EYE CARE SERVICES
Visual Fields Machine
Any condition that affects the nerve of the eye or the brain like strokes or trauma can result in a loss of areas of peripheral vision. This is clearly a dangerous thing for drivers or even pedestrians crossing the road if, for example, the left side of both eyes is missing. Therefore, we do carry out routine check on most people over 40 and others who are potentially at risk of loss of side vision.
Slit Lamp
The front of the eye may look like a clear window and although it is just half a millimetre thick it has in fact many layers which are impossible to see with the naked eye. The slit lamp is a high powered microscope with a very intense light source that provides a very detailed examination of these layers. Since there are many conditions which result in a “red eye”, only by detailed examination with this equipment can an accurate diagnosis be made. We use the slit lamp on every patient we see.
Test Chart
This is the one thing that everyone associates with an opticians. The classic letter chart that starts of with large letters and reduce in size as you read down it.
Children's Eye Tests
A common question is ‘at what age should I bring my children in for an examination?’ Our answer is ‘any age’. For children who cannot read or even respond to any question we use a Retinoscope which gives us an objective assessment of the prescription. This tells us whether there is any significant error that needs early correction and in most cases reassures us everything is within normal limits.
As children get older they can match letters on a card to different sized letters we show them. Older still and we can show them pictures of common objects – cars, yachts, aeroplanes and so on. On top of all that there are other sensitive tests to check both eyes work together and that colour vision is within normal limits.
Tonometer
The eye is kept ‘blown up’ by fluid that comes in at the back of the eye and out near the front. Sometimes the drain gets blocked up for unknown reasons and the pressure inside the eye rises. If it rises too high it can compress the small nerves in the eye resulting in a loss of side vision (see visual fields for how this is tested). We test the pressure with one of two instruments; one requires us to anaesthetize the eye with drops before touching the surface with a very sensitive probe, the other one is less accurate but requires no drops.
Eye Station
If you’re short sighted, you’ll know how challenging it is to choose a pair of glasses given you can’t see what they look like when they’re on as you peer close-up to the glass. In response to patient feedback, we invested in Eye Station technology to offer patients a means of photographing them with a variety of glasses so they can see what they look like from all angles.
Better still, patients get to see the difference between lens types for distance and close-up. Ultimately, they can make a much more informed choice, particularly the varifocal population who are experiencing much better results.
EYE CARE TIPS
Wearing Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays (UV). Too much UV exposure increases your chances of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Most sunglasses protect from UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) light rays, Maui Jim lenses also protect from UVC (cancerous). 25% of all car accidents are caused from glare, polarised lenses help to reduce glare.
Use Safety Eyewear
If you use hazardous or airborne materials at home or at work, wear safety glasses or protective goggles. This includes DIY, gardening or sports. Protect your eyes when playing any sports involving flying objects to avoid eye injury. Always wear protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses to shield your eyes for sports.
MYOPIA CARE
In short, the definition of Myopia (short sightedness) is where the eye is longer than normal or the cornea is too steep, meaning that light rays focus in front of the retina. Near objects are clear, but distant objects appear blurred. For the most part, this is an inconvenience considering how frustrating it can be to be dependant on contact lenses or spectacles. In addition, eyes with a high degree of Myopia are at an increased risk of developing a serious condition like retinal detachment or glaucoma.
OCT
We utilise state-of-the-art Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology to provide detailed, high-resolution imaging of the eye's internal structures. OCT allows our optometrists to examine the layers of the retina, optic nerve, and other critical structures with unparalleled precision. This non-invasive imaging technology aids in the early detection and management of various eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. By offering OCT scans as part of our comprehensive eye examinations, we ensure thorough and proactive care for your vision health.