Age-Related Macular Degeneration (commonly referred to as AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss for those aged over 50 in Ireland.Over 7,000 new cases of Age-Related Macular Degeneration are diagnosed every year in Ireland, often at a stage when damage has already been caused to vision.Early diagnosis by an eye care professional can allow for treatment and prevent any further deterioration.

AMD affects the macula– a small part of the eye responsible for central vision which allows you to see detail. It is located in the centre of the eye and from here information is passed to the brain where it is converted into a picture of what you are seeing. This central vision allows you to read, drive etc.  It usually starts in one eye and is likely to affect the other eye at a later stage.

Wet and Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common and it develops slowly. The exact causes are unknown but there is a definite link between smoking, high blood pressure and poor diet. Research has shown that vitamins such as MACUSHIELD can help reduce the risk of developing AMD.

Wet AMD is caused by leaky blood vessels inside the eye, it is less common (1 in 7 in Ireland with AMD) but it can cause more rapid loss of vision.

How does AMD affect vision?

The most obvious symptoms are DISTORTION and BLURRING in the centre of vision.

Testing for the early symptoms using The Amsler Grid

• Hold the grid at around 30cm in front of your eyes
• Use your reading glasses
• Cover one eye at a time and focus on the central dot
• Check that you can see all 4 corners
• If areas of the grid appear blurred, distorted you could be experiencing early signs of AMD

REMEMBER if you are over 50 and have not been to the Optician in the last 2 years you should seriously consider making an appointment now. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of AMD visit us in Sweeney’s Opticians within the next week- acting early could prevent further damage to your eyesight.

As part of AMD Awareness Week, SWEENEYS  OPTICIANS  are offering a FREE Age Related Macular Degeneration screening  from Monday 19th to Friday 23th September.

Why would you not avail of this service?

Please call SWEENEY’S OPTICIANS on 071-9169090 or email sweeneysopticians@gmail.com to arrange an appointment.

The post AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION appeared first on Sweeney's Opticians.

Hay fever and its ocular effects, Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis(SAC).

Hay fever affects many people to varying degrees, with symptoms from a mild itch to full blown red eye, oedema (swelling) lacrimation (watering) and the common nasal problems such as runny nose and sneezing.

It generally begins in childhood but can develop later in life and some years are better/worse than others.

Self help tips:

Wraparound sunglasses help prevent the pollen getting into your eyes and relieve the irritation caused by bright sun on an already irritated eye.

Rinse the pollen out of your eyes with eyewash such as Optrex, and if you store it in the fridge you get a double soothing effect.

Washing hands and face prior to touching your eyes, as you will have pollen on your skin and if not washed off you introduce it straight to your eyes.

Change clothes and shower and wash your hair after being outdoors to remove pollen, and especially before bed as this will help sleep.

Keep windows closed in your car and home.

Cold compresses often help relieve symptoms by reducing swelling and is a quick and easy alternative to medications.

And if all fails, avoid going outside! When the pollen index is high, avoiding it may be the only answer.

Medical help

Mast cell inhibiting eye drops such as ‘Opticrom’ can help cure SAC and have fewer side effects than other medications such as antihistamines. A mast cell inhibitor works by reducing the release of inflammation causing chemicals (histamines) from mast cells found in the ocular tissues.

These can be bought over the counter and the active ingredient to look for is Sodium Chromoglicate.  Unfortunately, there is a delay in getting full results when using this, although you will get some relief from the rinsing effect of using the solution, ideally you need a few days of treatment to get up to full relief and then follow it through for the whole of the hay fever season. (Read instructions carefully if you are a contact lens wearer) And of course there are many over the counter oral medications that help reduce the symptoms, but best to discuss with your pharmacist.

Complications of SAC

There are no long term complications but it can have a negative impact on your quality of life, with blurred vision due to the watery eyes and irritation due to the itching.

Please call SWEENEYS OPTICIANS on 071-9169090 to arrange a consultation with our Optometrist.

You are entitled to a FREE eye examination every two years or every year if you have a change in your vision under the medical card scheme and employers PRSI scheme.

Why would you not avail of this service?

The post Hayfever and Your Eyes appeared first on Sweeney's Opticians.

• Itchy, dry eyes
• Stinging or burning eyes
• Foreign body sensation
• Redness
• Excessive tearing
• Blurry vision

Causes can include:

• Hormonal changes – Ageing, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can alter hormones
• Medications – Many medications decrease tear production (see side effects)
• Medical conditions — Systemic diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome, may lead to dry eyes.
• Contact lenses – Contact lenses tend to absorb the tear film.
• Environment – Dry, windy climates, air-conditioning and cigarette smoke
• Chemical eye burns
• As previously discussed in one of my articles Digital eyestrain can also lead to dry eyes. It can cause blurred vision and other symptoms such as burning, stinging eyes. The normal blink rate is about 15 times per minute. Studies show that when we work on the computer, our blink rate tends to drop to about 3-5 times per minute.

Diagnosis of Dry Eye Syndrome:

Your Optometrist may perform one or more of the following tests to determine if you are suffering from dry eye syndrome.

• The Schirmer tear test -This tells the clinician how many tears your tear glands are producing.
• Corneal staining -Special Fluorescein (yellow dye) eye drops are placed in the eye. Staining patterns can reveal damage to the eye surface.
• Tear break-up time (TBUT) — After placing dye in the eyes, the Optometrist uses a slit lamp to determine how long it takes dry spots to develop. (stability of your tears)

Treatment can include:

There are several treatment options are available to help manage its symptoms but unfortunately there is no cure for dry eye syndrome.

• Artificial tears eye drops eg. Celluvisvc
• Gels and Ointments – Gels and ointments are similar to artificial tears but they last for much longer. e.g. Vitapos gel
• Eye-lid wipes can be used to increase lid hygiene and remove bacteria building up on the lids and lashes e.g. Supranettes
• Omega 3 Supplements e.g. Theratears
• Punctal plugs – This can allow your own natural tears to lubricate the surface longer.
• Corticosteriods – Some types of dry eye conditions are caused by inflammation. Steroids act to reduce the inflammation. (Prescribed by your doctor only)
• Eye Washes –  e.g. Optrex eye wash

Did you know that you are entitled to a FREE eye examination every two years or every year if you have a change in your vision under the medical card scheme and employers PRSI scheme?

Call us today to discuss this service: 071 91 69090

The post Dry Eye Syndrome: the cause & symptoms appeared first on Sweeney's Opticians.

#1: Oversized Sunglasses Are a Must

While you might like tiny glasses, it is the oversized that rules the runway for the spring and summer seasons of 2016 and we expect it will continue on into the autumn and winter as well.

#2: Cat Eye Sunglasses Still Rule Supreme–Cat and Round Combinations Peek Through

The cat and round combination is what many are rooting for now, combining two of their most revered styles into a single look.

#3: Intriguing Geometric Sunglasses

If you prefer the rectangular look over than of the round or cat eye, you are in luck! It goes hand in hand with the whole IT boom happening around the world.

#4: Aviators Still Dominate the Style

#5: Dark Lenses Are a Favourite

Lenses can come in many different colours but it appears that the dark is holding tight to the top slot, with good reason. It is the best to protect against the strong glare of the sun.

#6: Sunglasses with Colourful Lenses

#7: Blue Keeps Appearing Everywhere

#8: Plastic Frames to the Glasses

We do most definitely see wire rims on the different sunglasses for 2016, but it is the plastic, colourful frames that that catches our attentions best.

• When choosing sunglasses choose high protection, specially designed sunglasses and look out for the CE mark, which shows they meet European safety standards.
• Choose sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 per cent of UV-A and UV-B rays.
• Glare is frequently cited as the cause of road traffic accidents, but the right pair of sunglasses can prevent it.

Did you know that you are entitled to a FREE eye examination every two years or every year if you have a change in your vision under the medical card scheme and employers PRSI scheme. Call SWEENEY’S OPTICIANS on 071-9169090 for further information

The post Sunglasses Trends for Summer 2016 appeared first on Sweeney's Opticians.

Rinse
Always rinse your glasses off with water before wiping or cleaning them. Even tiny particles of dust or dirt can settle on your lens, and if you wipe those around on a dry lens, it can be abrasive.
Spray Carefully
If you’re going to use a chemical, use sprays or cleansers that are specifically made to clean eyeglass lenses. Never use household cleaners like Windex, because these chemicals will actually tear off the any coating that is on the lens.

Air Dry
If you can, allow your glasses to air dry. This is another great way to keep any materials from getting on to your lens. If you can’t set them down to air dry, wipe them down with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth.

Use the Right Cloth
Never use paper towels, tissue, or napkins to dry your lenses. All of these materials, regardless of how soft they are on your skin, have a textured surface and can easily scratch your lenses.

Grip Firmly
Hold your frames by gripping the piece that crosses the bridge of the nose. This will keep you from accidentally bending the frame while you clean. Bent glasses can negatively affect the way you see out of your glasses.

Store Properly
Store your glasses when you’re not wearing them. This isn’t just a great way to keep dust and dirt away from your glasses, but it also protects your specs from getting scratched, bent or broken.
Avoid placing your glasses or sunglasses without a case in your purse or pocket.
Don’t leave your sunglasses on the dashboard of your car. The heat inside a car on sunny days can damage lens coating.

Call into us in SWEENEY’S OPTICIANS for a FREE MOT on your glasses.

The post Top Tips to Maintain Your Glasses appeared first on Sweeney's Opticians.

increases the pressure in your eye and can damage the optic damage. As a result, the eyesight can be

affected.

In a healthy eye, a fluid is continuously produced bringing important nutrients and then drains away

through tiny holes called the trabecular meshwork. In a glaucomatous eye, more fluid is produced than

is removed therefore causing a buildup of pressure.

Different types of glaucoma:

Open-angle glaucoma is a common longstanding condition. It is caused by a blockage in the drainage

system and is often detected through a routine eye examination.

Angle-closure is a much rarer ‘acute’ condition. It can cause significant vision impairment in a short

amount of time if not treated. It is caused when the angle of the drainage system closes.

Secondary chronic glaucoma can be caused by a swelling or growth in the eye.

Secondary acute glaucoma can happen in people who have diabetes, cataracts, or long term steroid

therapy.

Damage to your eyesight:

Glaucoma affects your peripheral vision. As it progresses blank patches appear so you can no longer see

as much or as clearly as before. If it is not detected in time, it could, in extreme cases, lead to significant

visual impairment. Thankfully with people attending for more regular eye examinations with their

Optician this is now very rare.

The good news is that although the damage already done to your eyesight cannot be repaired- with regular use of appropriate treatment (such as drops or tablets) further damage can be delayed or prevented.

Early detection is the key to preventing damage to your eyesight. Your Optician will be able to detect with some routine tests such as Tonometry (a measurement of pressure), Ophthalmoscopy (to examine the back of your eyes including the optic nerve) and Visual field testing (to assess your side/peripheral vision)

If your Optometrist finds any early signs of glaucomatous changes they will then refer you to the local eye department- normally Sligo General Hospital to have Glaucoma ruled out or diagnosed by an Ophthalmic Doctor.

Why not avail of this service?
Please call us on 071-9169090 to arrange an appointment with our Optometrist.

The post Glaucoma appeared first on Sweeney's Opticians.

Blue light is the high-energy light just beyond the potentially harmful ultraviolet light.
It is normally transmitted through the eye to the retina, because it is visible light that our eyes are designed to receive
UV light can be harmful to the eye and contribute to diseases such as cataracts, or growths on the front of the eye, and perhaps macular degeneration.

Digital devices such as TV screens, computer monitors, smart-phones and tablets emit significant levels of blue light. The higher levels of blue light place more strain on the eye’s focusing system than do printed materials.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs, high-intensity headlights and other LED lighting do emit higher blue light energy than more traditional light bulbs, causing excess exposure to blue light.

Is blue light harmful to the eyes?

Digital eyestrain leads to dry eyes and puts strain on the muscles that help the eye focus. It can cause blurred vision and other symptoms such as burning, stinging eyes. When staring at a digital device, we tend to not blink as frequently, and this causes evaporation of the tear film that protects the ocular surface and the eyes begin to dry. When viewing digital devices it is therefore much harder to maintain a sharp or consistent focus on an electronic image compared to a hard image.

Benefits of blue light
Blue light triggers the suppression of melatonin in the brain, keeping us awake. This tells us when we are tired or should be awake. We are not designed to be using our phones and tablets 6 inches from our faces, particularly when we are lying in bed with the TV on.

Top Tips:

• There are numerous Blue-Control Lenses now available to selectively block out the high-energy blue light that contributes to the fatigue and strain placed on the eye’s focusing system. For people who spend significant hours on a computer or other digital device, these lenses provide some relief and comfort. Ask your Optician for details.
• It is important to use the 20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes of digital device use, look away for 20 seconds focusing on something 20 feet away.
• Using artificial tears or lubricant drops may also relieve some symptoms of dryness.
• Ideally turn off your devices one to two hours before going to bed to trigger the release of melatonin, giving it a chance to increase just before dozing off into deep sleep.
• Sweeneys Opticians are offering 35% off BLUE CONTROL LENSES for the month of May.
  You are also entitled to a FREE eye examination every two years or every year if you have a change in your vision under the medical card scheme and employers PRSI scheme.Why would you not avail of this service?
  Call us on  on 071-9169090 to arrange an appointment.

The post Digital Eyestrain appeared first on Sweeney's Opticians.

AMD affects the macula- a small part of the eye responsible for central vision which allows you to see detail. It is located in the centre of the eye and from here information is passed to the brain where it is converted into a picture of what you are seeing. This central vision allows you to read, drive etc. It usually starts in one eye and is likely to affect the other eye at a later stage.

Wet and Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the most common and it develops slowly. The exact causes are unknown but there is a definite link between smoking, high blood pressure and poor diet. Research has shown that vitamins such as MACUSHIELD can help reduce the risk of developing AMD.

Wet AMD is caused by leaky blood vessels inside the eye, it is less common (1 in 7 in Ireland with AMD) but it can cause more rapid loss of vision.

How does AMD affect vision?
The most obvious symptoms are DISTORTION and BLURRING of the central vision.

Testing for early symptoms using The Amsler Grid 
Hold the grid at ~ 30cm in front of your eyes
Wear your reading glasses if needed
Cover one eye at a time and focus on the central dot
Check that you can see all 4 corners
If areas of the grid appear blurred, distorted you could be experiencing early signs of AMD

REMEMBER if you are over 50 and have not been to your Optician in the last 2 years you should seriously consider making an appointment now. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of AMD visit us in Sweeney’s Opticians within the next week- acting early could prevent further damage to your eyesight.

As part of the national campaign for healthy eyes – we at Sweeney’s Opticians are offering FREE eye examinations for the month of January along with FREE lenses.
Please call us on 071-9169090 to avail of this offer.

The post Age Related Macular Degeneraton appeared first on Sweeney's Opticians.