Eye care

Vision impairment and sight loss in children is a worrying trend these days. In England, 2 in every 1000 children and young people (up to the age of 25) have some sort of vision impairment. In nearly 2/3rd cases childhood vision impairment is present from birth or is diagnosed in the first year. As children grow older and are increasingly getting exposed to digital media from a young age, problems in vision are on the rise. Many of the vision problems can be corrected or at least contained if they are diagnosed early. This calls for regular eye tests for children from an early age. We help you plan your child’s eye examinations over the years. Eye tests When your child is born, your paediatrician will usually check their vision in the hospital ward. Regular vision screening is a part of routine developmental checks that your child will undergo. While these checks are helpful, they are not as thorough as a full eye examination by a qualified optometrist. An eye test at a young age is especially imperative for children who are born premature or have a family history of eye problems. Your optometrist will check whether your child’s eyes focus correctly, that they are not misaligned and there is no internal eye disease. Other tests include a light reaction test as well as an eye movement check. Your child should have an eye examination around the age of 3 years and then just before starting school. If there is no vision impairment, regular eye tests can be done every two years. If your child has some vision problems, an annual eye examination is recommended. What you can do Here are some things to keep in mind while going for baby’s first eye test: Remember that the eye test won’t hurt your child, so relax! Your anxiety may rub off on your child. Inform the optometrist if there is a family history of eye problems, if your baby was born premature or if you have noticed any discrepancies in your child’s eyes. These could include: Frequent eye rubbing or blinking Failure to maintain eye contact Poor eye tracking skills Excessive tearing Red or encrusted eyes Extreme sensitivity to light When scheduling the eye appointment, choose a time when your child is usually alert and happy Take the test As your child grows older, make sure that an eye test is a part of their routine health checks. At Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care, we make it our mission to provide you and your child with a relaxing and professional atmosphere. Our friendly and trained staff will put you at ease and guide you through the eye examination. We also carry out a complete lifestyle assessment along with the eye test. Based on the results of the eye tests, we will advise the best course of action for your child, especially if any vision impairment is detected. Choose from a wide range of specialist services, glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. So drop in at one of our branches or book an eye test online with Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care.

If you’re a contact lens wearer and have, unfortunately, contracted conjunctivitis, you may be wondering the best ways to handle the situation. Do you wear your contact lenses like normal? Or should you stop wearing them completely while the infection clears? While the severity of the cases may vary, it’s important to know and understand the proper care to take to maintain your eye health. Here, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about conjunctivitis and contact lenses. What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis, sometimes referred to as ‘pink eye’, is a common eye condition that causes pain and inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear tissue layer over the inside of the lids and white of the eye). The infection can be caused by a variety of things, including: Viruses Bacteria Allergies Irritants Conjunctivitis can either affect one or both eyes, causing them to look red and irritated. Depending on the type of infection, it may also be contagious, which could prolong the symptoms if you wear contact lenses. What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis? The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include: Itchy eyes Irritation and/or burning Pink or red colour in the white of one or both eyes Puffy or swollen eye Increased tear production Discharge from the eye Crusted eyelids or lashes (especially in the morning) Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable or do not stay in place It’s important to note that an allergic reaction to contact lenses can cause similar symptoms, such as itching and burning, watery eyes, minor swelling and discomfort. If you are wearing new contact lenses and suffering from these symptoms, it’s best to stop wearing them until you can speak to your optometrist or GP to identify the cause. Can contact lenses cause conjunctivitis? Contact lenses do not directly cause conjunctivitis. However, poor hygiene, such as not keeping the lenses clean, wearing expired lenses, sharing the lenses or the lens case with others, or over-wearing them, can all lead to bacteria building up, resulting in an increased risk of conjunctivitis. The type of contact lenses you choose may also increase the risk of infection, as not all eyes are suitable for all types of lenses. For example, extended-wear lenses, which are designed for continuous wear, carry higher risks for infection. Before deciding on a lens, ensure you speak to your optician, mention any concerns about infections, and undertake a thorough eye examination. Can I wear contact lenses if I have conjunctivitis? Contact lenses should not be worn if you have conjunctivitis. Since contact lenses rest on the surface of your eyes, they will continuously interact with the infection, which can worsen your symptoms and take longer to heal. The contact lens case may also become contaminated, spreading the infection to both eyes. Occasionally, contact lenses may irritate your eye, so it’s always best to remove them and wear glasses whenever you experience any issues to prevent further problems. Only wear your contact lenses again once your optometrist has advised it is safe to do so. Treatment options for conjunctivitis in contact lens wearers Generally, conjunctivitis will clear up within 2-3 weeks with or without treatment, depending on the cause of the infection. For viral infections, your pharmacy will carry a variety of different eye drops to help soothe symptoms and can advise you on the right ones. In the meantime, to help you feel more comfortable, you can try using cool compresses with a soft, clean cloth or cotton pad to reduce itching and swelling. If the infection is due to an allergy, regular use of antihistamines can help to clear it. If the symptoms persist, consult your optometrist, who can recommend treatment and the next steps. Bacterial infections often require antibiotic eye drops, such as Chloramphenicol, which your optometrist can prescribe. If you believe you have conjunctivitis, it’s important to speak to your optometrist, GP or pharmacist right away, as they will be able to diagnose the type of infection and put you on the right treatment plan to clear the infection as quickly as possible. How to reduce your chances of getting conjunctivitis? Wearing contact lenses regularly can increase your chance of getting conjunctivitis and other eye infections, but there are preventative steps you can take. Don’t wear contact lenses longer than recommended Discard expired contact lenses Ensure the contact lens solution and case are replaced when recommended Leave your case to air dry in a clean sterile area Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes Wash your hands with warm, soapy water prior to touching your lenses Avoid sharing tools and washcloths with others Wash pillowcases regularly If you have conjunctivitis, avoid wearing eye makeup so you don’t contaminate your lenses or makeup products. Clean your contact lenses regularly and store them correctly. Although a common and easily treated condition, conjunctivitis can be uncomfortable for 2-3 weeks. It’s recommended to wear glasses rather than contact lenses until your symptoms have disappeared to prevent the infection from spreading. While you can get an infection from contact lenses, it’s important to follow the proper care advice and keep on top of good eye hygiene to reduce the risks of contracting it. 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