Blogs | Simpson Optometrist

And The Award Goes To…

Celebrating Excellence: Our Community Optometrist of the Year Award We are ecstatic to announce that we have been honoured with the prestigious Community Optometrist of the Year Award at the national Sight Care Awards 2023/24. This recognition holds immense significance for us, as it symbolises our commitment to providing the highest standard of eye care to our patients and community. We have worked hard to forge meaningful relationships with each and every one of our patients, winning this award is a testament to the bonds we have formed with our patients and community over the years, and we are immensely grateful for the trust and loyalty our patients have placed in us. Whether it’s helping a patient find the perfect

Wet, Dry, AMD? What is Age related Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is a condition that usually affects older adults and results in the loss of vision in the centre of the visual field. The macula is a small, central part of the retina, located at the back of the eye, responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Here are key points about macular degeneration Age-Related As the name suggests, macular degeneration is often associated with aging. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over the age of 50. Two Types There are two main types of macular degeneration—Dry (atrophic) and Wet (neovascular). The dry form is more common and involves the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common eye condition characterised by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, this clouding leads to a gradual loss of vision. The lens is typically clear, allowing light to pass through and focus onto the retina at the back of the eye. However, when cataracts develop, the lens becomes cloudy, scattering light and causing blurred or hazy vision. Here are key points about cataracts Causes Cataracts often develop as a result of the natural aging process, however they can also be caused by other factors such as prolonged exposure to UV light, certain medical conditions including diabetes, eye trauma, or certain medications. Symptoms Symptoms of cataracts include blurred or dimmed vision, difficulty seeing in low light conditions,

What is Myopia Control?

Myopia Control for Children. Myopic = Short Sighted = Difficulty seeing in the Distance. What is Myopia Control? Put simply, the aim is to stop your child becoming more short sighted. If a child of 5 has a prescription of -1.00, the likelihood is they will end up nearer -9.00 as an adult. This can lead to a whole host of problems not least being completely dependent on glasses. Myopia Control is clinically proven to reduce the progression of short-sightedness. Once myopia has progressed, it cannot be reversed. Its important to act early to ensure any progression is minimal. Here at Simpson Optometrists we now have specialist clinical software which enables us to forecast your child’s myopic progression as they

Why does my child need an eye test?

Early Detection of Vision Issues: Children’s eyes are still developing, and vision problems may not always be apparent. Regular eye tests can catch issues early, helping to address and correct any potential problems before they impact a child’s learning and development. Developmental Milestones, Coordination & Motor Skills: Good vision plays a significant role in a child’s overall development. Clear vision is essential for developing hand-eye coordination, depth perception, spatial awareness and recognising faces. Addressing vision issues early can positively impact a child’s development. Academic Success: Good vision is crucial for success in school. Children with uncorrected vision problems may struggle with reading, writing, and other academic tasks. An eye test can identify refractive errors (such as near-sightedness or farsightedness) or

Glasses: Wear, Care & Tips

Glasses. Ware, Care & Tips Some expert tips to make your new glasses last as long as possible and a few words of wisdom to help keep them looking sharp! Cleaning, The Basics An absolute must. Regular cleaning of the lenses helps to keep them in their optimal state for as long as possible. A bit like brushing your teeth every day. Use The Right Cloth: Never use paper towels, tissue, or clothes to clean your lenses – these all have textured surfaces which can scratch your lenses. Our advice? Microfiber Cloths. Check in your glasses case, you should already have one. Need a new one? Just ask! Lens Cleaner: Specifically designed for glasses; lens cleaners are an essential piece

Sunglasses: The Essential Accessory for Eye Protection

Sunglasses: The Essential Accessory for Eye Protection Sunglasses are more than just a fashionable accessory; they play a vital role in safeguarding our eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. With their ability to shield our eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other environmental hazards, sunglasses have become an indispensable. UV Radiation Protection: One of the primary reasons why sunglasses are crucial is their ability to block harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause various eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea). Quality sunglasses with UV protection can significantly reduce the risk of these conditions and help maintain long-term eye health. Skin Cancer Prevention: It’s not

A Feast For Your Eyes

A feast for your eyes – top foods for healthy eyes A healthy diet is something many of us strive to achieve. As well as improving your general health, good nutrition also has a direct impact on your eye health. Studies show that by eating fruit, veg, oily fish, eggs and nuts, you can improve the health of your eyes. Carrots and Sweet Potato: Both contain beta carotene which is transformed into vitamin A in the body and protects the eye from infection. Spinach: Leafy greens such as spinach & kale, are packed full of vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are said to reduce the risk of light-induced oxidative damage that could lead to macular degeneration. Broccoli: Contains vitamin B12. A lack

Top Tips for Using Digital Devices

As you read this, your eyes are focused on a digital screen. With lockdown measures leading to a vast majority of the population learning and working from home, we’ve naturally been spending more time on our devices than ever – something that is especially true for children and young professionals. In fact, a recent survey of 2000 participants, commissioned by eye health charity Fight for Sight, indicated that over half of respondents have been using screens more since the Covid pandemic started. This means that here at Simpson Optometrists, we have seen an increasing number of patients who have complained of digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. What Is Eye Strain Eye strain occurs when we our eyes get

Glaucoma: The Plumbing Problem Inside Your Eye.

For over 40 years we (Simpson Optometrist) have implemented several tests to detect Glaucoma, as early as possible. Breaking it down so that we can help our patients understand it better, I have often explained Glaucoma as a type of ‘plumbing problem’ inside the eye. Much more critical than your average pipe-burst situation; Glaucoma, if left undetected, can have a severe affect on your eyesight. So what is Glaucoma? In a nutshell it it a build-up of pressure inside the eye. It is caused by an amount of fluid that feeds the structures inside the eye. There is either too much fluid or in fact the fluid is not draining away properly. These two factors can then result in increased

Awards

AWARDS, READY FOR THE RED CARPET THANK YOU SIGHTCARE; WE ARE OVER THE MOON TO BE SHORTLISTED IN THE INDEPENDENT PRACTICE OF THE YEAR CATEGORY. LOOKING BACK Wow, when we started out all these (40 and a bit) years ago, being put forward for an Award is probably the furthest thing from your mind. Taking over a Dairy and converting it into an optical practice took up all of your time and energy. Mortgages, loans, and then kids come along and before you realise it you’re 50 (and a bit more…), where did all these years go? So then the run-down cottage next door comes up for sale and you think well, this could be a real opportunity, and you

The Simple Guide to Confusing Lenses

The Simple Guide to Confusing Lenses …. Visiting your optician can sometimes feel a little confusing, especially if you are new to glasses or your vision has changed. The subject of Prescription lenses and what they even are is a broad one, so in order to make it easier we have explained each one in a little more detail. It’s our simple guide to confusing lenses! In our opinion, lenses in your spectacles should do two things. Firstly, they should allow you to see clearly (the goal of clear sight is always important) and secondly, they should protect your eyes, providing comfort in each of the conditions that you use them. Younger Eyes Most patients (predominantly under 40 years of

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