OCT or Optical Coherence Tomography is now the gold standard of ocular health examination. While at Arthur Hayes, this technology has been available in practice for 8 years it has always been offered as an extra rather than as routine. However, during your routine eye examination, an OCT will now be performed, where physically possible, to allow us to see more than we’ve been able to see before.

Patients often get confused between short and long-sightedness. Not surprising really as the terminology is confusing. So here are the facts:

Short sight (nearsightedness) is myopia – myopia is the terminology most optometrists use.

Long sight (farsightedness) is hyperopia (hypermetropia) – hyperopia is the terminology most optometrists use.

I  want to focus on blue light spectacle lens filters this month. It has become apparent that social media is awash with adverts for blue light filter spectacles which have varying claims of screen protection and success. It is no surprise that savvy companies have seen a gap in the market for eyewear that claims to aid visual comfort when looking at any screen for hours on end.

This year the 28th March heralds the beginning of British Summer Time. When the clocks spring forward everything seems brighter – a promise of better times to come.

This March we are celebrating an iconic British brand. Not just an iconic eyewear brand but an iconic British brand full stop.

Each year February seems to be a month of dry eyes and allergies. 2021 is no exception. It is no surprise that most of us are spending more time indoors this month as well as screen time increasing.

Increased screen time can cause some people to suffer from screen fatigue but without really realising it. So how do you recognise the signs of screen fatigue and what can you do about it?

Polarised lenses have been available for decades but over time much research has been undertaken to assess the ocular benefits of polarised lenses.

What you wear outdoors changes with the temperature and your eyes is no exception. As temperatures fall you need to think about how you care for them so preparing and protecting for cold weather is important to your ocular well-being.

There has been a lot of recent press coverage over the DVLA driving standards for eyesight. Many of us also know drivers with questionable vision. UK drivers are being targeted to test their eyesight after a DVLA survey revealed 50% of motorists are not aware of the minimum eyesight standards needed for a licence.