Being a motorist myself, it makes me feel uneasy knowing, that one in ten motorists who require glasses in order to drive have admitted being lax about wearing them at all. Driving without your glasses or contact lenses is a criminal offense, you are not only endangering yourself but other road users and pedestrians by doing so.

Currently all drivers are required to read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 meters in order to pass their test. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses in order to see clearly these can be worn for the test, they must also be worn whenever you are driving thereafter. You are breaking the law by driving without glasses or contact lenses; this can also result in a fine of up to £1000, three penalty points or disqualification from driving.

An eye test is not legally required for drivers until they are 70 years old nevertheless good vision is imperative for drivers of all ages, regular eye exams will reveal eyesight problems that can be treated early to ensure your eyesight is safeguarded for longer. It is recommended to have your eyes checked at least every 2 years even if you think your eyes are normal.

If you wear glasses it is wise and sensible to always carry a spare pair in the car just in case you damage or lose the pair you are wearing.

The Eye Health Alliance are encouraging the government to introduce a more structured and scientific approach to assessing drivers vision which will ensure tests are carried out every 10 years. The Optical Confederation would like to replace the number plate test as this is thought to be an inadequate assessment of a drivers vision for several reasons such as environmental conditions on the day.

A spokesperson for the Eye Health Alliance said:

“Not only is the number plate test ineffective and unfair but the current system places to much responsibility on the driver to self-report problems with their vision to the DVLA. Many drivers do not notice a gradual change in their eyesight and are therefore unaware that they fall below the legal eyesight requirement for driving. According to the International Glaucoma Association, a person can lose up to 40% of their vision before they realise they have a problem with their eyesight.”

The UK government has until January 2011 to regulate a procedure for screening all car and motorbike drivers similar to the current legislation for professional drivers.

See our previous post (11/08/2008) on EU Driving Licenses to feature eye test results in a bid to reduce road traffic accidents here.

The non-invasive method uses fluorescent markers, which enable early indication of brain cell death by attaching to dying cells on the retina. The dying cells absorb the fluorescent dye which show up as green dots. (Image Below)

These experiments are currently being tested on mice, but the first human trials could begin this year. This fundamental development has the potential to revolutionise diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease.

Currently 700,000 people in the UK live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Alzheimer’s disease can only be positively diagnosed by a post-mortem, when microscopic changes caused by the disease are closely examined. Nevertheless doctors can diagnose through process of elimination and costly MRI scans which they refer to as probable Alzheimer’s disease.

The research could enable scientists to overcome the problems and complications of investigating what is happening inside the brain of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Being able to detect Alzheimer’s in its early stages with a simple eye test opens up new avenues for treatments with the possibility to reverse the progression as new drugs are developed.

Professor Francesca Coredeiro, lead author from University College London Institute of Ophthalmology said: "Few people realise that the retina is a direct, albeit thin, extension of the brain.

"It is entirely possible that in the future a visit to a high-street optician to check on your eyesight will also be a check on the state of your brain."

"I hope that screening for Alzheimer's will be available on the high street within five years."

By identifying and comparing retinal cell death over a period of time could support scientists in cataloguing the progression of the disease however much more research is required before any considerations can made to use this technique for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
 

Are you a fan of the Ducati brand? If so you may be interested to know that Oakley are now offering a range of Ducati Signature Series sunglasses…

“Ducati Signature Series Sunglasses: Full Speed/Style Ahead
Going fast gets us going. The world’s best optics collide with a heavy dose of Italian seasoning for performance that presses the realm of reason. Racing-inspired style hugs Oakley engineering like a Ducati bike through a gravity-defying turn. It’s technical elegance combined with outspoken style. And it’ll have you seeing red.”

This range includes the following models…

Ducati Jupiter – Frame: Matte Black / Lens: Black Iridium
“Original style isn’t dead but it’s practically got cops drawing chalk lines around it. When was the last time you found shades that dialed in something real without flash or show? All it takes is some clean lines, a few angles with attitude and a whole lot of technology. Introducing OAKLEY JUPITER®, a pure approach to original style. This is how we spell authenticity. No exclamation point needed – just a smooth look with icon accents, sculptural detailing and metal bands for an assertive edge.”

Ducati Scalpel Casey Stoner Edition – Frame: Polished Black / Lens: Black Iridium
“He was born into a bike-mad family and worked his way up from Australian dirt riding to the 2007 MotoGP World Champion trophy. Casey Stoner pilots a precision engineered Ducati motorcycle, and we’re honoring the rider and his machine with this special edition of Oakley SCALPEL™. Along with the metal icons, the UNOBTAINIUM® components on the stems of this Polished Black frame are rendered in Ducati red, and “Stoner 27” is laser etched near the bottom of the lens. We picked Black IRIDIUM® lenses for this Signature Series rendition. You’ll have crisp vision with reduced glare and truer color recognition.”

Ducati Juliet – Frame: Carbon / Lens: Black Iridium
“They build the machines that dominate the World Superbike Championship. When they choose sunglasses, this is their idea of technology accelerated. It’s the Ducati JULIET®, a 25-piece blend of X METAL® and art. Styled with Ducati colors and signed with a laser-etched script logo, it offers the unbeatable clarity and protection of Oakley’s HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS&Reg; (HDO&Reg;). The sculptural metal frame optimizes comfort by combining a lightweight titanium alloy with adaptable architecture.”

Ducati Hijinx - Frame: Polished Black / Lens: Black Iridium
“It’s the aroma of scorched pavement and the octane scream of 200 track-hungry horses that remind the world who dominates superbike racing. Aggressive technology is the lifeblood of Ducati, and that’s why the outspoken styling of Oakley HIJINX sunglasses is a perfect match for the hallmark of Italian engineering. This special edition comes with metal icons in signature Ducati red plus an insignia inside the earstem, and the Ducati logo is laser etched into the lens.”

Ducati Gascan – Frame: Matte Black / Lens: Black Iridium
“With the sharpest optics on the planet, the only blur we respect is the smear of light that trails the fastest bikes on the track. It’s a flash of Ducati red that can now be seen with the best eyewear in the industry, like this edition of GASCAN® with red metal icons. It salutes the velocity of Italian engineering with a laser etched Ducati logo and a Ducati Corse emblem inside the stem.”

Ducati Monster Dog – Frame: Polished Black / Lens: Black Iridium
“One of the largest eyewear frames ever made by Oakley, it’s a perfect match for Ducati’s lineage of aggressive design. Signed by the logo found on some of the world’s fastest motorcycles, these sunglasses combine pure PLUTONITE® lens material with the unbeatable performance of Oakley’s HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS&Reg; (HDO&Reg;). Patented technologies maintain clarity at all angles of vision, even at the sides of lens contours that extend peripheral view. The frame is digitally sculptured from lightweight O MATTER® and authenticated with true metal icons in Ducati red.”

Ducati Fives Squared - Frame: Matte Black / Lens: Black Iridium
“If you ever have the honor of meeting racers who unleash the clockwork thunder of Ducati bike technology, you’ll notice something different about them: The world doesn’t fit them. Speed limits are too slow. Gravity and G-forces are too restrictive. And for some, sunglasses don’t feel right. This special edition of FIVES SQUARED is the answer. Part of the Ducati Signature Series, it is made with tapered architecture for those who find that ordinary frames stick out too far at the sides. The colors of Ducati highlight a design with attitude that refuses to get in line, obey limits or follow anyone’s lead.”

Ducati Inmate – Frame: Matte Black / Lens: Warm Grey
“Two companies share a design lineage that matches aggressive innovation with uncompromising ideals of excellence. Oakley eyewear has always been a favorite among Ducati racers, and Oakley engineers have always respected the genius of Ducati design. That is why Oakley created the Ducati Signature Series, a collection of select Oakley sunglass styles that carry the logo and colors of Ducati. These unique renditions honor the grit, guts and glory of legends who add octane to life and push limits beyond all bounds.”

Ducati Straight Jacket - Frame: Dark Grey / Lens: Black Iridium
“The fastest class of motorcycle racing has a young world champion who wears the colors of Ducati, and we’re honoring the man and machine with this special edition of Oakley STRAIGHT JACKET sunglasses. “Stoner 27” is laser etched in the lens to salute Casey Stoner, an Australian who turned guts into glory on the Desmosedici GP7. The frame temples and metal icons are Ducati red, and the aggressive styling is a testament to the raw horsepower that comes from fueling technology with tenacity.”

School may be out for summer but the festival season is far from over. Reading Festival – the mother of them all – is still to come at the end of August (27th-29th), followed by Bestival in September (9th-12th), two of the season’s unmissable events.

Now the whole point of going to a festival is to step outside of your comfort zone, throw caution to the wind, follow your heart, not wash, stay up all night – in other words, do whatever you damn well please. However, there are some aspects of your usual daily routine that refuse to be shrugged off, even for a day, and if you wear contact lenses and can’t manage without them, festivals and camping pose a real headache.

Guaranteed to be taking his sunglasses with him to Reading Festival this year – Slash of Guns ‘n’ Roses

If you’re thinking it would be easier to leave the contact lenses at home and not have to worry about falling asleep with them in or all the hygiene rules that go with them, it’s a good idea to fall back on a pair of specs. But then again, you may not want to risk taking your expensive glasses with you either. Festivals are not the place for costly, delicate or precious possessions, after all.

One man who has no need of designer sunglasses to look cool – Brian Ferry and Roxy Music play Bestival

Well, there is a cheap answer to this dilemma – buy a pair from our £5 range. There’s still time to place and receive an order before you pack up your old kit bag and get on the road. Cheap, quick and easy and it won’t break your heart if they don’t make it back. At £5 each, you could even get two pairs to be sure you don’t get marooned without the ability to see your way home.

But if you’re lucky enough to have perfect vision or are more concerned about what you look like than how much you can see, a pair of designer sunglasses will be what you want. For an iconic look that never seems to date, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Aviator sunglasses or Wayfarer sunglasses, both of which have been protecting the baby blues of many celebs and performers on the festival circuit this year including Kate Moss, Emma Watson, Henry Holland and Jameela Jamil.

If you do take a treasured pair of sunglasses with you it’s worth making the effort to look after them. We suggest having them on a cord around your neck which allows you to have your hands free and reduces the chances of them being put down and forgotten. It’s also much better than wearing them on your head which causes damage to the hinges and where they stand a good chance of falling off. When not in use, keep them in a case to prevent scratches.

Back to the F1 racing, I couldn’t help but notice the current World Champion Jenson Button was wearing a rather cool pair of thick rimmed Aviator sunglasses (that don’t seem to be the usual Ray-Bans we usually see Jenson wearing) but these are not a pair I am familiar with so I am unable to identify them.  If anyone has any idea of what Jenson is wearing in this picture, please feel free to leave us a comment below as we’d love to be able to stock them!

Update: Thanks to Masher who commented below, these have now been identified as Gucci GG 1907/S Sunglasses.

Thanks Masher

More Gucci Sunglasses here.

Petroleum, engine oil, adrenalin… just some of the things that run through a petrol head and motor sport enthusiasts veins!

Be it 2 wheels or 4, I think there’s no better way of spending a lazy Sunday afternoon than switching the TV on in preparation for either a Formula 1, British Touring Car, or a MotoGP event, nothing can beat watching a group of highly competitive drivers or riders racing wheel to wheel, lap after lap, wringing every last tenth of a second out of their high powered machinery – In my opinion, it’s certainly better than watching a bunch of overpaid men kicking a bag of wind around a park trying to win the so called “World Cup” which can only ever end in disappointment if you just happen to be an England supporter (as you can tell, I’m not much of a football fan).

Watching the riders sit on the grid waiting for the MotoGP race to begin, I can’t help but notice that the riders are a fashion conscious bunch with many of the riders wearing Oakley Sunglasses while they sit on their bikes surrounded by their pit crew and a rather attractive pit babe holding an umbrella.  I’ve picked some of the best known Oakley wearing riders from the grid over the past couple of seasons to show you what Oakley Sunglasses they are wearing…

Casey Stoner

Ducati rider and 2007 World Champion Casey Stoner wears several pairs of Oakley including his own Oakley Scalpel Casey Stoner Edition.

Jorge Lorenzo

Yamaha rider and probably odds on favourite for clinching the 2010 World Championship since Valentino Rossi crashed and broke his leg at Mugello in June.  Lorenzo seems to have found a favourite frame with the ‘Wayfarer style’ Oakley Limited Edition Frogskin sunglasses – he has also been pictured wearing the Oakley Holbrook, a very similar style to the Frogskins.

Nicky Hayden

Ducati rider and 2006 World Champion “The Kentucky Kid” Nicky Hayden chooses to wear sunglasses from either his own Oakley Ducati Jupiter Nicky Hayden Edition or a frame from the Oakley Frogskins collection.  Nicky has also been spotted wearing a special edition Oakley Antix frame.

Loris Capirossi

Perhaps the most experienced rider in the MotoGP field with over 300 races under his belt, Suzuki’s Loris Capirossi chooses to wear the Oakley Antix Sunglasses.

Andrea Dovizioso

Honda Rider Andrea Dovizioso has been Honda’s most consistent rider in 2009/10 with many top 6 results and a single victory at Donington in 2009.  Dovizioso chooses to wear the MotoGP Signature Series Oakley Jupiter with Fire Iridium lenses and the Oakley Oil Rig.

Ben Spies

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Ben Spies chooses to wear what I think is the smartest style Oakley frame, the fashionable Oakley Inmate.

Colin Edwards

Ben Spies’ team mate Colin Edwards wears the Oakley Hijinx.

We hope this list of riders and their eye wear helps you find any of the Oakley Sunglasses you are looking for, if you’re looking to buy any of these frames remember that we now have the majority of them available through the SelectSpecs.com website.  If a particular item is not listed or is unavailable, feel free to drop us an email and we will try to get that item in for you within 5-7 days providing it’s available from the supplier.

Imagery of GP Riders and Sunglasses courtesy of Oakley.

It has been almost 2 years since we launched the previous version of the SelectSpecs.com website but what a great 2 years it has been!  Not only have we added more prestigious designer brands to our collection including Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli and Mont Blanc, but we also successfully launched a range of prescription glasses for just £5 including lenses, UV protection, Anti-Reflection and Scratch-Resistant coatings – which we’re proud to say are still the World’s Cheapest Glasses!

New Design, New Features…

From today, we’re looking to take SelectSpecs.com to a whole new level with the launch of a refreshing new design and the addition of a host of new features which will improve the look, feel and usability of our website.  Some of the changes we’re making include:-

Improved Site Navigation

We’ve made it easier to get around our website and find the items you are looking for.  You will now find useful drop down menus with all the important links from each of the main product categories (Glasses, Sunglasses, Accessories, etc), this will allow you to navigate to anywhere on our website with ease.  Simply hover over the menu tabs to reveal the menu options.

New Search Tool

We’ve given our search system a complete overhaul with the addition of some new predictive features which will help you find the product or information page you are looking for without leaving the search tool.  Simply start typing in the name of the item you are looking for and wait for the results to appear!

Product Value Searching

We’ve improved our product value search ranges from the old ‘Budget’ and ‘Premier’ ranges, we’ve now divided our entire product catalogue up into further product values making it easier to find a product suitable for your budget requirements.

Searching for Prescription Sunglasses

Finding prescription sunglasses has been made easier, simply select the product category you are interested from our sunglasses section then from within the search results select “Prescription Compatible Sunglasses Only” from the Show Me… drop down box.  The results displayed will now only show sunglasses that are suitable for prescription lenses!

New Product Page

We recognised the fact that our product pages had become quite cumbersome to use as our website became packed with new products, so we’ve listened to our customers views and restructured our product pages accordingly to make them much easier to use.  The significant changes are as follows:-

1. Imagery and Option Selection
Images of products will be improved over the coming months with each option image displaying upon selection – This should ultimately make it simpler to purchase the option you require.

2. Product Availability
We have now added real time stock availability to our website, any products that are out of stock will be marked as ‘Currently Unavailable’.

3. Alternative Frame Sizes
We are now able to offer alternative frame sizes with many frames being available in up to 3 different sizes, small, medium and large.  Sizes are presented in the following format: 135-18-46-32 = 135 (Arm Length) 18 (Bridge Width) 46 (Lens Width) 32 (Frame Height – This value may be N/A if we do not have this information).  Please note, if a frame size is unavailable we will display “Currently Unavailable” next to the item.

4. Information Tabs
More information about the product, delivery and returns will be displayed below the product in a tabbed area.

Questions…

If you have any questions about our new website please feel free to drop us a comment on this post and we’ll respond as soon as possible!  It may well be that we have already answered your question below:

Q. Will I need to create a new account?
A. No, all existing account have been carried across to our new website so you will not need to create a new account.

Q. The currency is wrong, how can I change this?
A. Simply select the correct value from the Currency selection drop down box in the top right hand corner of your screen.

Q. Do you have anymore developments planned?
A. Certainly, we never stop coming up with new ideas here!  At the moment we have a nifty new prescription system in development that we plan to have online later this year.

Q. Are you adding any new designer ranges?
A. Yes we are!  We’re proud to say we recently acquired the Oakley Sunglasses and Oakley Prescription Glasses ranges, these will be available from immediate effect – All Oakley sunglasses that are available on our website are available for shipping within 24 hours of ordering.  If an item happens to be unavailable, please drop us an email through our contact system and we can advise you when that product will be back in stock.

We also have a number of new ranges coming online shortly including Jimmy Choo, Calvin Klein, CK Calvin Klein, Nike and many more!

Q. I’ve discovered a bug that needs fixing.
A. Great!  Please let us know through our customer services system and we will rectify the issue as soon as possible.  Please bear in mind that with any changes there is likely to be a transition period so banners, logos, or text may look incorrect for a period of time but we are working to correct these issues!

Could Andrew Coltart’s return to form at St Andrew’s yesterday have anything to do with the fact that, unlike many of his opponents, he was very sensibly wearing appropriate sunglasses? Who knows, maybe. Well, whatever it was that helped propel him to the top of the leaderboard yesterday morning after spending too long in the golfing doldrums has got to be a good thing.

Golf demands a high degree of accurate visual perception to correctly judge alignment and distances and adjust to changing weather conditions so wearing sunglasses specially designed to aid concentration and comfort can make all the difference between smashing to success and languishing in a bunker.

Even golfers who don’t feel the need for visual assistance to improve their handicap should bear in mind the high levels of harmful UV rays that their eyes will be exposed to during a few hours on the green. Even on a cloudy day, 90% of UV light penetrates the clouds so protection is beneficial whatever the weather.

Oakley, Bolle, Cebe and Rudy Project all carry a range of frames designed with the needs of golfers in mind, even if it’s just to look as stylish as possible – unlike John Daly and girlfriend’s skirt & trouser combos.

It’s now mid July and summer is well and truly underway, we’ve had a few weeks of good quality sunglasses wearing weather and as usual the British Summer has turned a bit wet and windy, hopefully this will soon pass and we’ll have the great weather back again.

Of course, with this summer sun comes the hidden dangers such as UV damage to both our skin and eyes.  Just like UV damage to skin can cause cancer, UV damage to eyes can also be extremely harmful and is responsible for causing cataracts, macula degeneration, pinguecula, pterygia and photokeratitis.  Thankfully, we’ve come up with a list of 10 great summer eye care tips to help ensure you know how to protect your eyes from the intense summer sun.

1). Buy sunglasses with UV protection

Make sure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection to protect your eyes from harmful UV damage.  You will find that all sunglasses from the designer brands such as Ray-Ban, Prada and Oakley will offer UV protection as standard.

2). Wear sunglasses even when cloudy

Even if our summer days are suffering from significant cloud cover you should always remember to wear your sunglasses as UV damage can still occur even when it’s cloudy.

3). Wear larger style sunglasses

Larger style sunglasses offer more eye coverage than sunglasses with smaller lenses ensuring better protection from the sun.  Sunglasses such as shield or wrap around style are great at limiting the amount of sun that can enter your eyes from around the edges providing the fit is good.

4). Choose sunglasses with polarised lenses

Polarised sunglasses are great at reducing glare from reflective surfaces such as water or wet surfaces making them perfect for sporting activities or driving.  Normal tinted or graduated sunglasses while offering UV protection will still leave you squinting and in some discomfort during these harsh conditions.

5). Choose sunglasses with photochromic lenses

Sunglasses with photochromic or transition lenses darken on exposure to UV light making them great for both low and bright light conditions.  We can provide prescription lenses in your glasses with a photochromic coating, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use!

6). Maintain your glasses

Your sunglasses should always be well protected when not in use and maintained to ensure they are kept free from frame damage, dirt and scratches, this will ensure that your sunglasses last longer and are more comfortable to wear.  Scratched or dirty lenses can cause discomfort as you are likely to notice blurry patches in front of your eyes instead of clear vision which can cause eye strain.  If your lenses do become badly scratched, don’t forget we’re able to reglaze your glasses for a small fee depending on your requirements.

7). Buy prescription sunglasses

If you have a prescription we highly recommend choosing a pair of designer sunglasses suitable for prescription lenses such as the Ray-Ban 3025 Aviator or the 2140 Wayfarer, we can then take these sunglasses and change the lenses to new lenses with your personal prescription and choice of tint.  Great for clear vision throughout the summer.

8). Keep a spare pair

We recommend that you always have a spare pair of sunglasses handy just in case you lose or break your favourite pair. This will ensure you always have protection from the sun in times of emergency.

9). Keep hydrated

The recommendation is to drink 2 litres of water day to prevent dehydration, more if it’s hot or you are doing exercise.  While drinking plenty will help prevent headaches and dry skin caused by dehydration, it will also help to keep your eyes from drying out and feeling tired.

10). Avoid the midday sun

We recommend, when possible, avoiding the midday (11am – 3pm) sun, this is when the sun is at it’s strongest and the highest levels of UV damage occur.  If you do happen to venture out at this time of day for a period of time always ensure that you wear sunscreen, a hat and your sunglasses.

Do you have any other tips?  If so, please feel free to share them below…

A pair of designer sunglasses has always been a sure-fire way of aspiring to celebrity style if you’re a secretary from Sutton rather than a movie star from the States but you might want to double check you’ve picked the right look. Lindsay Lohan has favoured a pair of Ray-Ban Clubmasters on her recent court appearance to take the long-overdue rap for her out-of-control behaviour. She looked pretty cool on her way in and they were certainly useful to hide the tears as she came out, weighed down by the prospect of a 90 day ball and chain.

Mind you, life would be rather dull if we all aspired to look like gorgeous national treasure Cheryl Cole – who we hope makes a full recovery as she leaves hospital today – so if the image of a gun-licking nun-cum-jail bird is more your style, Clubmasters are what you want.

Just because we all use computers these days it doesn’t mean that our eyes are no longer susceptible to strain so just as much care needs to be taken to rest the eyes as it did when computers were first introduced to the workplace. Screen breaks are not just for work-shy malingerers! Just a few minutes away from the screen can make all the difference.

Another cause of eye strain can simply be failure to take into account your age. It’s a sad fact of life that once we cross the rubicon of our 40th birthday our eyesight begins to deteriorate. Ignoring this and trying to carry on as normal will only result in squinting and straining – an eye test and glasses is the only way to deal with it.

However, headaches, sore eyes or blurred vision can be symptomatic of a more serious condition than simple eye strain. If these symptoms persist it’s worth keeping a note of when they occur to help with a diagnosis should medical help become necessary.

To help combat eyestrain caused by using computer screens an anti-reflective coating should be adopted on your lenses to eliminate surface reflections.  This increases the light transmission through the lenses and provides you with clear, defined vision day or night. Any optician should advise you to incorporate an anti-reflective coating for computer use and night-time driving.  The coating has stylistic benefits as well, as the lenses tend to appear thin and almost non-existent, making your eyes look more natural.

What’s next?

That’s it folks! Now it’s time to get your eyes checked, so book in at your local optician today. If you need new glasses we will of course be happy to help!

How exposed are you to Ultraviolet radiation?

We all enjoy a good measure of sunlight to make us feel good, perhaps it’s a trip to the beach or the local pack with the kids to ensure our vitamin D levels are topped up thanks to exposure from natural sunlight.  All the same, we are more familiar, now more than ever of the damaging effects the sun has to our skin as a result of excessive UV radiation with 85% of the British public knowing about the risk of skin melanoma.

Regrettably our awareness from exposure of the suns harmful UV rays stops here with a staggering 90% of the British public completely ignorant of the need to protect their eyes as they would their skin. Extended exposure of UV light can also harm your eyes and can be responsible for cataracts, macula degeneration, pinguecula, pterygia and photokeratitis.

Sadly children are considered to be at most risk sustaining around 80% of their cumulative UV damage by the age of 18. Children tend to have larger pupils and a clearer crystalline lens resulting in a significant amount of UV light reaching the retina of the eye.

What is Ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

UV radiation can be sub-divided into three bands categorised according to wavelength:

UVC 200-280nm is filtered out by the ozone layer surrounding the earth so are not of a major concern to us although the thickness of the ozone layer can vary depending on the latitude and altitude.

UVB 280-315nm rays are accountable for sunburn, that being the case UVB also has an effect on the eye, primarily affecting the cornea, eyelids and the conjunctiva.  UVB rays not only exist through direct exposure but also through indirect sources such as snow, water and sand by way of reflection.  Something like around 90% of UV rays penetrate cloud cover so protection is required even if the sun does not have he’s hat on!

UVA 315-380nm rays are possibly the most harmful, causing chronic damage to the eye, especially low dose exposure over a long period of time. The crystalline lens within the eye absorbs these rays and can be linked with the formation of cataract, which will affect 70% of the population by the age of 70.  Studies have also shown that macula degeneration has a significant link with UV exposure even though only a small amount of UV actually reaches the retina.

Protection from UV damage

Sunglasses can be considered as protection from harmful radiation, although you should check that they provide 100% UV protection. Close fitting or wraparound styles deliver a better shielding restricting the amount of stray light from above and around the periphery of the lenses. Non-wraparound and standard prescription eyewear with UV protection will provide limited protection peripherally, although that said, will be better than completely without.
Ultraviolet blocking contact lenses are also available, known as class I or class II lenses, which cover the entire cornea and limbus providing peripheral protection.
The damage caused by UV radiation may not be reversible so if sunglasses or glasses are not appropriate or available a brimmed hat will provide some protection.

Eye Problems associated with UV radiation:

There are a number of different problems associated with overexposure to UV radiation; here are a few:

Pinguecula

Pingueculae can occur either side of the iris, this is a slightly raised yellowish area on the white part of the eye and tend to be more  prominent and yellow with age.

There is no pain felt with Pingueculae although some irritation may be felt if wearing contact lenses. The cause of this is a result of long term excessive exposure to UV radiation.

Pterygium

Pterygia is similar to Pingueculae however this growth invades the cornea and occurs usually on the nasal side of the cornea. This growth can be pink or yellowish in colour. The speed of progression across the cornea can be unpredictable and should be removed surgically before it approaches the pupil,

This condition is often without pain but again can cause irritation with contact lens wear.  Pterygia is caused by excessive UV exposure and is often found in a higher incidence closer to the equator.

Cataract

Cataract is the loss of transparency of the crystalline lens due to excessive UV exposure, age, or this may be congenital. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world and the most routinely preformed surgical procedure.

This condition does not cause pain although glare caused by scattering of light will present discomfort in bright sunlight or night-time driving. A reduction in visual acuity will be noticed which will progressively lead to a significant handicap.

Macula Degeneration

Studies have shown that macula degeneration has a significant link with UV exposure even though only a small amount of UV actually reaches the retina.

UV Keratoconjunctivitis

Overexposure to the suns harmful UV radiation can result in UV keratoconjunctivitis, causing inflammation of the conjunctiva. The eyes may feel hot and gritty with a onset of photophobia (Sensitivity to light). The visual acuity maybe jeopardised owing to dying epithelia cells .

What’s next?

Tomorrow’s installment addresses Stress and eye strains; It seems that we use computers just about everywhere these days.  Most of us spend a large part of our day squinting at a monitor, be it at work, home, or university.  With more and more of our shopping and entertainment being driven by the Internet, the time we spend on the computer is only likely to increase.

Eating carrots to help see in the dark is not just an old wives’ tale – the Vitamin A present in carrots as carotenoids is vital to eye health. The powerful antioxidants known as lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene in carotenoids protect healthy tissue against damage from free radicals which are produced by cell metabolism. Insufficient vitamin A leads to reduced night vision, susceptibility to infection and conjunctival corneal drying. Carotenoids are also found in other brightly coloured red and yellow fruit and vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables.

Another easily consumed supplement is the Vitamin B complex. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) plays an important role in maintaining optic nerve health and is an antioxidant that may help ward off cataracts. It is found in many foods, especially Marmite which has 11 milligrams per 100g, the highest of any foods. Offal, wheat germ, milk, hard cheese and – believe it or not – faggots are also at the top of the list. Deficiency of Vitamin B in a normal diet is rare but absorption by the digestive system of B1 and B12 in particular is easily reduced by alcohol.

Vitamin E is the third musketeer in the store cupboard of eye health. Vitamin E is a generic term for a group of substances of which the most important is tocopherol. This is connected with the protection of cell membranes and helps protect vitamin A from oxidation in the retina. Vitamin E is present in many foods and deficiency in a normal diet is rare but may arise in people with digestive problems who are unable to absorb dietary fats. Lack of vitamin E causes neurological problems due to poor nerve conduction.

Store cupboard foods high in vitamin E include sunflower and vegetable oil, peanut butter, eggs and cereals containing wheat germ.

Trace elements are less understood than vitamins but it is believed that they are minerals required in small quantities to help vitamins to work. Selenium and zinc are important in the preservation of ocular health.

Selenium works with vitamin E to have an antioxidant effect. A lack of selenium is linked to the development of cataracts and age-related macula degeneration (AMD). Foods high in selenium include mushrooms, salmon, tuna and Brazil nuts.

Zinc is a critical trace element and is involved in antioxidant activity. It has a vital function in the metabolism of vitamin A and is found in the choroid and retinal receptors and may help to maintain the health of the crystalline lens. Zinc deficiency causes poor wound healing and night blindness and has been linked to disease of the optic nerve. Shellfish and red meat are high in zinc but for vegetarians eggs and dried fruit are the next best source.

Many studies have taken place on understanding the function of nutrition and dietary supplements and their effect on vision. Some show that dietary supplements can be beneficial while others show no benefit at all. Most experts agree that a healthy diet is by far the most valuable way to obtain nutrients from food but sensible use of supplements provides a good back up for those whose lifestyle and dislikes – such as Marmite – means they are missing out.

What’s next?

Do you protect your eyes from the harmful UV radiation of our sun? Most of us cover up our skin to protect ourselves from sunburn but what about your eyes? Tomorrow we will visit the dangers of ultraviolet radiation to our eyes, see you then…

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve becomes damaged and vision deteriorates. It is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness and affects around 70 million people worldwide. In England and Wales alone 500,000 people suffer from some type of glaucoma – that’s about two out of 100 people over the age of 40.

The good news is that a simple eye test can detect the early signs of glaucoma and treatment can start immediately, but the tragedy is that far too many people are not getting themselves checked out until it’s too late.

Some people can lose up to 40% of their vision before they are even aware there is a problem, so if you thought your vision was good just because you can still read this article, think again!

The disease has no symptoms, which is why it’s known as the silent thief of sight. Pressure within the eye slowly rises, causing damage to the optic nerve and a gradual loss of peripheral vision and, if left undiagnosed, can result in blindness.

Who is at risk of developing Glaucoma?

Anyone can potentially develop glaucoma but there are some groups of people that are considered to be at a higher risk. The most common factors are age – over 40s are most at risk – and family history. Because glaucoma tends to be a hereditary condition, eye tests are free for anyone who has a close family member diagnosed with the condition, so that makes two good reasons for having a check up.

Other susceptible groups of people and contributing factors are:

• People of African-Caribbean and Asian origin
• People of Hispanic origin in older age groups
• Steroid Users
• Diabetes
• High Myopia (short-sighted)
• Hypertension
• Eye Injury

There are four types of glaucoma:

Open angle glaucoma

This is the most common of the four, sometimes referred to as chronic glaucoma, and is a slow progressive condition. This is the type of glaucoma that affects at least one person in 200 over 40 years of age so regular eye check ups are essential to monitor eye health and spot the signs.

This type of glaucoma should be treated immediately to relieve pressure in the eye and to ease any pain. Medication in drop or tablet form will reduce the aqueous production in the eye and improve its drainage. Prescribed eye drops must be used every day as advised by a doctor to ensure consistent lowered pressure in the eye, otherwise the pressure will start to rise again.

Long-term treatment can be done with laser surgery, which is not painful. A laser is used to open the holes in the draining system to help fluid drain out of the eye or stop the eye producing as much fluid. This procedure is usually quick and causes little discomfort. It can be done under local anaesthetic with no need for an overnight stay in hospital. The success of this type of treatment varies from person to person and eye drops may still be needed afterwards.

Closed angle Glaucoma

Closed angle glaucoma is more common among people of Chinese origin and less apparent in western countries affecting one person in 1000 over 40 years of age, this is sometimes referred to as Acute Glaucoma. Symptoms include blurred vision, coloured haloes around lights, and a red, painful eye or eyes, which could be sever enough to cause nausea and vomiting. Closed angle glaucoma is brought about by a rapid increase in pressure caused by a shallow anterior chamber whereby the iris and the front of the cornea come into contact obstructing the flow of the aqueous fluid from draining.

This type of glaucoma should be treated immediately at your local hospital to relieve the pressure and pain. Medication will be required to reduce the aqueous production in the eye and improve its drainage. The long-term treatment would involve surgery; this would usually be done by laser treatment, which is not painful. If closed angle glaucoma is left untreated it may cause loss of sight in the affected eye however if treated promptly the recovery of vision will be more or less undamaged and permanent.

Secondary Glaucoma

Open angle, closed angle and congenital or developmental glaucoma are all known as primary glaucomas as these are not related to any other ocular disease. The most common causes of secondary glaucoma include inflammation of the iris (iritis), hyphaema where blood may have been present for some time in the anterior chamber, iridodialysis; detachment of the iris from the ciliary body, or post cataract surgery.

Initial treatment for secondary glaucoma is to control the underlying condition.

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital or developmental glaucoma is very rare but potentially serious in babies. This condition is caused by a malformation in the eye and is often determined genetically. Early signs of a raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in infants are excessive flow of tears and extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia). This condition tends to be slightly more common in boys than girls. Visual field loss and stretching of the ocular tissues will cause myopia (short sighted vision) as a result of the raised IOP.

Congenital glaucoma must be treated with surgery to dissect the drainage channels to allow for a continuous flow of aqueous fluid.

Driving with Glaucoma

DVLA guidelines state that drivers must meet the recommended national guidelines for visual fields when diagnosed with glaucoma by an ophthalmologist. This is part of a standard eye examination involving a visual field test where small spots of light are randomly shown on a screen. Any points missed will be plotted on a field of results sheet for the ophthalmologist to review. If the loss of visual field is not too advanced driving will still be possible but anyone diagnosed with glaucoma should have regular checks to ensure their vision is of the required standard. The International Glaucoma Association provides a useful leaflet on this along with advice on all other aspects of how to cope with the condition.

Conclusion

More than anything else, regular eye examinations are fundamental in the fight against glaucoma. Early detection and treatment are key to the prevention or slow down of further damage and greatly increase the chances of living a normal life.

What’s next?

Tomorrow we have a recipe for healthy eyes… could eating carrots really help you see in the dark or is this just an old wives’ tale? Also what vitamins are beneficial to your eyes?

If you did a 10 minute survey of people coming out of a busy station chances are a large proportion of them would be wearing contact lenses. According to the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers, around 3 million people in the UK wear contact lenses but that number is growing fast all the time.

With such huge scientific advances in the industry over the past few years, the popularity of contact lenses has soared as they become increasingly comfortable and affordable. The days of going through the agonies of getting used to wearing rigid contact lenses that cost a fortune are thankfully long gone.

People of all ages and prescriptions can wear lenses, even children and those with astigmatisms thanks for the wide range now available: daily disposables, two weekly disposables, monthly disposables, extended wear which can be worn whilst asleep, toric for astigmatisms, multi-focus to correct both long and short sightedness, gas permeable and coloured fashion lenses – there’s something for everyone.

However, just because contact lenses have become so mainstream it doesn’t mean they don’t need very careful handling and maintenance. Putting something in your eye on a daily basis greatly increases the risk of infection so keeping hands clean and changing lenses at the recommended intervals is basic. Bacteria very quickly builds up on contact lenses so they should either be cleaned thoroughly before wearing or thrown away at the advised intervals for disposables – never worn again to save money.

Misuse of contact lenses can result in permanent damage to the cornea so cutting corners or simply being lazy can have disastrous results.

Just like glasses, contact lenses need to be fitted for the individual. You wouldn’t consider wearing someone else’s glasses and the same should apply to contact lenses.

A contact lens check is an entirely different procedure to an eye test. Both are essential in order to maintain healthy eyes and good vision, it’s not one or the other. Eye shape as well as vision changes with age so yearly checks up’s are essential.

Beware of cheap mass produced coloured contact lenses – off-the-shelf products can easily lead to serious eye irritation. Brilliant blue eyes may look stunning to start with but sore red runny eyes at the end of the evening won’t look quite the same and could develop a more serious condition. Coloured contact lenses are a great invention but should always be purchased from a reputable source.

What’s next?

Tomorrow we have a condition called Glaucoma on the agenda which is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness and affects around 70 million people worldwide, so if you want to know more, you know where to find us!

Eye Examinations

An eye test is both painless and inexpensive – it may even be free – and could literally save your life, but not nearly enough people are getting themselves checked on a regular basis. Everyone knows they should go to the dentist once a year but the same awareness is yet to apply to a visit to the optician every two years, as recommended.

Just because you can see OK – or think you can – it doesn’t mean you don’t need your eyes examined. The eyes are the window to the body and can reveal many medical conditions that will respond well to treatment but can lead to loss of vision if allowed to deteriorate.

Advances in medical research mean that an eye test can detect critical conditions that need immediate action such as a brain tumours or diabetes as well as predict long-term problems. Scientists have recently developed a test that can spot the likelihood of Alzheimer’s 20 years before symptoms occur and whilst there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s now, there may well be in 20 years’ time.

Think of the children

Children should also have an eye test before they start school. A child under five is very unlikely to be able to communicate a problem with their vision so professional assessment is the only way to ensure they get the best start in life. Simple poor vision can have a devastating effect on their education and social development so an eye test should be as routine as a visit to the dentist.

Driver’s ignorance about eye tests

Driving with poor vision is another risk not worth taking but the worrying fact is that according to a nationwide poll of 3,000 drivers, one in three motorists has not been for an eye examination in more than two years. Apart from the obvious fact that it could cause an accident, if the police catch you it can result in a hefty fine and penalty points. Regular eye exams will reveal eyesight problems that can be treated early to ensure your eyesight is safeguarded for longer.

A bit of an eye-opener?

Having an eye test every two years doesn’t seem like too much bother when you consider the immense benefits to be gained.

What’s next?

Are you a contact lens wearer? Tomorrow we have an article on contact lenses, so this could be interesting for those who wear them and equally those who are thinking about ditching the glasses for a contact lens world.  A contact lens check is an entirely different procedure to an eye test. Both are essential in order to maintain healthy eyes and good vision, it’s not one or the other. Eye shape as well as vision changes with age so yearly checks up’s are essential. See you tomorrow…

This week we have 7 articles to share with you relating to the health of your eyes, please share these articles with your friends and family to promote Eye Health Awareness week 2010, together we can make a difference to encourage regular eye examinations.

What is the Macula?

The Macula is a very small part of the retina that converts the light entering the eye into an image. This delicate tissue is situated at the very center of the retina and is accountable for our central vision enabling us to undertake activities such as reading and writing, the macula is also responsible for our ability to see in colour.

What is Macula Degeneration?

The delicate cells of the macula may progressively deteriorate over time and eventually stop working altogether. This is sometimes called age related macula degeneration or may also be known as AMD. The condition is found largely in elderly patients and sometimes in middle aged ones too.

There are two forms of AMD, usually referred to as ‘Wet’ and ‘Dry’. In general dry macula degeneration is the most common of the two.

Dry AMD will gradually deteriorate over a period of a few years; many people notice a gradual central blurring with the peripheral vision unaffected. The colour can also fade similar to an old photograph. For most patients with AMD there is currently no effective medical treatment however low vision aids such as magnifiers can provide some help with reading and close work.

Wet AMD is another less common form distinguishable by the formation of new blood vessels growing behind the retina that causes bleeding and scarring resulting in total loss of central vision. If detected early laser treatment can prevent further deterioration of visual acuity. Broadly speaking Wet AMD accounts for about 10% of all AMD cases.

The image below shows the same scene as viewed with normal vision, and then with age-related macula degeneration.

Causes of Macula Degeneration

The cause is believed to be the loss of function in the retinal pigment epithelial cells of the retina although the exact cause for AMD is unknown. There are differing risk factors linked with macula degeneration indentified below:

Age – As the name suggests age related macular degeneration tends to occur in elderly patients.

Sunlight – Studies have also shown that macula degeneration has a significant link with UV exposure even though only a small amount of UV actually reaches the retina.

Nutrition – Studies have shown that a varied and balanced diet can supply us with all the vitamins and trace elements needed to protect us against AMD. Omega 3 found in oily fish can also help, click here for the BBC news report.

Smoking – Smoking has been linked to the development of AMD in various studies. It is also evident that to quit smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing AMD.

Gender – Macula degeneration tends to be slightly more common in women than men.

Genetics – Research suggests the likelihood of developing AMD can be linked to a number of genes passed through families.

Conclusion

There is a clear message here, and that is to ensure your optometrists closely monitor the health of your eyes by attending regular eye examinations. It is important to understand that a sight test is not simply to check if your prescription has changed since your last eye test but to confirm the general health of your eyes.

What’s next?

Tomorrow’s article is on the importance of regular eye examinations.

Some people can lose up to 40% of their vision before they are even aware there is a problem, so if you thought your vision was good just because you can still read the article, think again! Regular eye examinations are not simply to obtain a new prescription and new glasses, they are essential for the general health of your eyes and vital for controlling serious visual loss from glaucoma and other ocular conditions, early detection and treatment are key for the prevention or slow down of further damage by glaucoma.

The disease has no symptoms, pressure within the eye slowly rises which can damage the eye’s optic nerve, additionally a weakness in the optic nerve may also cause damage both resulting in a loss of vision peripherally and if left undiagnosed can result in blindness. The optic nerve is a motor nerve that connects the light sensitive layer of the retina with the brain. This nerve penetrates from the rear of the eye sending all information from the retina to the brain where it is perceived as a picture. See Figure 1 below.

Figure 1. The Eye

How Pressure is controlled in the eye

A watery fluid called Aqueous is produced by cells behind the iris that we see as the coloured part of the eye. Figure 2 illustrates how Aqueous flows between the iris and the lens through the pupil and into the anterior chamber, where every minute, about 1% of its volume is removed from the eye via tiny drainage channels known as the trabecular meshwork and into the canal of schlemm to be removed into the blood stream. If this Aqueous fluid does not drain due to a blockage or too much is produced faster than it can escape then the pressure in the eye will rise. It is important to note that the aqueous fluid is not related or connected to tear production.

Figure 2. Flow of Aqueous fluid

Increased Intraocular Pressure

The optic nerve is sensitive to pressure; too much pressure will cause varying damage subject to how much pressure there is and the duration it is exposed to this pressure. Other factors such as the blood supply and any weaknesses in the optic nerve can also contribute to this damage. The normal intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye has an average value of 15 to 16mm Hg.. Glaucoma is characterized by an IOP over 21mm Hg., high pressure will damage the optic nerve promptly. A lower level of pressure can cause damage progressively over a longer period of time where sight would gradually be lost if not treated.

Although Glaucoma cannot be prevented or cured, early detection and treatment through regular eye checks ups which are typically at least every 2 years are essential in controlling serious visual loss from Glaucoma, treatments such as drugs and surgical procedures have improved considerably over recent years saving the sight of approximately 95% of those diagnosed early. Despite the fact that anyone can potentially develop glaucoma there are some people that are considered to be at a higher risk, these include:

• Family Members with Glaucoma
• African-Caribbean origin
• People over 40 years of age
• People with Diabetes
• High Myopia (Short-sighted)
• Hypertension
• Hispanics in Older age groups
• Asian origin
• Steroid Users
• Eye Injury

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can be sub-divided into four main types:

Open angle Glaucoma

This is considered as the most common of the four, sometimes referred to as Chronic Glaucoma, chronic meaning a slow progressive condition. This type of Glaucoma affects at least one person in 200 over 40 years of age; regular eye check ups are essential to monitor the health of your eyes if diagnosed with open angle glaucoma.

The pressure within the eye rises very slowly over many years due to a blockage in the drainage channels known as the trabecular meshwork and canal of schlemm; this is where the aqueous fluid returns to the blood stream. Figure 3 illustrates Open angle glaucoma below.

Figure 3. Open Angle Glaucoma

The raised pressure is transmitted to the optic nerve damaging the retinal nerve fibers and reducing their blood supply resulting in a gradual peripheral visual field loss but with no pronounced pain or changes to your prescription. The loss of vision is usually in an arc shape, shown below in grey, figure 4 as arcuate scotoma following the course of the retinal nerve fibers, which can spread inwards and outwards, central vision is typically affected last causing a tunnel vision effect.

Figure 4. Fields

There are three tests that should be undertaken which are effective in detecting glaucoma, these tests are:

• Viewing your optic nerve by using a special instrument called an Ophthalmoscope
• Measurement of the internal pressure of the eye using various techniques which can be discussed with your optician
• A visual field test – small spots of light are randomly shown on a screen for you to confirm which can be seen.

Those most at risk of open angle glaucoma are short sighted (High Myopia), Afro-Caribbean origin, people with Diabetes or high blood pressure.

Treatment

A referral to the consultant at the hospital will be made by your optician with the aim to reduce the pressure in your eyes; typically this treatment simply involves eye drops. These eye drops will be responsible for opening the drainage channels so that excess aqueous fluid can drain away appropriately or by limiting the production of aqueous fluid. Surgery may be necessary if the eye drops are not successful. Your consultant may suggest laser treatment or an operation known as Trabeculectomy depending upon your particular case.

Closed angle Glaucoma

Closed angle glaucoma is more common among people of Chinese origin and less apparent in western countries affecting one person in 1000 over 40 years of age, this is sometimes referred to as Acute Glaucoma. Symptoms include blurred vision, coloured haloes around lights, and a red, painful eye or eyes, which could be sever enough to cause nausea and vomiting. Closed angle glaucoma is brought about by a rapid increase in pressure caused by a shallow anterior chamber whereby the iris and the front of the cornea come into contact obstructing the flow of the aqueous fluid from draining.

Figure 5. Closed Angle Glaucoma

Treatment

This type of glaucoma should be treated immediately at your local hospital to relieve the pressure and pain. Medication will be required to reduce the aqueous production in the eye and improve its drainage. The long-term treatment would involve surgery; this would usually be done by laser treatment, which is not painful. If closed angle glaucoma is left untreated it may cause loss of sight in the affected eye however if treated promptly the recovery of vision will be more or less undamaged and permanent.

Secondary Glaucoma

Open angle, closed angle and congenital or developmental glaucoma are all known as primary glaucoma’s as these are not related to any other ocular disease. The most common causes of secondary glaucoma’s include inflammation of the iris (Iritis), Hyphaema where blood may have been present for some time in the anterior chamber, Iridodialysis; detachment of the iris from the ciliary body, or post cataract surgery.

Treatment

Initial treatment for secondary glaucoma is to control the underlying condition.

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital or developmental glaucoma is very rare but potentially serious in babies. This condition is caused by a malformation in the eye and is often determined genetically. Early signs of a raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in infants are excessive flow of tears and extreme sensitivity to light (Photophobia). This condition tends to be slightly more common in boys than girls. Visual field loss and stretching of the ocular tissues will cause myopia (Short sighted vision) as a result of the raised IOP.

Treatment

Congenital glaucoma must be treated with surgery to dissect the drainage channels to allow for a continuous flow of aqueous fluid.

Driving with Glaucoma

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) state that people driving must meet the recommended national guidelines for visual fields when diagnosed with glaucoma by an Ophthalmologist. A visual field test is preformed during or following an eye examination where small spots of light are randomly shown on a screen for you to confirm which can be seen, any points missed will be plotted on a field of results sheet for your ophthalmologist to review. Assuming the loss of visual field is not too advanced driving will still be possible, you will need to confirm this with your ophthalmologist or obtain a leaflet about driving from The International Glaucoma Association (IGA).

Conclusion

Regular eye examinations are fundamental for the health of your eyes and vital for controlling serious visual loss from Glaucoma, early detection and treatment are key for the prevention or slow down of further damage by glaucoma. If low vision aids are required your optician or optometrist can advise you of the best solution and whether you would be eligible to register as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (Blind).

Need further advise?

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) offers a Helpline for advice and products from both RNIB and other organisations. If you need to know more about your eye condition they are only a call away.

RNIB Helpline
Tel: 0303 123 9999
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is available Monday to Friday 8.45am to 6.00pm and Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm. If calling outside of these times a message can be left and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, RNIB can only answer email enquiries from within the UK. But you may find an organisation for people with poor sight in your country through their agencies database.

Useful contacts

Royal College of Ophthalmologists
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is unable to comment on individual patient care.

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA)
Woodcote House
15 Highpoint Business Village
Henwood
Kent
TN24 8DH
IGA SightLine: 01233 64 81 70

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Drivers Customer Services (DCS)
Correspondence Team DVLA
Swansea
SA6 7JL
Tel: 0870 240 0009

Partially Sighted Society
Queen’s Road
Doncaster
DN1 2NX
Tel: 01302 32 31 32

National Glaucoma Research (USA)
American Helath Assistance Foundation

All words and illustrations by Tony Russell, SelectSpecs.com

Fortunately for us, as this movie is set long before a time when designer sunglasses were seriously cool or even available, it means we can enjoy the film without wondering who’s wearing what (like we did in Iron Man 2…)!  This means there are no Sunglasses for us to talk about so instead we’ve decided to take a look at the Sunglasses Jake Gyllenhaal has been spotted wearing over the past few years.

Jake Gyllenhaal’s Sunglasses

Jake wears the Ray-ban 3362 Cockpit Aviator Sunglasses

Jake wears the Ray-ban 3025 Aviator

Jake wears the Persol 2803S Sunglasses

Jake wears the Mosley Tribes Pilot Sunglasses.

If you’ve not seen the trailer for Jake’s latest film Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, check it out below!

We’ve arrived after a tiring 4 hour journey!

One of the things I was most eager to look at being a bit of a movie and general home cinema / electronics type of guy, was the brand spanking new 3D TV’s at several of the manufacturers stands.  From walking through the big entrance (above) I was immediately drawn to the massive Panasonic stand that dominated the hall, so this was the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of the new 3D TV’s in all their glory.

The 3D TVs at the Panasonic stand.  The picture is supposed to be that blurry…

We viewed 2 Panasonic 3D TV’s, a top of the range £2400 50″ and a prototype 103″ beast – While my feelings were that of being impressed after a short period of time, I was left with some major concerns at why 3D TV will never catch on in the home…

1. It’s expensive…

The current price is quite positively eye watering, £2400 will get you a Panasonic 50″ Plasma 3D TV and 2 pairs of Active Shutter Glasses.  This is great if you live on your own or with a partner, but add on a couple of kids and you will find you will need a couple of extra pairs of glasses at £100 each.  To put the cost in to perspective, a ‘normal’ 50″ Plasma TV by Panasonic can be purchased for around £700 from many retailers at this moment.

2. You need AT LEAST a 50″ TV for the best effect…

This comes from speaking with a Panasonic rep – you need a 50″ TV screen that fills your vision for the best effect, however, in today’s England, most new houses are pretty much the size of a rabbit hutch (yet cost just as much as a mansion) so finding the space in a corner or a spare wall for a TV this big is is no easy feat!  For the majority of homes a 42″ TV is just about right without the TV beginning to dominate the room and looking ridiculous.

3. The glasses are heavy…  and make you look stupid…

After wearing the Panasonic Active Shutter glasses for less than 2 minutes they were already beginning to feel heavy and uncomfortable on the bridge of my nose, I don’t really know how I’m meant to wear them for a movie totalling more than 2 hours without feeling uncomfortable.  Of course, technology will obviously improve and make the glasses lighter and more aesthetically pleasing but for the moment they are no good for me.

4. The Panasonic 3D glasses are expensive…

Each pair of the Panasonic Active Shutter Glasses costs £100, although you get 2 pairs ‘free’ with the TV most families have 2 adults and 2 children who will also want to enjoy the experience meaning you will need a further 2 pairs of glasses, then if you have your friends round for a Saturday night movie they will also need a pair to enjoy the experience.

Just to put the price of these glasses into perspective, for £100 you can also buy a rather nice pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, and I can pretty much guarantee you will look a hell of a lot cooler in the process!

5. My Prescription Glasses won’t fit…

I immediately noticed that if I needed to wear glasses for watching TV it would be unlikely that I would be able to experience 3D with the Panasonic TV sets. Why? well simply put while you are wearing the Active Shutter glasses there is no room to wear normal prescription glasses over the top or underneath.

6. It can cause headaches from eye strain…

After almost 3 hours of watching Avatar in the cinema I was feeling the onset of a headache, partly because of wearing glasses which were not particularly comfortable and partly because of the feeling of eye strain setting in – a similar feeling was becoming noticeable while trying out these 3D TVs after just 2 minutes.  Research also suggests that watching 3D tv is actually bad for your eyes as it forces them to act in an entirely unnatural way which causes the eye strain, headaches and fatigue, this has been labeled convergence-accommodation conflict.  Until this problem gets resolved it is very hard to see how 3D TV will become the mainstream product manufacturers so desire.

7. 3D doesn’t work for everyone…

If you are blind in one eye then 3D simply won’t work for you.  Some will also find that it gives them headaches and may make them feel nauseous and uncomfortable which prevents them from enjoying the experience.

8. There are different 3D technologies…

Panasonic and LG are 2 different examples that we noticed, this mean you cannot use the same glasses used on LG TVs on Panasonic TV’s, or any other make of TV in fact.

9. You need 3D compatible hardware…

More expense!  You need a 3D compatible Blu-Ray player and AV Receiver with HDMI 1.4 connectivity to get the ultimate 3D Home Cinema experience, and this will not be cheap at the moment or for the next few years.

10. Limited content available…

Finally, there is a limited amount of content available in 3D and this is likely to be the case for some time to come especially when 3D content costs more and takes longer to produce.  So any money spent on 3D viewing technology for your home is likely to provide a limited amount of enjoyment at this stage.

Final Note:
Don’t get me wrong, 3D TV to see for the first time is impressive especially when you’re used to seeing TV as a simple 2 dimensional image, but the problem for me lies with the technology being too expensive, a limited amount of content available and a requirement to wear a pair of uncomfortable glasses that just don’t suit me, and this puts me off for now.  No doubt in 5-10 years time prices will have fallen significantly and the technology will have improved somewhat meaning the glasses will be better (or perhaps non existent), the eye strain issues resolved, and the 3D technology built into TV’s as standard in much the same way HD technology is now.

In my opinion, I have a feeling this could go the way of Betmax and be a massive flop, but no doubt in 5 years time someone will come along to tell me just how wrong I was….

Due to the extraordinary events occurring in Iceland at the moment we’ve been informed by the Royal Mail that deliveries to and from the UK are being delayed while much of the European air space remains significantly disrupted due to the volcanic ash in the atmosphere.

How Does this Impact SelectSpecs.com?

Budget Orders

Budget orders shipped from Hong Kong to the rest of the world (Australia, USA, Asia, etc) are largely unaffected as these do not enter the UK. However, items entering Europe or the UK may be delayed for an unknown period of time while the ash cloud affects all air traffic in these regions.

Designer Orders

Designer orders are all shipped from the UK and are likely to be affected for a period of time, especially for orders being shipped to locations outside of the UK. Designer Sunglasses for orders in the UK, which are in stock are unaffected. Designer Brand Items which need to be ordered in from Italy may experience some delays.

Designer Prescription Orders

Designer prescription orders are likely to be affected where we order prescription lenses in from outside the UK.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these delays, we sincerely hope that things will return to normal as soon as possible. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to ask us and we’ll try to assist you best we can.

Not only is Prof. Brian Cox very intelligent, but he also knows the importance of protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays and so wears these rather Large Ray-Ban RB3026 Aviator Large Metal II Sunglasses in Arista.

But wait, what’s this?

He may be incredibly intelligent, but what is he doing putting his Ray-Ban sunnies down in the sand of the Namib Desert?  And if that’s not bad enough he then puts them lenses down in the sand where they were no doubt SUBAR (scratched-up beyond all recognition).

Don’t worry Brian, we still think you’re a legend, just take better care of your glasses, although I’m sure you can afford to replace them every trip, what with working at CERN on the Large Hadron Collider and all!

You can see particle physicist Brian Cox in action on Sunday nights on BBC 2 & BBC HD (repeated on Tuesdays) or head over to the BBC iPlayer and catch up with the series so far… and you really should, its brilliant.

You can even follow Professor Brian Cox on twitter @ProfBrianCox

Mykita Fletcher

Jason wears the Fletcher by Mykita from the No.2 Sunglasses range.  These frames are actually sold as Sunglasses but thanks to a Re-glazing / Lens Replacement service, Jason wears these as prescription glasses.

Unfortunately we don’t stock these frames, however, these are available to purchase from several stores online.  Please see the Mykita website from more details.

If you’re looking to follow Jason’s example of buying a pair of Sunglasses then replacing the lenses for clear optical lenses, please take a look at our Lens Replacement Service.

Prada Red / Sport / Linea Rossa

Jason has also been seen recently wearing another great frame, this time we think it’s the PS 05AV (colour: 4A0 101) by Prada Red / Sport / Linea Rossa.

These are available on our website in our Prada Red / Sport / Linea Rossa.  Imagery from Jason Bradbury’s Twitter feed, you can follow him here – Jason Bradbury on Twitter.

Vision Aid Overseas was founded in 1985 by optical professionals who were passionate about transforming the lives of disabled people or those with disadvantages because they did not have access to eyecare. They were motivated by the enormous difference that a pair of spectacles can make to people all over the world who need good vision to learn, work, play and lead an independent and dignified life.

Over the last quarter of a century, Vision Aid Overseas has helped to provide over a million people with eyecare services. Volunteers have undertaken clinics in some of the worlds poorest countries. Vision Centres have been established where there were previously no optical facilities for thousands of miles and trained healthcare workers are on hand to provide eye examinations and spectacles.

The work of Vision Aid Overseas has an ongoing impact – allowing children to go to school and to receive an education; giving parents the means to provide for their families; and ultimately saving people from a lifetime of visual impairment or blindness.

Vision Aid Overseas doesn’t just rely on old donated glasses, but also through fund raising, if you would like to get involved in up and coming events or you are thinking of organizing your own event have a look here as your support will enable us to transform lives by providing eyecare services to patients who desperately need good vision to escape disability and poverty.

SelectSpecs.com has been donating glasses to Vision Aid Overseas for several years now and continues to send a parcel every month, in fact, we’re just about to send another huge box today (see below…)!

If you have any old unwanted glasses lying around or tucked away in a draw please dig them out and send them to us and help to make a difference to someone less fortunate than yourself. All you need to do is pop your old glasses in a jiffy bag (something protective!) and send them to us at the below address.

Glasses for Vision Aid Overseas
SelectSpecs
PO Box 102
Margate
Kent
CT9 1YU

See here to find out more

Unfortunately, Tesco’s FREE Eye Test offer that we blogged about back in January has now expired – “booo” I hear you cry!

Well fear not, if you’re due an eye test now, in the next month or two, or at any time in the future, you will be happy to hear that supermarket giant Tesco and its Opticians are now offering FREE eye examinations for all at many of its larger stores – permanently!

Tesco Opticians used to charge £10 for the service to those not entitled to a free NHS eye test, this fee has now been waived. As with previous eye test offers from Tesco you are under no obligation to purchase glasses from the store, you can simply have your eyes tested and ask for a copy of your prescription including your Pupillary Distance (PD) measurement and purchase your next pair of glasses from a high street or online store of your choice.

SelectSpecs.com see this as great news for patients who may have been put off getting their eyes tested on a regular basis due to the costs involved.

Thanks to Money Saving Expert for pointing this great offer out.

Can’t get your PD?

We’re currently supporting a campaign so opticians HAVE to provide you with your full prescription including your PD measurement. Find out more information about this campaign here: Give me my Pupillary Distance.

Once you’ve had your eyes tested…

Why not take a look at our cheap glasses range with full rimmed frames for just £5 and semi-rimless for just £8 including standard prescription lenses, UV protection, Anti-Reflection and Scratch Resistant Coatings.  If you’re looking for something a little more special we have a great range of designer brands starting from prices as low as £43 including thin and light lenses and coatings.

Why you should get an eye test…

If you haven’t had your eyes tested recently (within the past 2 years) we strongly recommend paying a visit to your local optician to get them checked to make sure your vision has not deteriorated over time.  Not only will your optician be able to check the condition of your eyes, your optician can also alert you to any possible health issues (as mentioned in previous blog posts):-

“There are a number of high profile cases in which a simple eye test has resulted in the patient’s discovery of an unknown problem with their health or even a cancer, effectively saving their life thanks to the early warnings spotted by the opticians who examined them.”

See the “Want a long and healthy life? See your optician!” blog post for further information

£10 or £20 isn’t a lot to spend on an eye test once every two years especially if it could save your life, but thanks to special offers by struggling high street opticians who are desperate for custom in this tough economic climate, you won’t even need to spend that with the number of FREE eye test offers that always seem to be available through print or online media.

Usually there is no obligation to purchase glasses from your prescribing optician to receive your free eye test, allowing you to make even greater savings by purchasing your glasses online at www.selectspecs.com. And if money’s extra tight, why not go for some of our £5 glasses. Just remember to get a copy of your prescription as well as your PD measurement from your optician before you leave.

This information is correct at time of publishing and is subject to change at anytime.

Tom Ford

We have 67 Tom Ford Glasses and 72 Tom Ford Sunglasses models available.

Born in Austin, Texas and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Tom Ford is among the most highly respected and successful designers today. The winner of numerous design awards, his rise in fashion began in 1994 when he became Creative Director of Gucci.  Not only did he dramatically change the image of the legendary fashion house, he led the company to unprecedented success with his visionary insight into what the modern consumer desires.  His innovative and provocative designs set the tone for an entirely new direction in the world of luxury goods.

In 2000 Ford also took creative control of Yves Saint Laurent, a Gucci Group brand, reviving it with his trademark combination of sensuality and mystique. In April 2005, one year after leaving Gucci Group, he announced the creation of the TOM FORD Brand. A beauty and eyewear collection launched in 2005 and 2006.

In April 2007 his first directly operated retail store will open in New York at 845 Madison Avenue to coincide with the debut of the signature Tom Ford Menswear and accessory collection. Ford currently lives in London, Santa Fe and Los Angeles where he has a film production company called Fade To Black.

Roberto Cavalli

We have 50 Roberto Cavalli Glasses and 55 Roberto Cavalli Sunglasses models available.

Roberto Cavalli was born in Florence on the 15th November, 1940. He was raised in a surrounding with strong artistic traditions: his grandfather was a Florentine painter from the “Macchiaiolo” movement, whose works can still be seen at the Uffizi Museum. Following in this tradition, Roberto attended the Academy of Art. Capricious, eclectic and original from the beginning, he began his career when he was very young, while still a student, inventing the first of his revolutionary creations: a process of printing on light-weight leather which he was able to do thanks to his meticulous research of fabrics and continual experimenting with new technologies.

In his printing-house – something half way between a craftsman’s workshop and an artist’s studio – he concentrated his studies on the links between art, fashion and painting, eventually patenting the revolutionary process of printing on leather that he had evolved.

Over the next ten years he created, almost by chance, what was to become a “must” for the beat generation: for fun, sewing together odd pieces of leather, he invented the first of his patchworks which were a huge success and can honestly be considered true classics. With the Seventies came international recognition and the beginning of a brilliant career. His fashion was unrivalled on the Cote d’Azur. From St. Tropez – where a young Brigitte Bardot walked barefoot in one of his creations – to the catwalks, was just a short step.

In 1972 Roberto Cavalli showed his first collection in the historic White Room of Palazzo Pitti, in Florence. At the beginning of the Nineties, the designer re-launched his challenge to the fashion system, assisted by his beautiful wife, Eva Duringer – an ex Miss Universe – who works alongside him. His enormous success, both publicly and with the press, convinced him to take his catwalk extravaganza to Milano Collezioni. In this way he has become part of the Italian fashion system without ever forsaking his own inimitable eccentricity.

Over the years Roberto Cavalli has expanded and, as well as his Womenswear collection, new lines have been launched: Menswear, Just Cavalli, Underwear, Class Roberto Cavalli, Eyewear, Timewear, Roberto Cavalli Angeles and Devils ( for children), and Roberto Cavalli perfume. An inspiration to the international jetset, Roberto Cavalli is taken for granted by stars all over the world. Eclectic, social and ironic by nature, as a designer he sets himself apart through his natural vivaciousness and extreme manners – as well as his renowned hospitality which makes him the perfect host for parties and dinners.

As well as his brilliant career as a designer he is equally well-known for his spectacular parties, which are always attended by Italian and international celebrities. Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Paolina Rubio, Cindy Crawford, Lenny Kravitz, Bon Jovi, Bono from U2, Anthony Hopkins and Sting are among the artists who appreciate his work and never miss one of his parties. An undisputed phenomenon, nowadays Roberto Cavalli is a mainstay in the Olympus of the most famous international designers. A success for which he prepared, meditated and wholeheartedly deserves.

Mont Blanc

We have  50 Montblanc Glasses and 42 Montblanc Sunglasses models available.

For nearly one hundred years the name Montblanc has stood for the art of writing, while the snow-covered peak of Mont Blanc has symbolised the high quality status of the brand with the distinctive white star.

Montblanc’s classic fountain pen, the Meisterstück first produced in 1924, has become a cult object. Not only because of its timeless design, but also because of the unmistakable values which are so characteristic of the entire Montblanc collection.
In the past few years, the product range has been expanded to include exquisite writing accessories, luxury leather goods and belts, jewelry, eyewear watches and lately fragrances.

Montblanc has thus become a purveyor of exclusive products which reflect the exacting demands made today for quality design, tradition and master craftsmanship. Montblanc is a truly international brand with operations in more than 70 countries.

These glasses are available to purchase from our website now.

Spot a missing model? If an item you’re interested in is not listed on our website, please contact us as we can normally check to see if the requested frame is available.

Cheryl Cole, one of the girls from the successful girl group Girls Aloud,  took to the stage last night to perform 2009s 4th best selling single and Brit nominated “Fight For This Love” at the 2010 Brit Awards wearing the Ray-Ban 3026 Aviator Sunglasses in ‘L2846 Arista’.

I deliberately used the word ‘perform‘ in place of ‘sing‘ as it was quite possibly one of the worse cases of miming I’ve ever witnessed, and for someone that sits amongst a panel of judges and criticises the singing performance of others on that talent show “Who wants to be a manufactured Pop-star” (aka as X-Factor/ Pop Idol / Popstars / Fame Academy / Britain’s Got Talent – aren’t they all the same thing made to line the pockets of the record labels?), I really find this kind of thing totally unacceptable especially from someone that has been performing for many years in a successful girl group.

Separated at Birth

Perhaps this was a deliberate attempt by Cheryl, but we couldn’t help but notice an incredible likeness to the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, what do you think?

If you missed Cheryl and her “How to mime badly for when you become a pop-star” tutorial we’ve found the video on YouTube for your entertainment.