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Medical Eyewear & Lenses

We offer a range of specialist medical tints and frames.

What is Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease or simply dry eye, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. When there is an imbalance in the tear film, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, and other symptoms.

Symptoms of dry eye can include:

  1. Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
  2. Itching or redness
  3. Sensitivity to light
  4. Blurred vision
  5. Feeling like there’s something in the eye
  6. Eye fatigue or discomfort, especially after reading, using digital screens, or being in dry or windy environments

Risk factors for dry eye syndrome include ageing, being female (due to hormonal changes), certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, environmental factors like dry climate or exposure to smoke, and certain medications.

Treatment for dry eye can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause but may include the use of artificial tears, prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation, lifestyle changes such as using a humidifier or taking breaks from digital screens, and in some cases, procedures to block tear drainage or increase tear production. It’s essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of dry eye to consult with an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are FL-41 lenses

FL-41 lenses are a specific type of tinted glasses designed to help alleviate symptoms associated with light sensitivity, particularly for individuals who suffer from conditions such as migraines, blepharospasm (involuntary blinking), and photophobia (sensitivity to light). These lenses are named after the specific filter they use, which was originally developed by researchers at the University of Utah in the 1980s.

FL-41 lenses typically have a rose or pink tint, which selectively filters certain wavelengths of light. They are designed to block out specific wavelengths of light that are known to trigger or exacerbate light sensitivity symptoms in some individuals, while allowing other wavelengths of light to pass through. The exact wavelengths filtered may vary depending on the specific formulation of the FL-41 tint.

These lenses are often recommended by healthcare professionals, particularly optometrists and ophthalmologists, for individuals who experience significant discomfort or pain due to light sensitivity. By wearing FL-41 lenses, many people find relief from symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and general discomfort associated with exposure to bright lights or certain types of artificial lighting.

It’s important to note that while FL-41 lenses can be beneficial for many individuals with light sensitivity, they may not work for everyone, and the effectiveness of these lenses can vary from person to person. Additionally, FL-41 lenses are not a cure for underlying conditions that cause light sensitivity, but rather a management tool to help reduce symptoms. If you experience light sensitivity or other vision-related issues, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional for proper evaluation and management.

Computer glasses blue block

Computer Glasses with blue blocker

Blue-blocking computer glasses are eyewear designed to reduce the amount of blue light exposure from screens such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. These glasses typically have lenses with a special coating that filters out or blocks a portion of the blue light emitted by digital devices. Blue light is a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light that is emitted by many modern electronic devices, and prolonged exposure to it, especially in the evening or at night, has been linked to eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and other health issues.

By wearing blue-blocking computer glasses, users may experience reduced eye strain, improved comfort during prolonged screen use, and potentially better sleep quality, particularly if they use electronic devices before bedtime. These glasses are increasingly popular among individuals who spend a significant amount of time in front of screens, such as office workers, students, and gamers.

Blue light also disturbs sleep

Yes, exposure to blue light, especially in the evening or at night, can disrupt sleep patterns. Blue light has a higher frequency and shorter wavelength compared to other colors in the visible light spectrum, and it’s commonly emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. When we’re exposed to blue light, particularly in the hours leading up to bedtime, it can interfere with the body’s natural production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

The suppression of melatonin caused by blue light exposure can delay the onset of sleep, reduce overall sleep quality, and disrupt the body’s internal clock, leading to sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness. This is especially problematic in today’s digital age when many people are exposed to screens late into the night, whether for work, entertainment, or socializing.

To mitigate the negative effects of blue light on sleep, various strategies can be employed, such as using blue-light-blocking glasses, reducing screen time before bed, using software or apps that filter out blue light from screens, and ensuring the bedroom environment is conducive to sleep (e.g., dark, quiet, and cool). These measures can help promote better sleep hygiene and overall well-being.

 
Night driving glasses

How to make driving at night more comfortable

Driving at night, especially when confronted with bright headlights from oncoming vehicles, can exacerbate photophobia for some individuals. The intense brightness of headlights can cause discomfort, glare, and difficulty seeing clearly, particularly for those who already have heightened sensitivity to light. This situation can be challenging and potentially dangerous for drivers with photophobia.

To cope with bright headlights while driving at night, individuals with photophobia can take several measures:

  1. Wear anti-glare glasses: Specialized glasses with anti-glare coatings or polarized lenses can help reduce the intensity of bright lights and minimize glare.

  2. Use tinted eyewear: Tinted glasses or lenses that filter out certain wavelengths of light can be helpful in reducing discomfort caused by bright headlights.

  3. Adjust rearview mirror: Tilt the rearview mirror to redirect the glare from headlights away from the eyes.

  4. Keep windscreen clean: Ensure the windshield is clean both inside and outside to minimize the scattering of light that can exacerbate glare.

  5. Increase following distance: Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles to give yourself more time to react and reduce the impact of glare from their headlights.

  6. Avoid looking directly at headlights: When possible, focus on the edge of the road or use peripheral vision to reduce the direct exposure to oncoming headlights.

  7. Consider alternative routes or driving times: If feasible, choose routes with less traffic or drive during times when there are fewer vehicles on the road to reduce exposure to bright headlights.

  8. Consult an eye care professional: If photophobia significantly affects nighttime driving, consult an eye doctor for an evaluation. They can provide recommendations tailored to your specific needs, such as prescription eyewear or treatment options for underlying eye conditions contributing to photophobia.

By employing these strategies, individuals with photophobia can better manage the challenges posed by bright headlights while driving at night. However, if photophobia severely impairs driving ability, it may be necessary to limit nighttime driving or seek alternative transportation arrangements.

 
 
 
Photophobia glasses

What is Photophobia?

Photophobia is a medical term used to describe extreme sensitivity to light. People with photophobia experience discomfort or pain when exposed to light, including natural sunlight and artificial light sources such as fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. This sensitivity can cause symptoms such as squinting, tearing, headache, or even nausea. Photophobia can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including migraine headaches, eye infections, corneal abrasions, or inflammatory disorders affecting the eyes. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. Treatment for photophobia depends on the underlying cause but may include wearing sunglasses, adjusting lighting conditions, or addressing the underlying medical condition.