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At Harrold Opticians, we have been helping people to enjoy the benefits of better vision both through glasses and contact lenses for many years. As contact lens technology has improved, we have seen an increase in people making this choice, as they want to have better vision through a discreet, convenient and affordable method. However, there is still a large proportion of people that are hesitant to switch to contact lenses, usually because they have misconceptions about using contacts lenses. There is a long list of myths about contact lenses that seem to be putting people off using them and here are some of the biggest misconceptions about them: They are uncomfortable Once you start to use contact lenses, your

When you require vision correction, wearing glasses is the favoured solution for many people but contact lenses provide a number of great benefits as an alternative, or in addition to wearing glasses, so you can alternate between the two options. Contact lens technology has progressed significantly in recent years and more people are now able to choose this option, with bifocal and multifocal contact lenses and other solutions available to correct the majority of vision problems.   If you have not tried contact lenses, then here are 5 reasons that might make you reconsider: 1. Better for sport and exercising Wearing glasses can get in the way when you are running and can even be dangerous if you are playing contact

Once you switch to contact lenses, you wonder how you ever coped without them in the past. Whilst they have improved your quality of life significantly, they do unfortunately come with a cost in terms of environmental impact. You will probably have seen news related to the plastics epidemic that we are facing, with plastic bottles and other waste filling our oceans and rivers at an increasing rate. There is no question that it is more important than ever to dispose of waste in the most economical way possible. A report by the BBC discussed US research that revealed 15-20% of lens wearers flicked their lenses down the sink or the toilet. With between 5 and 15% of the European

We’ve covered tips on the biggest driving dangers at night, and what you should know about driving with glasses, but we wanted to give you some practical advice on how to keep safe when you’re driving at night. Driving in the dark is a lot more dangerous than driving in daylight, due to reduced vision and being less able to see other road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Whether it’s in the rush hour on your way home, or it’s a long journey home after a long weekend, here’s our best advice on staying safe when driving at night. Check Your Lights Perhaps most importantly, is make sure you have working lights in your car. It’s illegal to drive

As obvious as it sounds, it’s essential that you can always see clearly when driving on the road. A recent DVLA survey suggested that 50% of motorists were not aware of the minimum eyesight standards for driving, which is being able to read a number plate from 20m (65ft) away. It’s recommended that drivers check this regularly and book an eye test at their local opticians if they fail to read the number plate clearly. A lot of drivers require glasses to help them drive safer. But what else do you need to know about driving with glasses? Read on to find out more… 1) It’s illegal to drive without them According to recent research, 1 in 8 drivers who

As the nights draw in and rush hour becomes darker, the roads become a lot less safe, particularly for older drivers and glasses wearers. ROSPA estimate that 40% of road traffic collisions happen during nighttime hours. Whilst you can’t guarantee how others will behave, there are ways for you to be safe on the road. Here are 5 of the biggest threats to road safety this Winter & how you can combat these dangers. As the nights draw in and rush hour becomes darker, the roads become a lot less safe, particularly for older drivers and glasses wearers. ROSPA estimate that 40% of road traffic collisions happen during nighttime hours. Whilst you can’t guarantee how others will behave, there are ways for you to

When everyone goes on a ‘health kick’ and wants to improve their wellbeing, you don’t usually think of eye health as a top priority. Exercise and healthy eating yes, but do you ever consider what else can help keep your eyes at their best? We’ve compiled some top tips to keep yours and your family’s eyes as healthy as possible. Eat Healthily We know this tops the list on every piece of advice about staying healthy, but that’s because it’s really that important! A healthy, balanced diet not only keeps your body in great condition but also reduces your risk of eye disease. Make sure you eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and try to

The NHS recommends that your child should get their eyes tested every 2 years to check for any new problems, but with busy lives taking hold it can be easily forgotten. An undetected vision problem can cause children to fall behind in school, as they may struggle to see the board, or have a hard time focusing on their work. Therefore, it’s a good idea to book regular eye tests to keep on top of any potential vision issues that may arise. If you’re not sure what to look out for, here’s 4 warning signs that may indicate your child needs glasses: Squinting When a child can’t see something clearly, they tend to squint in an attempt to improve their