The convenience of Transitions® GEN S

While we know that 9 out of 10 people are light sensitive, only 8 out of 10 people wear sunglasses and for those requiring prescription lenses this percentage would be even lower!

In a world where we are constantly exposed to necessary light; visible, ultraviolet or high energy blue light, it is nice to know there is lens technology available which adapts to our constantly changing lighting environment.

The latest Transitions® GEN S lenses work faster than ever before!

Transitions lenses are a clear lenses which respond to ultraviolet light exposure, darkening to sunglass levels when outdoors. Features of the new Transitions GEN 8 lenses;

• Darken outdoors in seconds, reaching a category 3 sunglass level

• Return to a clear state in 2 minutes- faster than before!

• Longer lasting performance - providing increased value for money over the lifetime of your prescription

• Provide 100% UVA & UVB protection

• Filter blue light both indoors and from sunlight

• Available in 8 exclusive colours which are optimised to be true to tone, enabling you to have the most comfortable vision.

The lenses are available in the iconic Grey, Brown and the popular Graphite Green. Along with Amber- which provides a more vintage look to a brown lens, along with Emerald, Sapphire , Amethyst.and Ruby.

As a Transitions wearer, I can attest to their convenience and the fact that they are ‘right in any light’. Therefore, I have less eye fatigue and light sensitivity with the one pair, no matter what the conditions.

From an Optometrist perspective, I recommend Transitions for my patients as a way to have seamless eye protection but also to ease adaption when going from one light condition to another.

As we get older, it can take longer for our eyes to adjust, for instance if we are coming from the bright outdoors to a darker environment indoors. With Transitions lenses the eyes have less difficulty as the retina is not disabled by the blinding glare while outdoors and therefore your indoor vision is immediately more comfortable, clearer and therefore safer.

We know that 8 out of 10 Transitions wearers would happily recommend these lenses to others and with our ‘Love them or exchange them ‘guarantee, there is simply no reason not to give the latest in lens technology a go in your next pair!

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.