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Specialist clinics


10 MARCH 2019 • HEALTHCARE INNOVATIONS


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lenses, and eyewear that we wear more than less. It’s therefore important to choose an optician close to home, with staff who pride themselves as much on aftercare as on selling the product. After much research I chose the


Keep an eye on it A


s we get older, our eyesight deteriorates and becomes complicated, which translates as expensive


prolonged hours at the weekend as this would create stress on the eyes. davidclulow.com


David Clulow branch in Hampstead because the manager Dagmara was so intuitive and patient in advising me on choosing eyewear. I’ve bought four frames since, including varifocal sunglasses (so I can be on the beach and read), and photochromic lenses (so I don’t need separate sunglasses, and to protect my eyes from UV damage even in winter). I tried several brands of daily


disposable contact lenses, including varifocals. I can get far cheaper lenses online, and perhaps if I was young that’s what I’d go for, but then I would miss out on the detailed advice from the optometrist that includes a recommended wearing schedule. For me this came down to wearing glasses when at the computer for several hours, and lenses for the gym and evenings. A crucial piece of advice was not to wear my glasses most of the time and my lenses for


EYE CARE ADVICE Know your eye experts: opticians fi t eye lenses, glasses and contact lenses; optometrists carry out tests on the eyes, write the prescriptions, and identify problems; ophthalmologists have further medical training to investigate these problems, as well as to carry out procedures. Quit smoking and eat more greens:


there’s a greater risk of vision loss, known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for the over 65s. According to T e National Eye Institute, this is due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Smoking increases the risk. Eating healthily (in particular lots of green vegetables) reduces the risk. Adopt strict hand hygiene when


handling lenses, eye make-up and stop rubbing your eyes: wearing contact lenses increases the risk of infection. A study by the American Society for Microbiology showed that contact lenses alter the natural microbes in the eyes and lead to higher levels of skin bacteria. UCL and Moorfi elds Eye Hospital recently identifi ed that reusable lens wearers were more prone to a rare


With so many things to consider, choosing eyewear and lenses can be overwhelming, and as Lorna V fi nds out. T en when we get older, there’s also eye health to bear in mind


but preventable infection. A recent German study is exploring contact lenses with germicidal properties to reduce infections, but we’re a long way off these being on the market. Don’t hope that a searing pain


is nothing: ask your GP to check and, if necessary, fast-track you through A&E at the nearest hospital’s ophthalmology department, or head to A&E at the nearest eye hospital. A


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sharp pain in the eye can be a sign of a corneal ulcer, which can damage vision if not treated immediately. Regular eye tests can protect your


long-term vision: optometrists can detect increased eye pressure, a symptom of glaucoma, which can damage the eye’s optic nerve and lead to loss of vision, as well as spotting shadows or other irregularities that can be a symptom of a detached retina. Always wear sunglasses:


sun damage can harm the eye and resulting conditions can include cataracts, painful photokeratitis, and eye growths. Some lenses include UV protection. Be mindful of


air-conditioning: dry-eye (dry, red, gritty eyes due to lack of lubrication) is very common with ageing. Air-conditioning can trigger this, particularly in contact lens wearers. If you’re diagnosed by an ophthalmologist, your GP can prescribe specialist eye lubrication on prescription (brands to ask for include Tear-Lac and Vismed which are cooling gels). Apply twice a day.


TOP TIPS ON CHOOSING FRAMES FROM DAGMARA AT DAVID CLULOW


- Stand further away from the mirror to see your full image.


- It’s important to check how glasses sit on your face: most can be adjusted.


- Be sure that you enjoy wearing the glasses you choose, and that you feel great in them, even without make-up. Take your time deciding, and be open to an unexpected choice.


- Current trends to look out for are transparent, matte fi nish frames along with round and vintage shapes.


- Don’t worry too much about your face shape as there’s lots of advice available online and in stores


- Many contemporary designer frames suit a combination of face shapes. If you prefer an edgier look, there are extreme angular frames.


- The top part of the frame should ideally follow the curve of the eyebrows and be on the same level or slightly below.


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