AVAIL OF OUR LIMITED OFFER OF A FREE UPGRADE TO AN ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING

From the early days of purely glass lenses to the advanced materials we use now, the technology in prescription lenses is constantly improving. If you wear glasses, your lenses are the window to your world.
Today, special lens coatings improve and protect our vision in ways we could only dream of before.
Anti-reflective Coating Eliminates Lens Reflections
Have you ever noticed a bright glare on a window pane or reflective surface? If present on your glasses, reflected light can be both a distraction and a potentially dangerous obstruction to your vision. Anti-reflective coating can be applied to block reflections from the front and the back surface of your lenses. With these reflections gone, you’ll be able to see more clearly and your lenses will look nearly invisible.
Some lens materials are manufactured with anti-reflective coating by default, while others must be applied afterward. Ask your Optometrist about how to protect your new lenses from reflections.
Advanced Technology Protects Lenses from Scratches
Nothing is scratch-proof, but there are coatings to help make lenses more resistant to scratching. Lenses can be treated with a scratch-resistant coating to protect them from scuffs caused by all of life’s little mishaps. Children may especially benefit from such coatings as they are prone to accidents.
Even if your lenses have scratch-resistant coating, always be sure to maintain proper care for your glasses. Be sure to store them in a cushioned case when not in use, and always clean them with a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution recommended by your optician.

UV Protection Isn’t Just for Sunglasses
We all understand how important UV protection is for our sunglasses, but this protection is just as important for our everyday lenses. Prolonged UV exposure can lead to conditions previously discussed such as macular degeneration, retinal damage, or cataracts.
Many modern lenses are built with UV protection, but others require an additional coating to ensure 100 percent of UV rays are blocked.
Blue light emitted from the sun and electronic devices such as smartphones and computer screens also pose a threat to our vision health. Looking at screens for an extensive period of time can result in digital eye strain, causing vision fatigue and sometimes annoyances like eye twitching or red eyes.
While there are a number of things you can do to gain relief from digital eye strain, lenses are available that reduce the eye’s exposure to blue light. If you look at screens extensively for work or personal use, ask your optometrist if these lenses are right for you.

If you have any questions about which lens coatings may benefit your vision, let us know! We at Sweeney’s Opticians are delighted to offer readers a FREE upgrade to an anti-reflective coating for a limited time only. We would love to help you find the lenses that are right for you.

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

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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.

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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?

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• 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

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#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

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Very often patients may not notice a loss in their field of vision until they present for an eye examination.

What can it mean if you experience sudden or rapid visual loss?

• It could mean you have an acute retinal detachment- where the outer layer at the back of the
• eye, detaches from the main structure.
• It could be a blockage of one of the arteries or veins at the back of the eye
• It could be acute optic neuropathy
• It could be acute retinal disease or something less serious but will warrant investigation by your
• optometrist. (Such as ARMD, vitreous haemorrhage or diabetic eye disease.)

What will a person with visual field loss experience?

If it is a threatened retinal detachment they will experience flashing lights, floating spots, field loss and possibly reduced vision. If it is an obstruction of one of the main vessels, they will experience sudden blurring of vision in one eye, visual field loss.

If it is optic neuropathy, this is often linked to multiple sclerosis which results in progressive loss of vision, dim vision or decreased colour vision, aches or pains behind the eyes. If the field loss is subtle, it could mean that they have glaucoma. However, field loss could also mean that there is a tumour developing somewhere along the optic nerve or close to it.  It is not something to ignore.

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Polarized sunglasses reduce glare reflected at some angles off shiny surfaces such as water and snow. They also eliminate glare from a road surface when driving into the sun. The main difference between polarized lenses is that they are designed specifically to block the glare from reflected light while non-polarized lenses only block intense light.

Driving and Sunglasses:

Blinding glare caused by a low sun, or by bright light reflecting off snow, puddles, the car in front, or even your own bonnet can be potentially lethal.

Glare is frequently cited as the cause of road traffic accidents, but the right pair of sunglasses can

prevent it.

• Have a thorough eye examination every two years to find out if you need prescription lenses
• within your sunglasses
• Discuss the options for sun and glare protection with your Optometrist
• Always keep a spare pair of driving sunglasses in the car
• Remember, the onus is on you to have good vision – failing to have your vision corrected and protected from the sun could invalidate your insurance if you are involved in a road traffic accident (Courtesy of the AA)

Skiers should take particular care in protecting their eyes. UV rays can be up to eight times more powerful on ski slopes because of the reflective properties of snow.

When choosing sunglasses choose high protection, specially designed sunglasses and look out for the CE mark, which shows they meet European safety standards. There are four categories of tint and category 4 (the darkest) would be the best in sunny conditions.

• Choose sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 per cent of UV-A and UV-B rays.

If you’re thinking about investing in a pair of sunglasses this summer, pop in to our shop here on Wine Street in Sligo town to see our range of summer sunnies.

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It is important that all children of pre-school and school going age and in particular children with a family history of lazy eyes, squint, strabismus or with any of these signs should have an eye test as soon as possible. This screening should be done every year between be ages of 4 and 9. These years are the elastic years where the eyes are growing and developing rapidly and early detection is essential.

Colour vision is assessed, depth perception is also measured as well as other tests. Any individual who has a family history of glaucoma, age related macular degeneration or diabetes or who has any of the named conditions:

• A patient who has cataracts.
• Diabetic patients.
• People who are experiencing double vision
• People who find it difficult to see things that are familiar to them, eg the tv of familiar faces.
• People who experience sudden onset of flashing lights, floaters, cobwebs .
• People with sudden temporary loss if vision.
• Over 40s tend to experience reduced vision for close up tasks. This is not serious and simple corrective
• lenses can rectify this.
• All drivers should have an eye screening to ensure that they meet the visual standards for driving.
• All contact lens wearers should have an eye health test done annually to ensure that the contact lenses
• are not damaging the cornea.
• All computer users as many suffer from eye strain.
• People with dry eye symptoms.

Did you know that if you have a medical card, or if you pay full rate PRSI , you will be covered for an eye health check every two years. If you suffer from an eye condition, you will be covered for an annual eye test? 

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