Eye care advice

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

A new study shows promising signs that in the future an eye examination will be able to identify the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have identified that changes in the shape of the eye occur before signs of the disease are apparent. It is estimated that Parkinson’s disease affects 1 in 500 people, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disease. As such, it is possible that a routine eye examination would identify the condition when it is in its infancy, thus allowing it to be managed from the very early stages. Many people still view an eye examination as simply a test of vision, to identify how well you see. Even after an eye examination, many patients don’t realise what the optician has been looking for. Patients will leave knowing about their vision. Do they need glasses? Has their contact lens prescription changed? What they may not realise is everything else that the numerous tests have discounted. So what other conditions is your optometrist looking for? Diabetes Over time high glucose levels can weaken the blood vessels within the retina which would be identified in a routine eye examination. If left untreated diabetes can cause permanent vision loss.   High blood pressure Irregularly shaped blood vessels and tiny pinpoint haemorrhages in the eye, can be a signs of high blood pressure. Autoimmune disorders An inflamed eye could be a sign of many eye conditions including autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Cancers and tumours Eye cancer is very uncommon but is easily identified in an eye examination. In addition brain tumours can be picked up through the identification of an increase in intracranial pressure which often results in swelling of the optic disc. Cardiovascular disease/high cholesterol Your eyes contain a vast number of vessels and any blockages are easily identified by a scan using a top of the range scanner like the Optos Daytona which is used at Cameron Optometry. In addition little blobs of cholesterol can also be identified in a scan before a blockage occurs. Thyroid eye disease (Graves’ disease) Bulging eyes are a telltale sign of a thyroid problem, specifically thyroid eye disease also known as Graves’ disease. The eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye lead to a bulging of the eye, as well as the eyelids becoming swollen and red. Graves’ disease is a common sign of an overactive thyroid. Other eye conditions In addition to your vision, your optometrist will have examined your eyes in great detail to check for signs of eye conditions and disease including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, infections, blepharitis and many more conditions that may not show any symptoms at their early stages. So when you leave your eye examination with a new pair of glasses ordered, you can also leave with great reassurance. Reassurance that your optometrist has thoroughly examined your eyes and seen no reason for further investigation. Where anything potentially worrying is identified, your optometrist will ensure you are referred to the appropriate specialist for further investigation. Please ensure you have your eyes examined every two years and immediately if you notice any changes to your eyes or your vision. Book your comprehensive eye examination today.

Some children will receive vision screening either in nursery or in primary one, however this does not check the health of their eyes so a comprehensive eye examination is strongly advised. Whilst the majority of children have good eyesight, it is still highly recommended that they visit an optometrist at least every two years from pre-school and this is essential if there is a family history of a squint or high glasses/contact lens prescription. We have the most advanced technology available on the market which gives us the best possible view of your child’s eyes allowing us to check for any problems which may not be obvious. When an issue is detected early, it can be managed and in many cases reversed. The eye examination It is usually a fun experience for children and they enjoy all the technology and measurements, particularly having the chance to see inside their own eyes. Our examinations are tailored to children using specialised equipment so they do not have to be able to read or talk to be able to perform an eye examination. All eye examinations at Cameron Optometry are performed by highly experienced optometrists. On our site (under Children – Eye Fun) you'll find episodes of some of their favourite characters, including Peppa Pig and Topsy & Tim, having an eye examination which may help build their excitement ahead of their visit. What to look out for Most children assume that the way they see is normal so you cannot rely on them to tell you if things are wrong. As well as getting their eyes tested every two years, look out for the following: Headaches and sore eyes Difficulty concentrating Using fingers to track text or losing their place when reading Having issues with coordination for example when playing ball games Squinting or closing one eye when reading or watching television Showing sensitivity to light or the glare from a screen. Examinations for children in full-time education are free-of-charge. For further information please visit www.cameronoptom.com/children.

Last week I attended the ‘Glaucoma Wet Lab’. Officially for doctors, these are hands on practical events where you are offered the chance to practice surgical techniques on pigs eyes. Whilst I perform a huge range of tests and administer numerous treatments on a daily basis, I have never had the experience of eye surgery, so this was a fantastic experience for an eye enthusiast such as myself. During the training, which was sponsored by health care company, Allergan, we used proper operating microscopes, amazing instruments which are worth about £500K each, as well as high grade surgical instruments. I, alongside a number of doctors, performed a ‘trabeculectomy’ which is a technique to reduce the pressure in the eye used when glaucoma drops alone aren’t working. It essentially involves making a new drainage channel in the eye to relieve the pressure. You can watch it here if you like, it’s a less gruesome animation of the technique. There were lectures from the consultants, who assisted each of us with the surgery. I performed pretty admirably with scalpel in hand but the sutures were lot trickier to secure than I’d imagined. Still much to learn but great fun and a fantastic insight. I now have an incredibly detailed understanding of this operation, allowing me to better manage patients who have had it done, with a clearer understanding of the potential complications. Although I’ll never perform this surgery on a human, it is far better to train yourself beyond your current level of knowledge and expertise than simply repeat what you already know. This has given me new insight into this area, and in fact greater confidence about minor surgical procedures like removing foreign bodies. We are an incredibly passionate team of eye care professionals at Cameron Optometry and never miss an opportunity to further our training. Some opticians go into work every day, do their job, and go home. Our team are complete eye enthusiasts, we live and breath eyes. Eyes are our passion. We aren’t ashamed to admit, we are a team of eye geeks!

We’re supporting National Glaucoma Week (6-12 June) and encouraging people to book an eye exam to check for signs of the disease. An estimated 600,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, with potentially another 300,000 having undiagnosed glaucoma (source: www.glaucoma-association.com). Beat invisible glaucoma Over the years we’ve detected many cases glaucoma through simple tests before patients had any idea they had the early stages of the condition. Many are surprised that glaucoma doesn’t usually cause symptoms until it is quite advanced. It can be detected much earlier with three tests carried out as part of our comprehensive eye exam. If there is history of glaucoma in your family then you’re probably aware of the importance of having regular eye tests. However it isn’t always genetic and early detection saves sight. Over 90% of those who have the symptoms detected early will retain sight for life and it is the main cause of preventable blindness. Signs of glaucoma, and other eye ailments can be detected in a regular eye test. Key factors which increase the chance of glaucoma: other family members suffering from the condition more common in older age people with severe short-sightedness are known to be at increased risk people of African-Caribbean origin are four times more likely to develop glaucoma people with diabetes may also have an increased risk. For more information about glaucoma please browse our website or make an appointment on 0131 225 2235.

Children are encouraged to enjoy books from a young age, and learning to read is a huge part of their early years at school. Therefore, for parents, seeing your child struggling to read can be worrying. However if your child is having difficulty reading it may be a sign of visual stress. What is visual stress? Visual stress causes an individual to have difficulty when reading. They may experience light sensitivity, headaches or other ‘stresses’ which are brought on by looking at text at close distance. Reading can become very tiring and uncomfortable for children with visual stress. What are the symptoms? Someone with visual stress may experience symptoms such as moving text, blurred text, patterns, lights or blobs of colour appearing on the page or sore head or eyes, when they read. What signs might parents notice if their child has visual stress? Your child may be struggling to concentrate on homework or visual tasks for any length of time. They might fidget while doing work, or move the task nearer or further away. Your child might miss words or lines when reading, frequently re-reading the same line or rubbing their eyes. Visual stress and dyslexia Visual stress is not the same as dyslexia, however people with dyslexia may well experience visual stress. By treating visual stress, some of the difficulties caused by dyslexia may be alleviated. How can visual stress be treated? Some cases of visual stress can be treated easily by changing the colour of background that they read on. A simple colour overlay can make a huge difference, as it is often the glare from a white background that causes many of the symptoms. Tinted reading glasses can also be worn. What do I do if my child has the signs of visual stress? Make an appointment with your optometrist, ensure they have experience in diagnosing visual stress. They will be able to identify it quickly and be able to assist in treating the symptoms, referring them to an expert if required. For further information on dyslexia and the eyes please visit the British Dyslexia Association.

With one in ten faking results because they want to wear glasses! A recent survey has found that over half (54%) of Britons have lied to their optometrist. When it comes to your eyes, examinations are there to help identify issues, many of which can be rectified if identified early enough. And although we’re quite sure none of our patients fall into this category, it is worth reiterating the importance of being open and honest when you visit your optometrist. Nearly half (44%) said they wanted to impress their optician or optometrist, as if poor eyesight is something to be ashamed of. The most worrying statistic was the fifth of respondents who said that they lied about existing eye pain, which can obviously be an indicator of a serious issue affecting your eye health. And serious message aside, we were amused to see that the research by health group Optegra, also found that one in ten faked their results because they wanted prescription glasses! We get this a lot with children, however were surprised that adults were at it too… Make sure you don’t waste an eye examination by trying to fiddle the results or not disclosing information relating to your eyes or general health. And for all you out there who want a shiny new pair of designer glasses but don’t need them…we can easily provide you with glasses with no prescription and promise not to let your secret out 😉

The first thing to say is, retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer in children, is very rare. However, because it is rare, there is little awareness of the symptoms or even its existence. It is a fast growing cancer so early detection is essential. Most common in children under the age of six, the survival rate is high but it is essential that parents and carers know what to look out for. Change in iris colour, usually in just one eye. A squint or lazy eye – a common issue in young children and one that is usually not a sign of retinoblastoma, but something that you must get checked by an optometrist. A red, sore or swollen eye – a common symptom of conjunctivitis and other eye infections but again something that needs to be examined by an expert. Unlike with eye infections, the red, swollen eye will not be accompanied any discharge. A white eye or glow in one or both eyes or no ‘red eye’ in photos. If you take a photo of your child and one eye is red in the picture but the other isn’t this could be a sign that needs investigated further. Deterioration in eyesight – something that you should always have explored by your optometrist. Again, like many of these symptoms, more often than not this should not be a cause for serious concern but should always be examined. About half of retinoblastoma cases are a result of a faulty gene which results in the condition affecting both eyes. The cause of non-genetic cases is unknown and in these cases only one eye will be affected. Early treatment is very effective and relatively non-invasive. If left untreated, the concern is that the cancer could spread to other parts of the body. Any signs of retinoblastoma will be picked up in a routine eye examination. Yet another reason it is essential that you should take your child to see an optometrist at least every two years. And trust your instincts. If you notice any changes in your child’s vision or eyes, book in with your optometrist for a thorough eye examination. At Cameron Optometry we ensure children receive a comprehensive eye examination using market-leading technology, to give you complete peace of mind. Eye examinations for children in full-time education are free. If you want more information on retinoblastoma, the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust CHECT, has a wealth of useful information on its site and provides invaluable support to those affected by the disease.

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.

We’ve been shortlisted for another award! As some of you may be aware Ian Cameron currently holds the title of UK Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year With that success behind us, along with the UK Practice of the Year award we won a couple of years ago, we are delighted to let you know that we’re finalists again! This time, we are up for UK Technology Practice of the Year at the annual Optician Awards. We’re delighted and honoured that a team of optical industry experts have short-listed us for this award. We place a real emphasis on the use of market-leading technology and hopefully you have experienced its use first hand in the practice. We invest heavily in technology, ensuring that we provide patients with the most thorough eye care available in the country. It doesn’t end with the installation of the impressive looking equipment. Our highly trained staff are able to expertly analyse the findings, giving great reassurance to patients. It is not just our shiny scanners that have seen us shortlisted for this award. It’s our use of other forms of technology. For example, we are delighted to share scans online with patients, whether it’s sharing it with other health professionals, or simply because your child wants to show their friends the inside of their eyeball! Behind the scenes, we ensure the practice runs smoothly for the benefit of our patients, utilising technology to ensure ease of access and communication with patients. And soon, we’ll be one of the few optometrists (or opticians) to offer online booking on our new website. OK, a bit of trumpet blowing there, but we’re pretty chuffed and we want patients to feel 100% confident that by coming to Cameron Optometry they are receiving the highest level of eye care available. Now to get the glad rags ready for the awards night in April.

If you are short-sighted (myopic) the chance of your child becoming short-sighted significantly increases. We can now slow the progression of short-sightedness by up to 50% using specialised contact lenses in children as young as six. There have been two significant studies already this year on the alarming increase in short-sightedness (myopia) amongst children in both the UK and the US. The dramatic increase in cases has seen many optical experts draw conclusions as to why this is happening. Children spending more time looking at screens and less time outside being one common conclusion but there are no definitive answers to this growing problem. What we do know is, if a child has a parent who is short-sighted their chance of becoming short-sighted increases by three times, and if both parents are short-sighted, that figure increases to seven times. This remains the primary predictor that a child will develop myopia. Genetics are not something that can be controlled, however if a child is found to be short-sighted we can act to slow the progression. We need to make people understand the variations of myopia. Low to medium levels mean that your child will have to wear contact lenses or glasses, an adjustment that many adapt to easily. However, high levels of myopia can lead to serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and retinal detachment in later life. These conditions can cause serious visual impairment. It is the progression to high levels of myopia that we need to halt, and if we can ensure your child’s level stays in the ‘low’ parameters, all the better. This is the aim of Myopia Management (also referred to as Myopia Control), to ensure that levels stay as low as possible. The time to act is childhood when the eyes are developing quickly. Slowing the progression at this stage could be the difference between low and high levels of myopia. Children in our Myopia Management programme wear specialised contact lenses which aim to slow the progression of myopia or short-sightedness by up to 50%. What can I do? If either parent is short-sighted, make a concerted effort to ensure your child’s eyes are examined at least every two years from pre-school. This way any indication that they might be short-sighted can be identified and managed before the condition progresses. And if you know your child is short-sighted and you would like to hear more about Myopia Management, book in to see one of our optometrists who have specialist training in this area. For further information on Myopia Management can be found here. Our next blog will look at steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of becoming short-sighted.

This coming Wednesday (4 November 2015), the Nystagmus Network is encouraging people to hold events to raise awareness of the condition that affects around one in 1,000 people in Scotland. ‘Wobbly Wednesday’ events will raise funds, but more importantly awareness and understanding, of a condition that is characterised by an involuntary movement of the eyes, which often results in seriously reduced vision. We have many patients with nystagmus and are especially pleased to help raise awareness of the condition. A Wobbly Wednesday walkabout to a wobbly jelly afternoon tea, there are lots of easy ways to support this event. The condition, which ranges in severity, can result in those with nystagmus being unable to drive or use a computer. Contact lenses and glasses can result in improved vision however will not reduce the uncontrolled to and fro eye movement. Nystagmus and contact lenses For a condition that affects an estimated 60,000 people across the UK, it always surprises us how low awareness levels are and those who are diagnosed with nystagmus can feel isolated and unsure of the best options available to them. In our experience those with the condition usually do better with contact lenses. Soft lenses have the flexibility to move with the eye so they are always looking through the lens. This is especially true if their ‘null point’ (the angle at which the eyes move least) is off to the side, which it is in most cases. You might notice people with nystagmus turn their head to one side a lot – this is where their eyes move least and the vision is most stable and therefore best. There is also some argument that wearing rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses provide physical feedback to the brain that the eyes are moving and may reduce the level of the ‘wobble’ – a benefit of them being rigid and less comfortable than soft lenses. This is an example of where a ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t work. The majority of our patients find soft lenses to be the best solution, however a handful have found RGPs to be more effective in controlling their condition. Nystagmus is often a symptom of other conditions such as albinism, aniridia or achromatopsia so the complete picture must always be considered before working with the patient to agree the most appropriate way to manage it. For further information on how you can support Wobbly Wednesday and to access a range of resources visit www.nystagmusnet.org. Or to donate to the charity text WWNN15 £10 to 70070.

There has been some coverage in the media regarding an advert, which has since been banned, which highlighted potentially harmful effects of blue light. It is a topic that has received a lot of coverage as people become glued to their smart phones, morning, noon and night. The question is will blue light lead to irreversible damage to the eyesight? Whether you use smart phones, tablets, computers or not, we are all exposed to blue light as it is present in sunlight and it is actually essential for the body to help regulate our sleep/wake cycle. However the strong energy emitted from blue light is known to cause fatigue to the eyes. It may also cause stress to the pigment cells of the retina leading to macular changes in some susceptible individuals. At this stage there is insufficient evidence to prove a direct link between blue light and retinal damage. More research is needed to know exactly what the links are between blue light and macular degeneration. While blue light may be an element, the leading risk factors for this are still smoking and having a family history of macular disease. While good sunglasses are still the best way to block out potentially harmful light form the sun, there are now blue light filtering spectacle lenses available to wear indoors. These block out the harmful blue rays and let the good blue in. The lenses can also be useful in reducing the fatigue experienced when spending a day at a computer or with hand held devices, so may be helpful from a comfort perspective, but although whether they protect the eyes from damage is still not proven. If you are worried about the effects of blue light on your eyesight, please speak to your optometrist.

Each week around 10 children are diagnosed with brain tumours in the UK. There are many symptoms that could indicate a brain tumour such as headaches, vomiting and difficulty with balance. There are also signs that can be picked up during a routine eye examination including abnormal and uncontrolled eye movements, blurred or double vision, deteriorating vision and swelling of the optic disc. The majority of the time when a child presents any of these symptoms, the diagnosis is not a brain tumour, however an optometrist with the appropriate training will be able to make a judgment over whether more investigation is required and will refer the child accordingly. Having recently taken part in Headsmart training to increase our awareness of paediatric brain tumours, we have the expertise to know when we should refer a child or when there is another explanation to the presenting signs. This is just another reason why we are so eager to encourage parents to get their child’s eyes examined regularly. A comprehensive eye examination will last around an hour, during which time numerous tests will be carried out in a bid to establish whether your child has any issues with their vision but will also look at some wider health conditions. A recent study by Blind UK found that still approximately two million parents have never taken their child to an optometrist or optician, with many assuming children will have their eyes examined at school. This is not always the case and the basic test performed in schools does not include in-depth analysis of a child’s eye health as the optician will not have the equipment on hand for a comprehensive eye examination. If you’re child hasn’t had their eye examined in the last two years, please book them an appointment today with a qualified optometrist.

Sadly as we get over the risk of falling increases. You are most at risk of a fall if you are over 75, female, are taking certain medication, have fallen before, and/or have conditions including Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, diabetes or dementia. There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of falling. Here are some points to consider: • Ensure you attend your optometrist regularly, at least once a year if you are over 65 and whenever you notice any changes to your vision. • Have good lighting in the home. Ensure you have bright light bulbs that come on at full power, as opposed to taking some time to brighten up. Ensure you also have lamps where you need them, for example where you regularly sit to read. • Also place nightlights in areas such as bathrooms, hallways and bedrooms if you get up during the night. • Make sure your home is free from trip hazards, such as badly fitted carpets, and if you have rugs ensure they are secured to the floor. • If you have been advised by your optometrist to wear glasses for distance (long-sightedness), ensure you wear them both in and out of your home. • Wear suitable footwear both indoors and outdoors, ensuring all your footwear is sturdy with good grips on the soles. • Where possible have a contrast in colour on your stairs, such as black edges, so they are easily definable. Fitting non-slip treads to stairs is also advisable. • Wear sunglasses in bright light to avoid being dazzled by the sun. • Use non-slip mats in baths and showers. • Keep moving, ensuring you are physically active will improve strength and balance which will reduce you chances of falling. If you are concerned about falling, please speak to your GP.

As part of National Eye Health Week (21-28 September) we welcome guest blogger David Cartwright, Chair of the week, to discuss some of the concerning issues facing our country’s eye health. Our ageing population and unhealthy lifestyles are fuelling a steep decline in our vision. Right now almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss and forecasters predict a further half a million could lose their sight by the year 2020. Focus on eye health Poor eye health places a huge economic and social burden on the UK. In 2013 sight loss cost the economy almost £8 billion. Yet, according to research conducted by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) half of all sight loss is avoidable. By far the biggest risk to eye health is poor uptake of sight tests. Twenty million of us fail to have our eyes checked once every two years, as recommended, and one in 10 of us have never had an eye examination. Essential health check Sight tests are an essential health check. Not only can they assess your visual acuity and detect eye conditions, such as glaucoma, before they cause irreversible vision loss, they can also uncover signs of general health problems including diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Getting your sight tested is easy – there are qualified optometrists on almost every high street and for many of us it’s absolutely free. More than 30 million people in the UK are eligible for free sight tests paid for by the NHS, and millions more are entitled to tests paid for by their employer. Regular sight tests are particularly important for children, the over 60s, people with a family history of eye disease, those with underlying systemic health conditions, such as diabetes and people of certain ethnic origins who have an increased risk of eye disease. Lifestyle matters Poor lifestyle choices pose another big threat to the UK’s eye health. Sight loss linked to obesity and smoking is a growing trend amongst younger generations. A poor diet, a high Body Mass Index (BMI), failing to protect your eyes from UV and a sedentary lifestyle can all have damaging affect your eye health. As can smoking – smokers have a substantially increased risk of suffering common sight threatening eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. For those whose sight loss is unavoidable there are some important medical developments on the horizon. Eye research charities like Fight for Sight and the National Eye Research Centre are funding pioneering research into some of the most common causes of sight loss whilst advances in stem cell therapies, laser treatments, ophthalmic drugs and lens technologies are all helping make sight loss a thing of the past. Whatever you do this Week (21 – 27 September) make sure do something to ensure your eyes and vision stay healthy now and in the future. If you make one change after reading this blog, please make it a commitment to having a regular eye examination.

Gillian shares her motivations for competing for this invaluable charity Running is a wonderful sport. It requires little more than a pair of trainers and some get up and go. The World Athletic Championships will start later this month and when everyone lines up at the start line, what will inspire me, is the idea that no matter where they are from, or how wealthy they are, they are all on an equal playing field. Sadly this equality is not present in all areas of life, in particular when it comes to health care. Thankfully charities like Vision Aid Overseas are helping to address the issue of inequality in eye care. I have been involved with the charity since I qualified as an optometrist and have been able to see first hand, the results of the great work they do. The charity is dedicated to transforming access to eye care in developing countries. They utilise optometry volunteers from the UK to provide eye examinations in health centres and rural settings. Latterly they have also been heavily involved in training local people in VAO health centres with the aim of eventually seeing the countries reach self-sufficiency. The need for the charity is great with around 670 million people, 10% of the world's population, disadvantaged by poor vision due to a lack of spectacles. That means 670 million people with healthy eyes, do not see, simply because they don’t have spectacles. If you wear spectacles you will appreciate just how challenging your day would be without them. Imagine the educational, occupational and social disadvantage that people with similar prescriptions face. I have undertaken a number of sporting challenges before, ranging from endurance events such as Tough Mudder to the London Marathon. In November I will take on a new challenge: The Ethiopian Great Run, running at altitude in the highest city in Africa. A challenge I am taking on to raise essential funds for those in need of basic eye care. I have quite a substantial sponsorship target to reach and I would be thrilled with any donations people can afford to give. Thank you! You can donate to Gillian by visiting her Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/Gillian-Bruce1

There was a worrying article in this week’s Optician Magazine summarising research that has found that patients are developing cataracts at an earlier age. A third of British adults knew someone who had been diagnosed with cataracts in their 50s or 60s, much younger than a decade ago. Even those in their 40s are reporting signs of cataracts. The impact of UV, trauma, diabetes and other eye issues, like high levels of myopia were highlighted as possible causes for this trend. The research by Optegra Eye Health Care also found that 12% were unable to identify any symptoms of cataracts, which include cloudy vision, glare, colours seeming faded, poor night vision and double vision. Not to sound like a broken record, but this is yet another reason why regular eye examinations are essential, at least every two years and if you notice any changes in your vision you should book an appointment immediately. Cataract surgery is very successful and there is a window of opportunity to carry it out when the chances of success are highest – we can guide you on the right time to intervene so come and see us.

We are delighted to welcome Andrea Salgado to the team at Cameron Optometry. Before joining us, Andrea was an optometrist living and working in Madrid, specialising in contact lenses in particular Ortho-K lenses, which are worn overnight to correct short-sightedness. Andrea has been using theses lenses to successfully correct her myopia for over 10 years. In her new role she is a member of the pre-screening department in the practice, performing a range of tests and scans to ensure the optometrists have a full picture of the patient’s eyes health. Using the most high tech equipment including the highly detailed Optos Daytona scanner, Andrea is the first port of call when patients arrive for an appointment. Andrea is passionate about helping patients appreciate the value of looking after their eyes. On her appointment, she said, “In my opinion it is the leading practice in its field and it was exactly the kind of environment I was looking for in Spain. Cameron Optometry’s approach to eye health is the same as mine and the quality of care is exceptional. It is exciting to be part of such a practice.” Managing director, Ian Cameron added, “We are delighted to welcome Andrea to the practice. Her role is essential in ensuring that we are able to develop a detailed picture of each patient’s eyes, which is essential for us in making any diagnoses. We are fortunate to have such a highly qualified individual in our pre-screening department, and her experience is hugely beneficial to our optometrists and patients alike.”

A study out this week has found that yet again the rate of myopia (short-sightedness) in young people is on the rise. Now more common between aged 25 and 29 than those aged 55 to 59, with as many as half of this age group suffering from the condition. The research from King's College London also found that those with a higher education are more likely to suffer from myopia than those who left school at 16. It is still not clear exactly why people develop myopia however, these findings further indicate that people who spend more time working on computers and reading, seem more likely to suffer the condition. The research also suggests another contributing factor could be the lack of time spent outdoors. In response to research like this, Cameron Optometry is soon to launch a myopia control clinic that will work to halt the progression of myopia in young children. The use of contact lenses in childhood can make a real difference in a bid to ensure that by the time children become adults, their myopia has not deteriorated as it would if left untreated. Severe myopia can lead to more serious eye conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment reaffirming the need for myopia control.

The Shark documentary on BBC 1 last night was fascinating (and a pleasant break from GE coverage!). Sharks have a bad reputation, not least as a result of the 1970’s blockbuster, Jaws. But actually they are a species that pose very little threat to humans and instead are truly majestic creatures. You may think this is a little off topic. What do they have to do with the human eye? Well you might be surprised to learn that the shark’s eye structure is very similar to that of a human’s eye with a cornea, lens, retina, pupil and iris. In fact so similar that the shark cornea has been used in human eye surgery. However the eye surround is very different. Many sharks don’t blink, they just use their eyelids when they need protection and rarely close their eyes. Some don’t even have eyelids, instead species like the great white roll their eyes into their head when they need protection, usually when feeding. They also have the ability to see in the dark due to the eye tissue called the tapetum lucidum which can lead to their eyes appearing to glow in the dark, much like the household cat. From the goblin shark to the tasselled wobbegong, there is a lot more to the species than the great white which stole the show in the Steven Spielberg thriller. We need to preserve the lives and habitats of this remarkable predator.

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.

Further to a report calling for tighter regulations in the laser eye sector, Ian appeared as an expert guest on BBC Radio Scotland to discuss the procedure. At the moment anyone who is a qualified doctor, such as a GP, can perform laser eye surgery without any specialist eye training.The feature also follows protests this week by individuals who feel they have experienced ‘botched’ laser eye surgery, reiterating calls for tighter regulation. Ian discussed what is involved in laser eye surgery, a process where the front of the eye is reshaped to change the prescription. In an industry that is currently booming, he pointed out that it takes regulators time to catch up and this is what is required in this case. He also discussed the lack of transparency in a sector where private companies are not obliged to publish their statistics so the estimate that around one in twenty people experience problems with the procedure, could in fact be higher. The advice from Ian is to make sure you fully research your specific surgeon, not just the clinic. Check out their training, reputation and experience in the specific area and ensure that you are always treated by that individual. In addition, ask your own optometrist for a recommendation before undertaking a procedure, which if it goes wrong, could leave you with permanent eye damage. Listen to Ian’s thoughts and advice here. document.createElement('audio'); https://www.cameronoptom.com/audio/Laser_surgery.mp3

As pressure on GP surgeries mount and patient groups call for better access to doctors, pharmacists are being lined up to assist in relieving this pressure. Optometrists could also play a role in freeing up GPs. This article from the BBC states that pharmacists will need further training before this can happen. However, this is not the case with optometrists, as we regularly treat patients with eye ailments, prescribing medication where required. However what is required is education and communication. When patients have eye ailments, they need to be encouraged to think optometrist not GP. We’ve covered this topic before in articles about how optometrists can alleviate pressure on A & E departments and we have highlighted how many GPs lack confidence in treating eyes. I would like to see the optical industry putting similar proposals forwardin Scotland to encourage health professionals across the country to combine with the optical industry to ensure that when people have issues with their eyes, their first port of call is their optometrist.

As Friday morning’s celestial spectacle nears, people are flocking to Scotland for the best view of the first eclipse in over 15 years. Not to be the ones to spoil a party, we must take this opportunity to reiterate the words from the Association of Optometrists regarding the damage that looking directly at the eclipse could do to your eyes.A glance for even a minute could lead to you burning the back of your eyes. Ensure you don’t look directly at the sun and please don’t see it as the opportunity for the perfect solar selfie. Doing so puts you at risk of blindness as you will undoubtedly keep looking up to see when your moment to snap is upon you. Binoculars and cameras are a no no as they will concentrate the already powerful rays into your eye. Leave the photography to the experts with the super solar filters.Pinhole cameras are another option if you can get your hands on one, or if you want to make your own Blue-Peter-style follow the steps in this BBC article. Specifically designed eclipse-viewing glasses are also available to buy quite cheaply. Sunglasses on the other hand will provide no protection. For those of you stuck in the office, you’ll be pleased to hear that the safest way to view it is on TV or online. If you have a bit of time on your hands and want to learn all there is to know on the subject of eclipse viewing, the Royal Astronomical Society have a PDF you can download here.