Night driving and your Vision

Dark winter months make night driving a challenge. It is a physiological fact that our vision is best in daylight- so our eyes need all the help we can give them while driving at night. Furthermore our eyes require a full 5 minutes to adapt to the dark. While driving at night, light conditions are variable and can change rapidly. This ability to adapt to differing light levels will slow as we get older and some eye conditions impede this process.

How to maximise your night driving experience;

Get your eyes tested- regular eye exams ensure your vision is at its best. Even small focussing errors can have great effect on night vision- so even if you meet the minimum vision requirement to drive without glasses, you may still experience difficulty with night driving. Conditions such as cataract can increase glare sensitivity while driving at night, but also decrease your contrast of vision.

Check your glasses- Visit Eyes of Howick for a free glasses WOF including fit adjustment and ultrasonic cleaning. We can inspect the lenses for any lens defects which may impact  your vision. Clean your lenses daily with cool to luke-warm water and a soft, clean cloth to keep them smudge free. Or better yet, use recommended products such as our lens spray cleaner, wipes of peeps- the carbon lens cleaner. See our online store for our lens cleaning options.

Choose the right lens-Ensure your lenses have an antireflective coating- this improves light transmissibility through the lens and reduces disabling glare while night driving. Crizal Sapphire HR lenses are the most transparent anti-reflective lenses. Furthermore, Crizal Prevencia blue blocking lenses are reported to reduce glare discomfort for night drivers.

Clean your windscreen- on the inside and out! That greasy film can be a real distraction, particularly with oncoming headlights and sun strike through the day. Replace your wiper blades as required and keep the washer bottle topped up.

Clean your headlights- any dirt will reduce their effectiveness at night. Also check for yellowing of any polycarbonate headlamp covers- this can be cleaned off with the appropriate product.

Use your headlights effectively – from 30 minutes before sundown and 30 minutes after sunrise. Don't be hesitant to use high beam while travelling at night except for when approaching and following other vehicles and this can cause disabling glare for other drivers.

Avoid the glare -If you find glare of oncoming traffic a problem- avert your eyes to the left side of the road to avoid this direct glare source while at the same time remain aware of oncoming vehicles. Also don't travel at night with the internal vehicle light on as this will cause extra visual fatigue.

Slow down-Drive at a speed so you can see the road at least 2 seconds ahead.

Remember if you have any queries about your vision difficulties or your eyewear, we are always happy to help at Eyes of Howick. Here's to happy and safe driving!

 

Tips and Tricks for Contact Lens Wearers

Whether it’s your first-time wearing contact lenses or you are a seasoned wearer but you are still trying to find the best techniques, here are some insertion, removal tips and the dos and don’ts of contact lens wear. 

Insertion tips

  • Insert the same lens first – this is to avoid confusion and inserting a lens into the wrong eye!.

  • Ensure the lens is moist from the contact lens solution – a dehydrated contact lens will not adhere to the eye, will be uncomfortable and may compromise your vision.

  • Check the lens is not inside out – look at the side profile of the lens as it balances on the tip of your finger. If it is the correct way the lens will appear spherical as opposed to having a fluted edge like a pudding bowl. Alternatively, gently squeeze the lens between your thumb and forefinger. If it touches, the lens is the correct way. This is known as the ‘taco test’

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  • Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger and with with the middle finger of the same hand pull down your lower lid

  • Use your free hand to pull the top eye lid up right at the edge of the lid near the lashes – this will help to stop the blink reflex

  • Keep looking straight ahead while bringing the lens towards the eye – this helps to centre the lens on the cornea

  • Once the lens is on the eye, gently move your eyes around and close them – this helps to displace any air bubbles and makes ensures the lens is centered

 

Removal tips

If you feel your contact lens is a bit dry apply a lubricating eye drop to the eye – this will help the lens slide of the eye

Pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger and look either up or to the side

·Using the index finger of the same hand slide the lens to the white part of the eye ( the sclera)

Using your thumb and index finger carefully pinch the lens and remove it from the eye – the contact has remained on your eye for the whole day so don’t be afraid to apply a bit of pressure  

Dos

  • Trim your nails- particularly on your thumb and index finger- this reduces the risk of scratching your eye!

  • Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry with a lint-free towel or tissue before handling your lenses

  • Discontinue contact lens wear if you experience persistent discomfort, redness or blurred vision – contact your optometrist for advice

  • Insert and remove your contact lenses before applying or removing your make up

  • Clean your lenses thoroughly – follow the instructions given by your optometrist. If you are wearing daily disposable contact lenses, there is no cleaning routine required.

  • Clean your contact lens case – this is just as important as cleaning your contact lenses. In fact a dirty lens case is the most common source of eye infections.

  • Use contact lens solution to rub and rinse it. Or once per week wash with hot soapy water and allow it to air dry. It is recommended to replace your case every 3 months- a bit like your tooth brush!

  • Always purchase your lenses from an eye care professional to ensure your lenses are legitimate and have not been involved in any industry safety recalls. Evidence shows a higher incidence of contact lens related complications in people who simply buy their lenses of the internet.

  • Return to your optometrist on an annual basis to ensure your eyes remain healthy and your lenses are still the best option for you and your lifestyle.

 

Don’ts

  • Use tap water to store, clean or rinse your contact lenses – water can have a variety of microorganisms that can cause serious infection to the eye.

  • Take care around water based activities such as showering, swimming in pools, hot tubs or saunas. When swimming keep your eyes closed or wear goggles. Daily replacement contact lenses are the safest for water sports.

  • ·Wear your lenses sleeping – unless advised by your optometrist. It has been shown to increase the risk of an eye infection by up to 8 times.

  • Use the lens if the pack is open or damaged or if the lens itself is damaged

  • Use expired lenses or solutions

 No matter what type of contact lens you wear, remember that contact lens care and safety are crucial to maintaining good eye health and an enjoyable contact lens wearing experience.

 

 

Migraine

Eyes of Howick + Migraine

What is migraine?

It is a neurovascular headache, meaning it manifests as a result of complex events and interactions between both the central and peripheral nervous system and blood supply to the brain.

Migraine is often inherited and is considered the 3rd most common disabling event for those under the age of 50 years.

Symptoms of migraine

Warning stage – You may experience subtle clues that you will develop a migraine which may include neck stiffness, mood changes, constipation, fatigue, thirst or craving of sweet foods

Aura- Visual disturbance which may include light flashes, zig-zags, spots or tunnel vision. But may also cause numbness or tingling on one side of the face or body, hearing or speech disturbance, memory loss, confusion, dizziness or even fainting. The Aura usually occurs before the headache and most commonly persists for 5-20 minutes. Some people will experience the aura only; without the headache developing.

The Headache- throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound or head movement.

Resolution & Hangover- Symptoms usually gradually fade but a ‘hangover ‘effect can persist for hours to several days. Symptoms may be similar to the early warning stage or can be the opposite, ie. If appetite was initially lost you may be incredibly hungry.

What causes migraine?

Genetics- sufferers often have a first degree relative with migraine

Sensory overload- sensitivity to light, patterns, sound and even smells

Foods and food additives- certain foods may trigger a migraine such as cheese and chocolate. MSG and some artificial sweeteners may also be implicated.

Sleep disturbance- either too much or not enough

Hormonal fluctuations

Stress or Anxiety

Physical Exertion

What you should do

First of all, if you experience regular headaches, or any significant headache event it is paramount you visit your family doctor for a thorough general health assessment and diagnosis.

A headache diary can be useful to help pinpoint any trigger to your headache.

What can help?

Medication can be prescribed to reduce the pain and even prevent events from occurring. Some patients require referral to a neurologist to help manage their symptoms.

Lifestyle changes including regular sleep, exercise and a healthy diet. Limit alcohol.

Consider an eye examination. In my experience, those with migraine, benefit from correction of even small vision imperfections. We often recommend lenses to reduce light intensity, blue-light exposure, reflection and glare indoors. Prescription sunglasses are helpful in brighter light conditions. I have also recently experienced success with a migraine patient who has found relief from light sensitivity with the new Acuvue Transition Contact Lenses. These lenses, incredibly incorporate the adaptive tint technology of traditional Transitions spectacle lenses but within a contact lens. They can even be helpful to reduce glare when night driving.

Feel free to contact us if you have any queries about your vision or light sensitivity.

COVID-19 and your eyes-what you need to know

coronavirus + eyes

Coronavirus and your eyes

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a type of Coronavirus. Symptoms are fever (at least 38°C), cough and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2-10 days after a person has been infected.

Coronavirus can spread through the eyes

When a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks, virus particles may infect another person through their mouth, nose or eyes. Droplets of the virus may land on surfaces such as counter tops and door knobs, so it is important to wash your hands before touching your face or eating.

Coronavirus and conjunctivitis

Like any virus, COVID-19 can lead to inflammation of the eye- known as viral conjunctivitis. While it is thought to only occur in 1-3% of cases, like any conjunctivitis, it is important to practice good hygiene to avoid infecting others- so always wash your hands after touching your eyes or your tears.

Contact lenses or glasses?

If you are a contact lens wearer, you tend to touch your face and eyes more regularly so now would be a good time to wear your glasses more regularly. It would be a good idea to ensure your glasses are up to date so you can still enjoy clear vision. Furthermore, glasses or sunglasses may also add a layer of protection.

Eye drops

Ensure you have an adequate supply of eye drop medication such as glaucoma drops as it is important to continue with these drops on a daily basis and you don’t want to get caught short if you had to self-quarantine. Please don’t hesitate to phone or email us if you need a repeat prescription. Many pharmacies offer a delivery service.

Avoid eye rubbing

We all do this more often than we realise but try and become aware of this habit and avoid it whenever possible. If you need to rub your eyes, ensure your hands are washed first or use the edge of a tissue instead of your fingers.

Dry eyes and allergy can lead to more eye irritation so keep up with your dry eye drops and treatment and talk to us about prescription eye drops to control your allergy symptoms.

By taking some simple hygiene measures and being sensible if you are unwell, we can all get through this together and stay safe and healthy.