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Did you know that more than 50% of sight loss is preventable if you have regular vision tests? This is also true for children. In a survey of 1,200 parents, 25% had never taken their school-age children for an eye test. This means that children are at risk of sight damage from a preventable issue. If diagnosis of visual problems , such as amblyopia (lazy eye) is delayed, treatment is much less effective. The survey showed that one of the main reasons their child didn’t have an eye test before starting school was due to the belief they thought their child would receive an eye test at school.Some schools do offer eye screenings,though increasingly not all schools offer them anymore.

At Harrold’s Opticians, we regularly get asked similar questions regarding eye care throughout all of our stores. There are so many different information sites about eye care online, it can be difficult to get a straight answer.That’s why we have decided to compile a list of our most frequently asked questions, to help you get the answers you need! 1. Why are eye tests so important? – We regularly see people who haven’t had an eye test in years, they haven’t noticed a difference in their eyesight so didn’t see the need for an eye test. You may not have any pain or symptoms with underlying eye conditions, an eye test can detect any problems and pick up signs of eye conditions

In the last ten years, technology has revolutionised the way we work and the way that we spend our free time. Outside of work, the average person spends a considerable amount of time looking at a screen, either a laptop, tablet, games console or smartphone device and this puts extra strain on our eyes. If you are also working in an office, where a lot of your day is spent working at a computer then your eyes are under even more pressure. Office workers can go on to develop Computer Vision Syndrome (or Digital Eye Strain) which can lead to eye discomfort and vision problems.   How to look after your eyes at the office There are a number of ways to

As many of you may agree, getting into bed after a long day in work can be extremely satisfying. But with the unpredictability of modern-day life, we understand it’s difficult to measure your sleep pattern in comparison to expert recommendations. Having a good night’s sleep allows your eyes to frequently replenish and rejuvenate which result in you feeling more energetic during the day. If you don’t allow your eyes to rest adequately, it may result in problems such as dry eyes, eye strain. Which leaves you with the question, are your eyes as healthy as you think ? If you are a member of the restless night club and need some help, here are some simple top tips that may improve the

Now that the summer months are slowly creeping up on us, it has never been more important to be cautious when relaxing in the heat. Similar to your skin, your eyes can be easily damaged when in contact with the sun for long periods of time. As there is no such thing as ‘eye sun lotion’, we have created a short guide for you, giving you some top tips on how to protect your eyes in the sun: 1. Wear Sunglasses When shopping for the hottest sunglasses trends this summer, make sure that you look for a pair that transmits no more than one per cent of ultraviolet radiation – these are the sun rays that are proven to damage your

It may seem as although you have had your prescription glasses for a number of years, that your eyesight is still the same. You may be able to see just fine through your old glasses, but there could be an issue with your vision that you haven’t been paying attention to. We recommend that you update your prescription every two years, but we have compiled a list of potential symptoms that may indicate it’s time for a new eye test: Headaches People often associate their headaches with more serious illnesses, even though this is one of the most frequent symptoms for people to get when experiencing eyesight issues. It is caused by your brain over-compensating for the slight change in

With so many new brands and styles available to you, it has never been more important to weigh up the options and find a pair of glasses which are a perfect fit for you. Choosing the right eyewear means getting the right balance of aesthetic and function – making sure that it looks good, as well as feels good. That is why at Harrold Opticians, we have created some top tips to remember when you’re selecting your next piece of eyewear: 1. Check your prescription Making sure that your prescription is up-to-date should be the main priority when getting a new pair of glasses. It is recommended that you check your prescription every 2 years to ensure that you are using

The reliance on electronic devices such as computers and mobile devices for work and social purposes is getting more and more prominent. Everyone’s heard the myths your grandparents use to tell you about your television making your eyes go square – but what effects does too much screen time actually have on your eyesight? Spending too much time on your devices can result in your eyes becoming sore, heavy and tired, and can later be accompanied by headaches and nausea. ‘Dry eyes’ is also a common symptom of screen over-use, which could potentially become more serious later down the line if it’s not treated correctly. Finally, too much screen time can also cause myopia, which is a near-sighted condition where

Stress is known to affect the whole body in many different ways, but studies have now shown that stress can now potentially result in vision loss and eye conditions. Although many stress-related eyes problems are not permanent, you may start suffering from some of the following symptoms: Photophobia – This causes your eyes to be sensitive or intolerant to sunlight and fluorescent light increasing the need to squint your eyes. Photophobia is usually accompanied by headaches and commonly occurs in females between 30-39 years old who suffer from stress and/or anxiety. Dry Eyes – Some medications taken for stress can result in dry eye. If you experience sore, dry and irritated eyes then visit your optician. You may be advised to use