Eye Care Tips

We can take our eyes for granted, when we should celebrate what they do for us. Having clear, comfortable vision is paramount and we always use the very latest in eye examination technology to ensure that we can provide an accurate assessment of your vision. Regular eye tests also gauge the general health of your eyes and can result in the early identification of other eye problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Start with a 30-minute eye test at least every two years. Some of us may need to be tested more often if we have particular eye conditions or if we’re over 40, our opticians will be able to recommend the best advise for you. Our eye tests can be booked over the phone, online or by visiting your nearest N1 EssilorLuxottica Opticians store.

Smoking & Eye Care
Everyone knows that smoking can cause lung cancer but not many people realise that it can also lead to vision loss or blindness. A study in the British Medical Journal says cigarettes increase the chances of developing age-related macular degeneration; age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of adult blindness in the UK. Smokers are three to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers. Although it is not painful, AMD gets progressively worst and makes it very difficult to carry out day-to-day activities such as reading or watching TV. Treatment options for AMD are limited; however, smoking is the biggest modifiable risk factor and quitting can significantly reduce the chances of getting AMD in later life.**
Diet & Eye Care
A healthy, well balanced diet is not just good for your body; it’s good for your eyes as well! Eating a diet that balances nutrition and vitamins and full of antioxidants could help prevent eye problems. for instance spinach, leeks and red peppers contain lutein and zeaxanthin which can help to protect your eyes against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Omega 3 can also help reduce the risk of developing AMD and can help in the prevention of a common condition known as ‘Dry Eye’.****

Looking at a monitor for a long time can strain your eyes and cause discomfort such as dry eyes, blurred vision, tired eyes, itchy eyes and/or watery eyes. Here are some tips to help you relieve the symptoms of eye strain:

• Take frequent breaks from your computer
• Rest your eyes and looks away from your computer and focus on distant objects
• Adjust your monitor’s setting – make sure the brightness is the same as the surroundings
• Upgrade your display – change from an old style cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor to a modern LCD screen
• Have an eye examination – eye examinations are essential for clear, comfortable vision and checks the health of your eyes

Whatever your age, we recommend that you have an eye examination at least every two years. For children and people aged over 70, we recommend an eye test every year – or more often if recommended by your opticians. Opticians and the NHS recommend that children should have their eyes tested at least once a year from the age of around three as this is an important step to looking after their vision through to adulthood. Children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if in full time education) are entitled to an eye examination free of charge. Click here to find out more about children’s eye care.
Early School Years
During the first 12 years of our lives, as much as 80% of our learning is accomplished through our vision***. Without regular eye tests, children with sight problems may have difficulty at school and lose confidence or fall behind. It can be difficult to spot but there are a number of signs you can look out for such as: sitting too close to the tv; rubbing their eyes repeatedly or squinting? If you ensure your child has regular eye examinations, however, you can minimise the chance of an eye or sight defect being carried into adulthood. To find out more about children’s eye care please click here.
Over 40’s
It’s natural and normal for everyone’s eyesight to start to deteriorate to some extent in their early to mid 40’s. Blurred near vision, affects everyone sooner or later but an eye examination can easily determine which prescription is right for you. If you need eyewear but don’t know what type is best for you, our opticians will recommend several options to suit your needs.
Over 60’s
Though your vision is likely be changing as part of the natural ageing process, regular eye examinations and the correct eyewear can help you to retain the best possible quality of vision. One of the benefits of reaching 60 is that you’re entitled to a free NHS eye test every two years, rising to every year once you’re 70.

Driving is one of the most demanding tests of your vision; around 90% of the information a driver uses is visual. It is now more important than ever to ensure that your vision meets the correct requirements. As a driver, you are legally required to be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres and to wear your corrective prescription eyewear at all times when driving.
Why would an eye examination help?
Poor sight in just one eye can affect your ability to judge distances, as well as cause eye strain and tiredness. Darkness and headlight glare will also affect your vision when driving at night. That’s why it is important to have regular eye examinations as it will help ensure your eyesight is up to standard and your driving vision is comfortable and safe.
Why N1 EssilorLuxottica can help:
Our opticians will ensure that your prescription is correct and up-to-date and will answer any queries you may have about driving and the law. They will also take you through the different options available, such as anti-reflection coating on your lenses which reduces the light reflected from those lenses; and thus improves your vision. This is particularly useful at night due to the oncoming headlights. We can also provide you with prescription sunglasses or polarised sunglasses.
Our tips for driving and the law:

• Have your vision checked at least every two years
• Keep a spare pair of glasses in your car (In Europe, you have to by law)
• Keep a pair of prescription sunglasses in the car to combat bright sunlight, especially in the winter when the sun is low.
• Carry a glasses cleaning kit in your car so you can keep your lenses dust free

Your eyes are just like your skin – they need protection from UV radiation, even on cloudy, overcast days. Wearing sunglasses is a preventative measure to help you decrease your likelihood of developing eye health issues or diseases that may be linked to UV exposure. Here are a few tips to keep your eyes safe in the sun:

• If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it is important to have a spare pair of prescription sunglasses to keep your eyes safe
• Look for sunglasses that are close fitting as they help to prevent light getting behind your sunglasses and into your eyes
• The best colour lenses for protecting your eyes are brown, amber, green or grey
• UV light is strongest in the middle of the day so take extra care around these times
• Sunlight bouncing off water is even stronger so it is especially important to protect your eyes on the beach

All N1 EssilorLuxottica sunglasses have 100% UV protection and we can fit prescription lenses to a great range of our designer sunglass styles. Discover the range of designer sunglass brands available at N1 EssilorLuxottica or visit your nearest store to take a look at the latest collections.

Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and your eyes can be affected too. Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to dry eyes or blurred or distorted vision and the chances are they developed naturally and will disappear in the same way after childbirth, but if you do have any problems you should visit your GP.