice Here is a helpful video on taking care of your lenses.

Compared to spectacles, contact lenses can offer far superior vision for a range of eye conditions, with numerous options available for those with complex requirements. Our team of expert optometrists continue to be the most knowledgeable in the country regarding specialist contact lenses, so are able to offer our patients a diverse range of the very best products. Always ensuring we prescribe patients with the most comfortable lenses, allowing for longer wearing times and providing the best possible vision. In the Lothians, the NHS has referred patients to Cameron Optometry for over 30 years, so patients have access to these specialist lenses. However, recently NHS Lothian made changes to the hospital contact lens scheme and, while they continue to provide contact lenses for those who need them, they now only offer a limited range. While we endeavor to fit contact lenses through the NHS scheme in the most cost effective way for our patients, we also realise how important your contact lenses are when you rely on them on a daily basis. Moving forward, if there are lenses that are not funded by the NHS that could be better for you, you may now opt to pay for them privately as part of our Vision+ eye care membership scheme. Vision+ gives you access to unlimited appointments, trials of the newest lens technologies, an unlimited range of contact lenses and numerous discounts on spectacles and other products. You can enjoy these benefits while still attending your NHS eye department. Should you opt into Vision+, you should continue to attend your hospital appointments and we will ensure your consultant is kept informed of your contact lens wear and related eye health.

Myopia Management (also known as Myopia Control) aims to slow the progression of myopia in children through identifying risk factors, making adjustments to lifestyle, specialised contact lenses, and occasionally with specific multifocal spectacle lenses. At Cameron Optometry, our expertise in contact lenses allows us to provide the most advanced options available based on up-to-date research, which has found Myopia Management contact lenses can slow the progression of myopia by over 50%. Myopia management is very unlikely to halt the progression, however the aim is that by the time your child reaches adulthood their prescription will be significantly less than it would have been if their myopia was left untreated, meaning they maintain as good vision as possible without their spectacles on and reduce their risk of serious eye disease in later life. Ian Cameron performing eye examination on girl An example is a nine-year-old patient who started with a low level of myopia (-0.50DS). Using the best available research we were able to predict that wearing glasses or contact lenses would mean they end up with a prescription of -4.85DS. However if they wore myopia management contact lenses from this point then on average they would end up as -2.72DS. What difference does this make to the child? Would they not have to wear glasses anyway? Yes they would however, if you have a prescription of -2.72DS then although your far vision is blurred without your glasses or contact lenses, you can see things clearly at around 35cm which is practical for reading, computer use and many near vision tasks. If your prescription climbs to -4.84DS then your far vision is significantly more blurred without your glasses and close things have to be brought to around 20cm to be seen clearly, which is must less practical for day to day tasks. In addition, with higher amounts of myopia you are at considerably increased risk or eye disease in adulthood over someone with less or no myopia. With a prescription of -4.84 you are around 10 times more likely to have a retinal detachment in the future than a person without myopia. This is reduced to four times more likely if you are -2.72DS. You can see from this that, whilst the contact lenses cannot stop the progression of short-sightedness, they can significantly improve how a person lives.

Zara became Cameron Optometry’s 50th myopia management patient in early 2019. Referred from another optometrist, she was ten years old and already had a prescription of -4 which means she was reliant on her spectacles all the time. After Gillian Bruce met with her, examined her eyes and discussed her myopia management options, she decided to try out contact lenses.  Zara wearing her new Ortho-K lenses Initially Zara started with MiSight daily contact lenses, a popular daily disposable contact lens option for myopia management patients. However, after quickly mastering how to handle soft lenses and with the confidence she had built in wearing contact lenses, she decided to switch to orthokeratology lenses. These lenses are only worn overnight, gently reshaping the eyeball while the patient sleeps. They are especially popular with sports enthusiasts because they aren’t worn by day and as an avid diver, this made them the perfect choice for Zara.  For Zara the benefits of her lenses go beyond slowing the progression of her myopia. Prior to wearing her overnight lenses, she would have to compete without her glasses, meaning she couldn’t see the scoreboard, the crowd, her parents supporting her or her coach. Now, an added benefit of her ortho-k lenses are that, her vision is perfect by day, without her lenses, so she can now see her mum cheering her on, her coach signalling to her and her high scores on the board.  The hope is that by wearing these lenses over the coming years, by the time Zara reaches adulthood, her prescription will not have progressed at the same pace. So where you would expect her prescription to be high by the time she stops growing, the hope is that it will instead remain in the medium parameters. Not only does this mean that her vision will be far better than it would have been if left with her wearing glasses, her chances of developing serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment in later life, are significantly reduced. Her mum Lynn said, “I would encourage anyone who is considering giving OrthoK lenses a try to do it. The results Zara has had with them have been way better than I ever thought and have changed her lifestyle.”  For further information visit our Myopia Management page.

Encouraging news for the battle against increasing rates of short-sightedness in children Cameron Optometry is delighted to announce it now has over 50 patients using Myopia Management contact lenses, one of the highest numbers of patients for any practice in the UK. Here clinical lead optometrist, Gillian Bruce, reflects on the positive impact that the revolutionary lenses have had on children in the area. Explaining Myopia Management The rates of myopia in children is on the rise. Myopia is expected to affect 50% of the world population by 2050. In the UK the amount of myopia has increased from 10% to 23% of children in the past 50 years. It is widely acknowledged that something needs to be done to reverse this trend. Myopia Management contact lenses are proven to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children. Simply put, this means children will have a lower prescription when they reach adulthood than they would without the contact lenses. A high prescription increases an individual’s chance of developing serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, in later life, in addition to the daily challenges that a high prescription brings.  The research and results We read the extensive research before trialling the contact lenses, and were one of the first practices in Scotland to introduce them. The ongoing research firmly supports their effectiveness and we are encouraged to see hugely positive results in our own patients. In many cases, we have found children whose prescription had increased year on year have found their prescriptions stabilise with the lenses, whilst in others their progression of myopia has slowed significantly. The results have reaffirmed the benefits of the lenses, with our own experience adding weight to the effectiveness of the lenses. The future for Myopia Management It is hugely encouraging to hit this milestone however there are still so many who are unaware of the contact lenses and they are not widely prescribed. We will continue to promote the benefits of Myopia Management so parents are aware there is another option. The rates of short-sightedness in children continues to rise and worryingly there seems no sign that this will change, so with that in mind, we hope the contact lenses become more widely used and more accessible to all.  As the rates of myopia increase significantly across the world, we expect further developments in Myopia Management and will ensure our practice remains leaders in this field.  Further information on Myopia Management What is myopia? Myopia is the medical term for short-sightedness, when the eyeball is too long or too powerful. The result is that light coming into the eye does not focus directly on the retina (the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye), but instead falls in front of it, causing objects in the distance to look blurred. Myopia is traditionally corrected by wearing spectacles or contact lenses. As the eye grows, a person typically becomes more myopic and the power of their spectacle of contact lens prescription increases. Prescriptions over -6DS are considered to be high levels of myopia. Why do people develop myopia? Research suggests that a person’s genetics, lifestyle and their day-to-day environment all play a part. People who spend more time doing tasks at a close distance such as working on computers and reading, and those who spend less time outdoors seem more likely to develop myopia. There is a 46% probability of developing myopia if both parents are myopic, 31% with one parent and 22% if no parents are myopic. Females have a greater gender tendency for myopia than males.  Does myopia get worse during childhood? Yes. Generally, once you have myopia your spectacle prescription gets greater over time, in particular during childhood as the eye grows. The key years of change in myopia are between six and 17 years old with the largest change in prescription typically happening at around seven to eight years and changes getting less as you get older. Generally, myopic children wearing traditional glasses or contact lenses will continue to increase in myopia by approximately 0.50 to 1.00 D (units of measurement) per year. We can use these figures to calculate what we expect a child’s prescription level to be by the time they are in their late teens when change starts to slow or stop. Many people develop myopia later in life, however if a child develops myopia, they are at risk of their vision deteriorating much more quickly and for many more years leading to a higher eventual prescription. What is Myopia Management? Myopia Management aims to slow down the progression of myopia in children and young adults through lifestyle changes, the use of specialised contact lenses, eye drops (not currently available in the UK) and in some cases spectacle lenses. It is a relatively new concept although research into the causes of myopia and how to slow its progression has been ongoing for decades. At Cameron Optometry our expertise in contact lenses allows us to provide the most advanced options available based on up to date research. We have now been successfully fitting children with contact lenses for Myopia Management for three years. Research has found the results of Myopia Management through the use of specialised contact lenses, to be effective, with recent studies showing that a 59% reduction in the progression of myopia is achievable. It also concluded that contact lenses are tolerated very well by children. Myopia Management contact lenses Myopia Management contact lenses are designed to firstly correct your child’s vision so they can see well and secondly to slow the process of eyeball growth, with the aim of reducing how short sighted they eventually become. The aim of treatment is to slow the rate of decline by around 50%. Myopia Management contact lenses cannot be expected to completely halt the progression, nor can it reduce your child’s prescription from the point at which they start with the contact lenses. The research We base our Myopia Management programme on guidance by the International Myopia Institute. In 2019 the Institute gathered together the leading figures in research into myopia and processed all the research on myopia to produce seven papers. If you are interested in further reading into myopia you can access these papers at: Brien Holden Vision research on Myopia Management Please get in touch if you would like further information or to make an appointment for a free assessment for your child.

This year marks 25 years with the practice for Lesley Kerr and Heather Grandon. The loyal and dependable duo have been at the heart of the practice for a quarter century, a period when the practice has grown from a team of three, to a team of 16. Moving from the premises in Randolph Cliff, where the dispensing room wasn’t much more than a cupboard, to the state-of-the-art practice on St Vincent’s Street, where the Frame Room is one of the leading independent eyewear stockists in Scotland. Lesley was the first to join in early 1994. Hired to cover an admin and dispensing role, where she quickly expanded the range of designers available. Once a permanent member of the now team of four, she took responsibility of bringing new brands to the practice and continues to provide insightful input into the ranges you find in the practice today. Lesley said, “The team here are like a big family. Such a friendly lot. And the reputation that the practice has makes me very proud. It’s probably the patients that give me the most pleasure. I’ve known so many of them for as long as I’ve been at Cameron Optometry. I love to hear their news when they visit and know what specs will suit them. We have patients coming from all over who value the personal relationships they have built at the practice. “I have many great memories from the past 25 years. Most recently, I went to Bergamot to meet one of our designers, FEB31st. It was such an adventure and really reaffirmed my passion for independent eyewear.” Heather joined later in 1994, fresh from completing her optometry degree at Glasgow Caledonian University. The practice already specialised in contact lenses so naturally Heather also adopted a keen interest in this area. She gleaned a lot of information in her early years from the optometrists Murray McGrath and Donald Cameron. Murray was the first to teach her how to mould eyes to make prosthetic shells, a niche skill but something that Heather has perfected. Responsible for developing the NHS Contact Lens Outpatient Clinic that is run from Cameron Optometry, her hospital work includes creating contact lenses for those with complex requirements such as babies with congenital cataracts, keratoconus or those who have had corneal grafts. Never showing signs of slowing down, Heather is soon to finish her independent prescribing qualification, joining the other three optometrists who hold this qualification. Like Lesley, she has developed impactful relationships with patients, supporting them and providing continuity for patients with chronic conditions. Testament to this, she has patients who fly in from as far as New York to benefit from her expertise. Heather said, “A lot of my patients have complex eye conditions. I find working with patients to provide sometimes life-changing solutions so rewarding and continuity of care is so important for patients. “As part of a specialist independent practice like Cameron Optometry, I have the time to take with each patient, getting to know their needs and concerns. We always work hard to give every patient the best possible outcome in the long-term. “Each day there are new cases requiring creative solutions. This ensures I am always being challenged and learning new approaches. Even those with non-complex eye care requirements like to challenge me, for example, the patients who want the perfect solution for playing bridge or golf! A one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t work for them and I’m delighted to be able to think out of the box to improve their quality of life. Everyone deserves to have the highest level of vision achievable and I strive to give all of my patients that. With the complementary blend of expertise here at Cameron Optometry, we all thrive on sharing our knowledge. “On the technology side, I remember we were the first practice to have a retinal camera, and now we have the most detailed scanner available. This has also helped me provide the best possible care for my patients.” A huge thank you to Lesley and Heather for their contribution to the practice over the last 25 years. And thank you to all of those who have taken the time to pass on their best wishes, as they reach this milestone.

There have been a few reports in the news this week about a rare eye infection affecting contact lens wearers. Whilst we haven't seen any cases of this infection, we thought we'd take the opportunity to remind people about best practice for cleaning and storing contact lenses. If you have any concerns about your eyes, please book in with your optometrist. Cleaning and storing After removing your lenses, clean them immediately to remove mucus, protein and debris that build up on the surface during the day. • Place the lens in your palm and apply a few drops of cleaning solution as recommended by your optometrist. Gently rub the lens in a circular motion with your nger, not rubbing the lens too hard. • Rinse the cleaner off with an approved lens rinsing solution. • Fill the case with fresh cleaning solution to protect your lenses overnight. Always use fresh solution each time you clean and store your lenses. • After use, rub the inside of your case with clean ngers, rinse with fresh disinfecting solution and allow to air-dry naturally. See image below. • Replace your storage case whenever you open a fresh bottle of solution. Remember • Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Avoid using soaps that are strongly perfumed or contain moisturisers. • Do not sleep in your lenses unless advise to by your optometrist. • Do not use tap water or saliva to rinse your lenses or case. • Use fresh solution each time you clean and store your soft lenses. • Do not swim or shower in your lenses without seeking the advice of your optometrist. • Avoid lens mix-ups. Always start with the same contact lens when you apply, remove and clean your lenses. • If your eyes become red and/or painful at any time, please remove your lenses and seek the advice of your optometrist. All our handling leaflets, for soft, gas permeable (hard), scleral and hybrid contact lenses are available to download here.

Heather Muir has completed further training to ensure Cameron Optometry continues to provide highest level of care to young patients, in particular those transitioning to contact lens wear. Last year optical assistant, Heather Muir completed various qualifications in Child Anxiety and Confidence. Designed to help understand the importance of overcoming negative emotions in children and boosting esteem, this has already been invaluable as Heather helps children grow their confidence in handling their new contact lenses. In a bid to build on her strong foundations in this area, Heather has now added a qualification from Play Therapy UK, the Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills. This course focused on non-directive play techniques, learning new and varied techniques in play therapy. It is designed to help participants provide emotional support to children. In 2017 Cameron Optometry saw a significant increase in the number of young people wearing contact lenses, in particular Myopia Management lenses, which effectively slow the progression of short-sightedness in children. Heather uses her experience and training to support these children as they adapt to contact lens wear, which for many, is totally foreign so they naturally have reservations when making the transition. Heather has worked with children as young as seven who have adapted very well to contact lens wear. She takes a very gentle approach and they can come in as many times as they like, until they, along with their parents, feel totally comfortable taking their contact lenses home. Already this year we have had many parents enquire about Myopia Management contact lenses as awareness of the benefits of these lenses grows, so Heather will continue to put her training to good use. If you would like information on contact lenses for children, please get in touch or book your child in for a free comprehensive eye examination.

Our clinical lead optometrist, Gillian Bruce, is regularly called upon to share her expertise in Myopia Management, reducing the progression of short-sightedness in children, in the UK and further afield. She recently joined other highly regarded eye care practitioners, sharing hands-on experiences of what Myopia Management means to them. The discussion explored their passion for the work, and what myopia management can achieve for patients. You can read the full article here and watch excerpts from the discussions. During the meeting the new MiSight daily disposable contact lenses were discussed, which are now the preferred option for our patients. Many optometrists and opticians still don't inform their patients of the option of Myopia Management contact lenses which is a concern and something we are keen to change, in a bid to increase awareness of the huge benefits of these specialised contact lenses. If you are interested in Myopia Management for your child, you can call the practice on 0131 225 2235 for further information.

Our eyes stiffen gradually throughout our adult lives. Generally, it isn’t until people reach their forties or older, that they start to notice the effects of this. The stiffening of the lens in the eye leads to a lack of flexibility which creates issues when trying to focus. We call it presbyopia and it is often first noticed when reading or performing other near tasks. Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing and sadly there is little one can do to avoid it. It is at this stage that many will buy themselves a pair of ‘off-the-shelf’ glasses to wear when required and increase the size of text on their mobile phones to make it more clear. They are generally an unwelcome addition, both aesthetically and practically, especially if you are not someone who is used to wearing glasses. They are often forgotten at key moments, and are never where you need them when you need them! For those who already have some form of vision correction they supplement their existing glasses or contact lenses with their ‘reading’ glasses. Few realise that they could actually be wearing a multifocal contact lens to replace these reading glasses. They are a fantastic option for those who want to avoid glasses which many feel are a sign of ageing they would rather avoid. Another surprise to many is that contact lenses can be worn on a part-time basis. It needn’t be a full time commitment. Perfect for those who want to leave the glasses at home for the evening but still be able to read the desserts menu. Multifocal contact lenses are incredibly clever, correcting vision at different lengths, for instance you may have been short-sighted (myopic) for your adult life, struggling to see objects in the distance, and only recently noticed issues with your near sight. These contact lenses have multiple prescriptions all in one lens. Many patients with astigmatism can also wear these lenses. There are various types of multifocal contact lenses available depending on your prescription and how you plan to wear them. So if you’re one of those people who have to rely on giant text on your mobile device to read any incoming messages, please make an appointment if you would like to discuss your options. Contact lens trials are free for all of those already on the Vision+ membership scheme.

Former managing director and founder of Cameron Optometry, Donald Cameron, attended the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists (ISCLS), along with Ian Cameron. Here Donald shares some of the highlights and insights. It was a great privilege to be invited to bring a formal welcome to the delegates and partners attending the ISCLS at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh last weekend. Having reminded them of some of Scotland's history of innovation of the past, Ian then explained some of the surgical training he had undertaken and expounded his aspirations for the development of the profession over the next 25 years. The group is formed of many of those who have written the textbooks and done the clinical research that had led to the innovations within the contact lens world – daily disposable lenses, one step disinfecting solutions, lenses for treating children with congenital cataracts and for treating other diseases of the cornea. One of the most interesting areas of current research is the management of myopia (short-sight). Historically myopia has been set at around 22% in the UK and is expected to double in the next 20 years. In Taiwan the incidence of myopia is 96%. Myopia is not just an inconvenience since it increases risks of glaucoma and a number of other eye diseases so the World Health Organisation is describing what is happening as an epidemic. To listen to these world experts describe how this can be managed with new contact lens designs was exciting since the practice is at the forefront of this work in the UK. In summary our attendance at this prestigious conference was not only helpful, it was an honour to be invited to address such an august body and we are certain the spin off from the weekend will be seen in the way we develop our clinical skills.

Many adults would consider contact lenses to be a lifestyle essential and there are no reasons children shouldn’t experience the same benefits. Building self-esteem: some children feel self-conscious wearing glasses, leading to a lack of confidence that sometimes affects their performance at school. Active lifestyle: if you have a very active child then contact lenses are the practical option, leaving your child free to participate without the worry of glasses being broken. Good vision: contact lenses are hugely beneficial for those with high prescriptions, especially for peripheral vision. Part-time wear: we have many patients who opt to wear contact lenses purely for sport so it needn’t be a fulltime commitment.When can a child start wearing lenses?A common misconception is that you have to be a certain age to wear contact lenses but we believe children just have to be mature enough to look after their lenses. A recent study of eight to 11 year olds found that 90% had no trouble applying or removing their lenses without assistance. We find children as young as five usually do well with contact lenses. Good hygiene and care is essential to avoid problems such as infection but contact lenses are available as daily disposable lenses for most prescriptions. This keeps maintenance and risks of infection very low making them a good starting point for children. Our experience We have extensive experience in fitting children with lenses, even newborn babies requiring medical contact lenses. Our optometrists are amongst the most highly trained in the country, and Ian Cameron is the current UK Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year. Together we will ensure your child’s vision is in safe hands. Contact lenses are available through our Vision+ membership scheme. For further information please visit cameronoptom.com/vision. Click here to download this leaflet Contact lenses for children

We were amongst a select group of eye care professionals across Europe who were invited to be the first to work with the new CooperVision MiSight® 1 day contact lens for Myopia Management. This is the first daily disposable contact lens that has been proven to slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children. Extensive studies have taken place involving myopic children aged eight to 12-years-old, over a three-year period. The MiSight trials found there was a 59% reduction in myopic development in those who used the contact lenses. MiSight 1 day is designed for children who have a myopic prescription from -0.25D to -6.00D. The other two options which we fit children with are: Ortho-K lenses (overnight vision correction): worn at night, leaving the child with perfect vision by day but without having to wear lenses to school. This can be popular with younger children who might not be able to look after the lenses by day, for example if they need cleaned when away from home. Multifocal lenses: lenses which are worn by day and replaced on a monthly basis, so require cleaning and storage each night. Currently the popular choice for those who would rather not sleep in contact lenses. The advantage of MiSight is that they are daily disposable contact lenses which means no cleaning or storage is required, which is particularly good for those who are new to contact lenses. We share the view of CooperVision, that Myopia Management contact lenses should be the first choice for parents of myopic children, as opposed to leaving the myopia to progress at its natural rate which could result in a much higher prescription by the time the child reaches adulthood. Having a high prescription doesn’t just mean wearing high prescription glasses or contact lenses, there are many serious eye conditions which are far more prevalent in those with high prescriptions including retinal detachment and degeneration, and glaucoma. Please drop me an email if you would like further information on Myopia Management or MiSight lenses in particular myopia@cameronoptom.com.

It’s officially ‘Blue Monday’, so for all our blog followers we thought a little humour was required. I recently watched this sketch from Michael McIntyre about visiting the optician. If you need a break from your work, it is worth a watch. I always love his sketches. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBfoimbR7Dc It is of course, created for laughs, but is a reminder of how so many people think a trip to the optometrist or optician is just about testing your vision. Leaving those who can see well, feeling an appointment with their optometrist is unnecessary. Or, like Michael, if you have your contact lenses on order and you feel you have no changes to your vision, you just keep receiving the same ones month after month. So what’s wrong with this…? It’s not just about what you can see but what we can see in your eyes. Yes, when you think of an eye examination you think of the letters. Can you read an array of letters on a screen? Tick. Off you go. No, it’s not that simple. The comprehensive eye examination we perform gives us the chance to take a thorough look at your eye health. Our state-of-the-art Optos Daytona scanner will show up issues which may indicate a problem. If identified early, often before you notice anything yourself, treatment can often halt any progression but if left, could result in serious issues such as loss of vision. What about peripheral vision? It’s not just about seeing how far behind you can you see. A loss in peripheral vision is in indication of glaucoma amongst other potential problems. A visual field test will quickly identify any concerns often before you are aware of the condition. And it isn’t just eye health that we can examine. Through our scans and tests we have also picked up signs of heart disease, diabetes, childhood eye cancer, brain tumours, high cholesterol, the list goes on. We don’t want to scaremonger. We just want to educate people that getting your eyes examined is so much more than a test of vision.   If you are a contact lens wearer, it is also a good opportunity to see if the products you are using are the best available on the market. New lenses are being developed on a regular basis with new materials which may provide more comfort, better vision and improved eye health, than the lenses you have, so it is always worth discussing options with your optometrist. So, when you think about booking your annual trip to the dentist, think about booking in with your optometrist as well. You only get one set of eyes, so look after them. Now back to some more Michael McIntyre to get me through this dreary day.

Opening hours Please note our festive opening hours below. Should you have an eye care emergency, you can call our main line 0131 225 2235 and listen to the answering machine where you will be provided with emergency, out-of-hours contact details. Contact lens re-ordering Please ensure you have plenty contact lenses to last you until the middle of January. Whilst we are open some of our supplier are not and disruption to postage is expected due to the Post Office strike. So please order all the contact lenses you expect you will need over the festive period. You can do so by calling 0131 225 2235 or by filling out our contact lens re-order form here.

What is it and why is it important? The visible light that our eyes can see is composed of a spectrum of colours, just like a rainbow. Sunlight consists of the entire spectrum of light so we are exposed to the blue light part of the spectrum every time we are outside. Increasingly our eyes are exposed to additional sources of blue light when we are indoors as well. These sources include the backlit displays of our handheld digital devices and TV screens, as well as LED and compact fluorescent light bulbs. By 2020, 90% of all of our light sources are estimated to be LED lighting. Is this a bad thing? We can think of good and bad blue light. The shorter the wavelength of light the more energy it contains, the more discomfort it can cause us. We need exposure to the good, longer wavelength, blue light as it helps to regulate our moods and our sleep patterns as well as aiding our memory. However, the high energy of the short wavelength blue light creates flicker that reduces our contrast vision and causes glare. This can be tiring for the eyes, more so over prolonged periods, causing symptoms such as tiredness, dryness, blur and headache. Blue light exposure in the evenings may also interfere with how well we sleep. It is understood that repeated exposure to blue light can cause degeneration of some important cells for vision on the retina at the back of the eye. What can I do to address the problem? Outdoors, sunglasses with the correct tints or coatings are perfect for protection from blue light. Indoors, there are now spectacle lenses designed specifically for this purpose. Blue light filtering lenses block out the harmful wavelength blue light and let the good blue light through. Results have shown that for people experiencing symptoms that the lenses help their eyes to feel less gritty and dry and that other symptoms of eyestrain were reduced by half. Wearing them in the evenings when at the computer or watching television, makes a notable difference, with the eyes feeling less tired. While blue light filtering lenses look clear, lenses with yellow tints can also block the blue light and help with symptoms experienced when looking at blue light sources through the day. If you are concerned about the effects of blue light on your vision, please discuss them with optometrists.

Cleaning and caring for your soft contact lenses: A refresher Many of our patients have had contact lenses for decades and they give them little consideration on a daily basis. Contact lenses give so many the freedom from glasses, allowing them to enjoy perfect vision, however wearing them does increase your chance of contracting an eye infection so it is especially important that they are cleaned and maintained properly. Here we recap on how best to do this. Cleaning your soft contact lenses After removing your lenses, clean them immediately to remove mucus, protein and debris that build up on the surface during the day. Place the lens in your palm and apply a few drops of cleaning solution as recommended by your optometrist. Gently rub the lens in a circular motion with your finger, not rubbing the lens too hard. Rinse the cleaner off with an approved lens rinsing solution. Fill the case with fresh cleaning solution to protect your lenses overnight. Always use fresh solution each time you clean and store your lenses. After use, rub the inside of your case with clean fingers, rinse with fresh disinfecting solution and allow to air-dry naturally. Replace your storage case whenever you open a fresh bottle of solution. And remember… Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Avoid using soaps that are strongly perfumed or contain moisturisers. Do not sleep in your lenses unless advise to by your optometrist. Do not use tap water or saliva to rinse your lenses or case. Use fresh solution each time you clean and store your soft lenses. Do not swim or shower in your lenses without seeking the advice of your optometrist. Avoid lens mix-ups. Always start with the same contact lens when you apply, remove and clean your lenses. If your eyes become red and/or painful at any time, please seek the advice of your optometrist. Also, please remember, we stock a vast range of contact lenses so if you ever have any issues with yours, we would be delighted to recommend an alternative for you to try. We also stock a range of solutions which we’d be happy to discuss with you to ensure you have a product that best suits your requirements. You can download handling leaflets for soft, scleral, hybrid and gas permeable contact lenses here. Soft contact lenses handling leaflet Scleral contact lenses handling leaflet Hybrid contact lenses handling leaflet Gas permeable contact lenses handling leaflet

Revolutionary orthokeratology allows sports people the freedom to compete lens-free On Saturday 6 August, the 31st Olympic Games will kick off with over 200 countries taking part, competing in 42 Olympic sports, with 297 medals up for grabs. Of the estimated 10,500 athletes expected to compete, around 2,310 athletes are likely to be short-sighted (myopic).* That said, you very rarely see athletes wearing glasses. Some may wear contact lenses, although they risk encountering issues when performing depending on humidity, rain, dislodging a lens, or when taking part in activities like swimming, where contact lenses are not a practical option. Some athletes will have had laser eye surgery, but a large number will be managing their myopia with orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, correcting their vision overnight, leaving them free to compete by day without the inconvenience of wearing daily contact lenses. What many don’t realise, is that these revolutionary lenses are available to ‘normal’ people too. You don’t have to be a world class athlete to reap the benefits. They cost a little more than your average daily lenses but the benefits for sports enthusiasts in particular, are great. Ortho-K lenses correct your vision while you sleep. You simply pop your ortho-k lenses in before bedtime, remove them in the morning, and wake up to a world of clear, sharp, natural vision – an exciting prospect for many who have been short-sighted for the majority of their lives. Don’t just take our word for it. Even the celebs are giving them a go. You can get some really in depth insights on orthokeratology lenses in this feature on This Morning when Phillip Schofield became a convert. There are only a handful of opticians in the area offering ortho-k lenses and Cameron Optometry is the only Edinburgh-based optician to supply the No. 7 brand of lenses (as listed here on their website) which we feel are the best on the market. Our expertise in contact lenses, recently holding the title of Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year, gives our patients added confidence when trying out revolutionary technologies such as overnight vision correction. We are currently offering one month’s free lenses for anyone who signs up to ortho-k lenses through our Vision+ programme by the end of September. Ortho-k is available for patients with the following prescription: Spherical spectacle prescription of -5.00D Astigmatism of upto -2.50D Ortho-k is ideal for: People who want clear natural vision all day – every day Sporty or active people Young people – Ortho-k can help to reduce the progression of shortsightedness People who have considered laser surgery but are worried about the risks People who find contact lenses uncomfortable or specs inconvenient Please get in touch if you would like further information or to arrange an assessment. *An estimated 22% of the world’s population is myopic. Source: Holden, B; Sankaridurg, P; Smith, E; Aller, T; Jong, M; He, M (February 2014). “Myopia, an underrated global challenge to vision: where the current data takes us on myopia control.”. Eye (London, England). 28 (2): 142–6. doi:10.1038/eye.2013.256. PMC 3930268. PMID 24357836.

We are often asked about whether there is anything you can do to reduce the chance of becoming short-sighted. So we've compiled some advice on steps you can take, which is especially important for parents to be aware of as their children’s eyes develop. In the UK, one in three people will end up myopic, the medical term for short-sighted, where objects in the distance appear blurred. Mild to moderate myopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, however high levels of myopia can be far more problematic. As the degree of myopia increases, the lenses in your glasses get thicker, but more worryingly, the risk of developing additional eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration increases. Having family members who are short-sighted is a strong risk factor for developing it yourself. While we can’t do anything about our genetics there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of becoming short-sighted (myopic). Increase the amount of time spent outside each day. Research shows this is the single most beneficial step you can take to reduce the chance of developing myopia. The brightness of natural light and/or the far-off focus is thought to be the reason this is so effective. At least two hours a day is a good target. Take regular breaks from close work. Look away from close tasks, such as working on a computer or reading, for a minute or so to change focus, or vary tasks every 30-60 minutes to alter the focusing demands on your vision. Limit additional close work (over and above school or work) to two hours per day. This includes reading, hand held computer games, drawing, homework, computer work, phones and tablets. Keep your prescription up to date. Research shows that wearing the correct prescription slows the development of myopia, whereas wearing a prescription weaker than you require, speeds it up. Take vitamin D. There is some evidence that taking a vitamin D supplement can slow establishment of myopia. Start early. The earlier in life these steps are taken, the best chance they have of making a difference.   Visit our Myopia Management page for further information on the treatment of myopia.

Postage is always slow at this time of year, so please remember to order your contact lenses allowing plenty of time before your supply runs out. Ensure you aren’t without your lenses over the festive period.

Pioneering work recognised at Optician Awards We are delighted to announce that managing director, Ian Cameron, has been named UK Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year at this year’s Optician Awards. Recognising the specialist work he performs on a daily basis, the award is an acknowledgement of his work supporting those with complex eye conditions. A thrilled Ian said, “It is a great honour to receive this award, especially as the judging panel is made up of highly regarded optical industry experts. I am hugely passionate about the work I do and am always eager to help those with specialist eye conditions who had thought that they couldn’t wear contact lenses. Lenses have life-changing potential for some people, from babies who have had cataracts removed, to those who have complex conditions like keratoconus, it’s my job to find the right approach to ensure they can enjoy all the benefits that contact lenses can bring. “We are soon to launch a specialist myopia (short-sightedness) clinic for children in a bid to stop their vision deteriorating throughout their childhood, through the use of specialist contact lenses. This is an approach that has shown great results but parents, and even some optical professionals, are unaware of the potential benefits of contact lenses in halting the progression of myopia.” The award will sit alongside our Association of Optometrists (AOP) UK Practice of the Year award and Donald Cameron’s AOP Lifetime Achievement Award which he collected last year. You only get one pair of eyes, so you really should give them the best possible care. That is what everyone at Cameron Optometry aims to do every time a patient walks in to the practice. It has been an incredible few years for the practice and we are confident the success will continue in the coming years with our fantastic team here.

We are delighted to share that Ian has been shortlisted for the Contact Lens Practitioner of the Yearaward continuing our amazing award-winning streak – Practice of the Year, then Lifetime Achievement Award and now this. The awards are run by Optician Magazine, the leading independent UK journal for eye care professionals. It really is a great honour to be recognised alongside some highly regarded optometrists in the industry. The awards dinner is on 18 April so fingers are already crossed. We were also pleased to see many of our suppliers shortlisted as well. William Morris London, who produce some of the most stylish frames available are up for Frame of the Year. And we also stock many of the great products up for Contact Lens Product of the Year. Whatever the results, it’s sure to be a great night celebrating innovation and expertise in the optical industry.

After a frantic weekend of shopping for many, which kicked off with Black Friday, hoards of people have taken the quest for a deal to extremes. Now as we enter Cyber Monday, there appears to be little let up with footage on the news of people taking it too far shoving and scrapping for the latest deals on electrical goods and must-have toys for their little ones. It is understandable in times of austerity that people want to save money and when it comes to Christmas gift shopping, there are many deals to be had (whilst maintaining good old British etiquette of course!). However, contact lenses should not fall in to this “pile em high, sell em cheap” philosophy. Last week Groupon found itself in hot water as it promoted a deal on contact lenses. This offer was swiftly removed as it contravenes legislation if the purchaser does not have a current prescription issued by a registered contact lens practitioner. The legislation is there to protect the consumer and try to stop people purchasing contact lenses without proper advice. They are a medical product after all and should be treated as such. Ensuring you have the right lenses for your eyes is essential, as well as receiving the correct advice on how to look after them. If contact lenses become a commodity like TVs, then the number of cases of permanent eye damage caused by improper use, will rise.

World renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital has recently launched a campaign to encourage contact lens wearers to ensure they take care of their eyes. The hospital has seen a marked increase in cases of eye infections relating to contact lens wear. Most worryingly an increase in an infection called acanthamoeba keratitis which can be extremely difficult to treat and in the most serious cases, can see the patient require a corneal transplant. Tiny parasites called acanthamoeba can live in water so should your lenses come in contact with water the parasites can take up residence in your eye. If they aren’t killed through thorough cleaning, this serious infection can develop. This is a serious yet thankfully uncommon infection, however with cases of it on the increase, now is a good time to remind yourself of some basic guidance which applies to all lenses. • Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. • After removing your lenses, clean them immediately. Don’t store them without cleaning them first. Cleaning will remove mucus, protein, make up and debris that naturally build up on the surface during the day. • Never use tap water (or saliva!) to rinse your lenses or case. Microorganisms can build up in water, even distilled water, and can cause infections or even sight damage. • Ensure your lens case is kept clean. Replace your case every time you open a new bottle of solution. • Use clean solution every time. Don’t reuse or top up. • Do not sleep in your lenses unless advised by your optometrist. • Ideally lenses shouldn’t be worn when swimming but if you do wear them make sure you wear goggles to reduce the chance of contact with pool water. • Follow the cleaning guidelines you were given, using the recommended products. Doing this will reduce the chance of picking up a nasty eye infection. • Insert your lenses before applying make up. • Have an up to date pair of spectacles on hand should you pick up an infection. Many treatments require you to stop wearing your lenses for the duration of the treatment so don’t be caught without a backup. • Don’t use any eye drops without advice from your optometrist. Remember these three simple questions: • Do my eyes feel good with my lenses? You have no discomfort. • Do my eyes look good? You have no redness. • Do I see well? You have no unusual blurring with either eye. If the answer to any of these questions is no, take out your lenses and consult us straight away. Here’s a helpful video produced by Moorfields to guide you through the process for soft contact lenses and one for gas permeable lenses

As many of you know, one of our specialisms here is contact lenses so when stories come out about new developments, we all gather round with our morning coffee to discuss. Yesterday’s news regarding the licensing of Google’s ‘smart lens’ to Novartis lead to one of those discussions. We see many patients with diabetes, managing the unique issues they face as a result of the condition. I know this story will be of particular interest to them. The smart lenses are designed to measure the level of glucose in the wearers tears so could eliminate currently invasive ways of testing glucose levels, whilst correcting vision at the same time. The licensing of this technology means the possibility of diabetics benefitting from it is now one step closer. The lenses will probably fall under current contact lens regulation which means that they can only be fitted by a registered and qualified optometrist. As such we are likely to be fitting these ‘smart lenses’ when they eventually make it to market. That will be some years off, but we will follow the progress with great interest and the ‘smart lens’ is sure to be the basis of many more discussions around the coffee pot in the coming months and years.