There are commonly reasons why the eye lids can feel itchy, sore and inflamed. This can cause frequent blinking in children and an  urge to scratch the eyelids often.

An eye condition called Blepharitis affects the base of the eye lashes and edges of the eyelid margins. Not sure if you have this condition, an eye test by an optometrist can easily identify this.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a chronic condition which means it can persist and return even after Hygiene treatment.

An inflammation leads to a build up of crusty/greasy deposits on the skin and the eyelashes.

This leaves your eyes feeling gritty, sore and red with scaly deposits on the eyelid margins.

What can make Blepharitis worse?

The condition may be made worse if suffer from eczema, scalp dryness and dandruff. Certain dusty environments can also make the symptoms worse. If you wear make up, this should be removed totally prior to going to bed.

If left untreated over a duration the individual will be prone to Styes ( red lid margin swollen infection), cysts and conjunctivitis.

Is there a treatment of Blepharitis?

Being a chronic condition, management of the Blepharitis is achieved through regular cleaning of your eyelids.

A solution of warm water and baby shampoo will vastly enhance the reduction of deposits and hence the inflammation and symptoms. Even after the eyelids are free from crusting, management should be undertaken to prevent the Blepharitis from returning.

How to clean your eyelids using Diluted Baby Shampoo solution.

*Mix one teaspoonful of mild baby SHAMPOO into a cup full of warm tap water.

* Baby shampoo is acting like a mild degrease agent, and should not sting or hurt on application.

( NOT lotion or baby oil, Johnson’s no tears baby shampoo or any brand will suffice)

*Dip a clean cotton tipped bud/ disposable cotton make up removed pad into this diluted baby shampoo solution.

*Using the cotton tip/pad gently scrub the edges of the eyelids and between the eyelashes thoroughly to remove any crusting and scaly deposits.

* If you prefer a clean new flannel wrapped around a finger can be used, but this should not be shared and not used for any other purpose.

*Which ever method employed, care must taken not to touch the eye or apply excessive pressure to the eyeball.

*Repeat the procedure on the other eye using a different cotton bud/pad or corner of the flannel.

*Rinse the eyelids thoroughly after cleaning using warm tap water.

**Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cleaning your eyelids. (Avoid cross infections and transfer of bacteria)

***Always use a fresh solution each time you clean the eyelid margins.

*To be of benefit this regime must be followed strictly twice a day for one month, then twice weekly afterward to prevent re-occurrence. If the Blepharitis is very crusty, oily and flaky, thus alot of stubborn scaling present.

I also suggest the following, to open pores, melt and allow better removal of the greasy deposits. Apply a hot flannel or cotton pad compress prior to cleaning(as hot as you can bear) to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes. This can be done to provide relief in between cleaning also.

Need an Eye Test? Remember a visit to the Optician is the advised for treatment of red sore, itchy eyes. In some cases prescribed drops/ ointment is required to help. Always get a professional eye exam first. Book an online eye test here.

Most people work with Visual Display Units VDU in some form or another. Laptops, Personal computers and workstation screens in the office environment. The numbers of hours  we spend  sitting infront of computer is increasing all the time, be it a project for work, reading emails, data entry.

There is no escaping the fact that in the Information Age VDU’s and LCD screens are a part of a daily lives. In this fast paced world and pressures in life in can be difficult to take breaks.

The majority of VDU users are aware of best practice for seating position, height and position of the screen, but they are not aware of dry eyes due to infrequent blinking and taking visual eye breaks. So how can you  reduce the  Eyestrain on your eyes: Follow these Tips to help and make sure attend for a Regular Eye exam.

Take a VDU Break after 40-50 mins.

After approximately 40-50 minutes of repetitive viewing  take a short visual break.

A 5 minute break is recommended but no always achievable in today hectic schedules and work deadlines.  We recommend the Visual Focus break tip, as an alternative, which can be done if these 5 minutes breaks can not be realistically put into practice.

During a breaks undertaking simple exercises:

While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise whilst taking deep gentle breaths. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. This exercise only takes a minute and can be repeated many times before getting back to work.

Keep your eyes moist and fresh

Blinking  both eyes several times completely will introduce tears across the surface, VDU users tend not to blink as often when concentrating on the a Visual task.

During breaks, splash water on your face while the  eyes are closed. This helps you feel refreshed after long sessions on the computer.

Look away from the Screen | Take Visual Focus Breaks Every 10 mins

Whilst sat in the seated position still at your workstation turn your head away from your screen and look at distant objects either at the far end of the  office or outside of a window.

An internal lens in the eye is working hard when viewing close objects within arm length distance, this lens is relaxed when viewing a distance object ( over 6 meters away). Looking at a distant object momentarily for  20-30 secs and then returning to the VDU screen helps your eyes relax and focus better.  Try this every 10 mins.

Palming Technique.

At your desk and  rub both hands together till the Palms are warm. ( just like Mr Miyagi clapped his hands, rubbed them together in karate kid movie).  The warmth transfer from your palms will  soothe and relax tired eyes, and keep blood flowing.

Gently cup  your palms over the  eye socket lightly without pressure being applied* and relax for  1 minute. Repeat this exercise two to three times when you feel your eyes are tired, or as often as you want.

( *EYES NOT TO BE PRESSED).

Drink Plenty of water

It helps reduce puffiness and red eyes. A person can become dehydrated, especially in an air-conditioned office, the body starts storing water as a defence mechanism. This adds to puffiness around the eyes and can be the cause of headaches. So drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Eat healthy

Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis as part of your daily diet. These can be found naturally by eating fresh citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables like  spinach, broccoli. The anti-oxidant  properties help maintain the eye health and function.

VDU EYE TEST

Employers and companies are obliged to offer an eye test if you work on a VDU or Computer for certain numbers of hours. Claim your entitlement, see your supervisor or HR rep. Book an Eye test online here to get a through eye examination.

Recommended every 12 months, having an eye test can answer some the questions about the changes that may occur or have occurred in a diabetic eye.
An optometrist is a health professional who can discuss the affects of diabetes on the eye.

Eye testing the Retina and Macula.

Several important areas of the eye can be affected by diabetes and lead to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, where tiny blood vessels become affected.
The retina surface lining at the back part of the eye is where light falls from the images we see.

The macula is a small central part of the retina and most important for fine detail vision.
area be used most of the time. Reading this requires the use of the macula, and is vital for colour vision and seeing in detail. Rest of the Retina is used for seeing things around you and to see in the dark.

Diabetic retinopathy | Risks in Diabetics.

All people with diabetes are at some risk of getting diabetic retinopathy, this holds true regardless of the type of diabetes control.
Type one Early onset diabetes Insulin controlled diabetes or Type 2 late onset diet or tablet controlled are both at risk of diabetic retinopathy.
A greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy occurs IF:

*You have diabetes for a long time (you may have had diabetes longer than when initial diagnosis confirmed)

*Your diabetes is poorly controlled (poor dietary intake or not taking measures of control seriously)

*You have other conditions like High blood Pressure.

*You are on Insulin Treatment

Book an eye test today,  retinal screening in diabetes is important

During an eye test your optometrist will check the functioning of the frontal areas like the pupil, iris, ocular muscles and the back of the eye structures like the Retina.

At a cost of only additional £10 why not give yourself peace of mind. Book an eye test with digital retinal photograph  with Vision Express using the latest technology.

Although recognized as one of the most effective diagnostic procedures, sadly digital retinal photography is not funded by the National Health Service currently.

Eye Testing  with Advanced and Latest Eye Examination Techniques

Retina at the back surface of the eye, transforms the incoming light into nerve impulses. The optic nerve transmits and relays  information to the brains visual processing center. The retina is collection of layers which have vital photo receptors numbering into the millions.

Benefits of having a digital Retinal photograph:

*A high quality photograph can be taken to provide a detailed image of the retina.

*Permanent photographic reference of your eye health allows the patient to see what the optometrist sees.

*Easy to review on future visits. Changes can be picked up easily instead of interpretation of notes.

*Retinal image tells you about the bodies general health and helps the optometrist discuss eye health with you.

*Early signs of associated medical conditions, such as Diabetes, Glaucoma and High blood pressure and Age Related Macular Degeneration.

*Early Presence of active disease, infections (especially for cat and dog owners) and Melanomas, Cancer Tumors.

*Early detection and referral to ophthalmologist for retinal tears, holes and damage scarring

* Abnormalities and small changes over time can be noted and compared with previous notes. Low Iron levels , Anemia, Cholesterol, Arteriosclerosis, risk of loss of vision.

Ability to see big picture digitally zoom and magnification can help look  for minute details, to give better assessment.

Allows the optometrist to study the retina as a whole rather than in several smaller views.

Having retinal photographs taken is painless process of capturing retinal images usually only takes a few minutes

Start your eye health regime today and the book your eye test and digital retinal photograph for only £10. Optometrist consultation and discussion  plus Online encrypted access to your image provided free of charge.

Half price test if book  an eye test online HERE today.

Colour eye testing is carried by the optometrist using Ishihara plates or City University Colour Vision test on children and some adults particularly in males.

There are two types of color blind tests: screening tests that can detect the presence of a color vision problem, and more detailed quantitative tests that can detect a color vision deficiency and determine the type and severity of color blindness.

Colour Vision Testing | High Street Optician a screening test is commonly used

The Ishihara Color Vision Test consists of a booklet or plates with each page displaying  a circle pattern comprising many dots of various colors, brightness and sizes.
The colour bubbles arranged so a person with normal colour vision will see a single-digit or two-digit number within pattern of dots, while a colorblind person will either be unable to see a number or will see a different number than the one seen by a person with normal color vision.

Colour Vision Blindness | What is it?

Color blindness is a defect in the way that the cones in the eye register the light. The term should not be color blind, because, in effect, the person can see color, they just perceive it incorrectly due to their cones’ ability to detect certain lights in the color spectrum. Some have termed this Color Vision deficiency

Colour vision test is a necessity in occupations where good colour differentiation is required.

Typically, navigation and aviation are careers that are closed to those who have been tested and proven to have Colour Vision Deficiency or anomaly
Police, armed forces positions require that no color blindness exist to impair their duties. But, these requirements vary from area to area.

Medical Occupations like Surgeons are also closed to the individual who can not distinguish between certain colours.

An electrician or BT engineers  have a colour vision test for distinguishing wiring correctly. An eye test is important at an early age especially when considering your career choices and options.

Colour Vision Testing is important  | Book an eye test today.

Colour vision deficiency test|City University COLOUR VISION TEST third edition.

A well known color blindness test called City University Color Vision Test is available in a print version and often used to identify tritan deficiencies.

This test is derived from the well known D15 color arrangement test commonly found in eye hospital departments. A series of  different plates, where out of four dots the one which comes closest to a central dot has to be selected. Individuals with a very mild form of color blindness, you will pass this test. However the City University Test allows the Optometrist to  identify the type and approximate severity of color blindness.

Colour Vision Deficiency | Politically Correct Description

A colour deficiency test rather than the term colour blindness test should be used. Although rare individuals exist which can only see shades of Grey, most patients can see colours to varying degrees.

Colour Vision Testing is important  | Book an eye test today.

(1)Decide why you are visiting the optician. e.g The reason for visit.

An eye test sounds like the obvious answer, but there maybe many reasons for an eye test appointment.
A routine visit  or regular check up appointment or have specific eye symptoms.
The optician will ask the Primary reason for your eye test today. This the basis for further questions and eye testing.
Are you suffering from Blurred vision, Headaches, Flashing lights, Floating objects, Poor night vision?

(2)Find out about ocular history of family.

The optometrist will certainly ask pertinent questions relating to your ocular history and family ocular history.
Find out from parents or close relatives,  if you had any eye treatment, injury or surgery as a child, patching, squints,lazy eyes or worn glasses in the past.
You may not remember or have forgotten relevant history but family members will know.

(3)Ask the Optician any additional questions you have.

Optometrist can be a great source of information about eye health,
they can provide tips maintaining eye health, nutritional affects on the eye.
VDU Eye exercises and preventing eye strain and eyelid hygiene to prevent infections.

(4)Arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled eye test appointment.

An appointment should not be rushed. Being flustered and rushed can affect the results.
Being relaxed prior to the examination is important in taking eye pressure readings.
This allows you time to collect your thoughts and answer the most important question.
What is the reason for your visit?

(5) Unsure why you need glasses? Why not ask?

Optometrists are delighted to help and are happy to answer any questions in layman terms. There is no such thing as a silly question.
The sight test is for your benefit, so make the most of the optometrists’ knowledge. Ask the optometrist to explain things without technical words if the description is confusing.

(6) Rearrange eye test or notify the optician if you are unwell, have a migraine or too tired.

Our state of health can affect our ability to focus, so sleep deprivation, tiredness or migraine at the time of eye examination can alter the outcome.
Better to have your eye tested  in a natural everyday state.

(7)  Do n0t Panic, Its an not an EXAM!

The term eye examination and eye test can make patients feel they need to impress or pass each test conducted by the optometrist.
There are no right or wrong answers,  just say what you see. The optician has an array of  techniques to determine correct prescription,
remember – there is nothing to get wrong and nothing to worry about. Relax, dont panic during an eye  exam

(8) Length of eye examination

The eye test duration lasts between 20-30 minutes, give yourself plenty of time for the test, do not arrange to be elsewhere. Other appointments
additional tests and delays can mean longer time required. Put enough money in the parking meter

(9)Bring in your Prescription and existing glasses if available?

When coming for an eye test, Optometrists recommend you bring your previous prescription with you.
Previous spectacle history can helpful, and provide the answer to the question. Has my prescription changed?
A focimeter can be used measure the prescription directly of the existing or older glasses.

(10) Look after your Friends and Family

Best Tip – Help promote Eye care  | recommend friends and family to Book an eye test here.
to Vision Express and receive a Half price examination voucher and also 10 % of Eye wear.