Category: Blackfen

Switching to Contact Lenses: a Guide 

Many people who rely on corrective lenses to see clearly wear glasses to see clearly. Glasses tend to be the more common option as they’re very practical. Wearing glasses is the simple choice, but contact lenses come with a wide range of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked either. If you’re thinking of switching to contact lenses then this blog post is for you. 

At R Woodfall, we believe that both glasses and contact lenses are excellent options to treat common eye conditions such as myopia (near-sightedness). But for those who want the option of contact lenses as well as glasses, we’re here to guide you through making the change.

The benefits of contact lenses 

Contact lenses offer a variety of benefits that can make your life easier. Below are a few of the main advantages to wearing contact lenses and why you should consider them if you haven’t already. 

Excellent for sports 

When it comes to sports and activities, glasses definitely get in the way. The last thing you want when playing sports is to be worried about your glasses falling off and becoming damaged. But you also shouldn’t compromise on your vision by going without. This is why contact lenses are the best solution for this, as they do not get in your way, and they provide the same clarity of vision as glasses do. This makes them a fantastic alternative for those who regularly play sports.

Adopt the curvature of your eye 

Contact lenses allow for a full range of vision as they bend to the curvature of your eye. As contacts move with your eye, it allows the wearer to see naturally. Contacts do not obstruct your vision in any way or steam up like glasses do. This is very convenient for many people. 

It’s like they aren’t there

Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to wearing glasses as they are much less noticeable. This is great for those who are always busy moving and participating in sports or activities. Also, some people do not like how their face looks when wearing glasses, so contacts are a great solution to this. With contact lenses, you never have to sacrifice your vision clarity for looking the way you want to.

If you’re considering making the switch from glasses to contacts then get in touch with your local optician. They will start the process for you. If you’re in need of a professional optician in South East England, contact R Woodfall today.

The Different Kinds of Eye Care Services Explained

Here at R Woodfall, we offer a wide range of eye care services across our South East clinics. We believe taking good care of your eyes throughout your life is essential for good eye health. The best way you can look after your eyes is by visiting your local optician every couple of years. This way, professional eye care experts like ourselves can properly assess your eyes and give you the eye care you need. 

So what type of eye care services do opticians offer, and how does it benefit you? This blog post explores these questions and breaks down the different kinds of eye care you can expect to receive at an optician practice. 

Routine eye test 

A routine eye test is a basic examination that your optician will carry out to assess any changes to your vision. Think of it as a general check-up test, where your optician will ask you about your eye health and any vision problems you may be having. A routine eye exam then involves a series of eye tests to assess different aspects of your vision. These tests include testing things such as your pupil reflexes, visual fields, intraocular pressure, and more.

These tests do not hurt, and are very helpful in assessing your eye health. So it’s well worth going for a check-up to ensure your eyes are healthy. 

OCT scans 

A more advanced and detailed kind of test is called an optical coherence tomography scan (OCT) and is an excellent way for opticians to see what’s going on behind your eye. An OCT scan involves a machine taking 1000 pictures of your eye and optic nerve, and it layers these images together to create a detailed image of your eye that your optician can use to detect any abnormalities. 

Lens solutions 

If you’re someone that wears glasses or contact lenses, then you know how essential they are to everyday life. At R Woodfall, we are experts in providing lens solutions that massively improve your vision by allowing you to see clearly and sharply. Visiting your local optician means they will assess your current lenses and prescription, and adjust it if necessary. This allows you to have the best possible vision. 

Frames and eyewear 

As well as making sure your eye health and vision are the best they can be, we also offer a wide range of eyewear that allows you to look and feel your best. We have a variety of frames from different brands to choose from. We know how important it is to make sure your glasses suit your face shape, which is why we have a range of options to suit everyone.

If you’re looking for an optician located in South East London, Surrey, or Kent then contact R Woodfall today.

Your Guide to an OCT Examination

If you’ve been having some difficulty with your vision then you might be asked to have an OCT scan by your optician. An OCT scan is nothing to worry about, it’s an advanced eye examination that allows your optician to see every aspect of your eye. This means they can detect any potential problems with your eye health. 

Many eye care providers offer an OCT scan if need be, it’s an accurate and effective way of determining what problems you may have with your eyes.

How does it work?

An OCT works by taking around 1000 images of your eye, behind your eye, and your optic nerve. These images are then layered to present an incredibly detailed image of your eye. This allows your optician to detect any abnormalities that can lead to eye conditions, which can help prevent them from worsening. 

This advanced scan allows opticians a detailed look into the goings-on in your eye. If anything is detected then a tailored treatment plan will be mapped out for you by your optician. 

What does an OCT scan detect?

There’s a wide range of eye conditions and concerns that an OCT scan is able to pick up on. These include: glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. An OCT scan can even detect damage to the optic nerve too. 

This makes an OCT an incredible tool for opticians as they can see easily and clearly most optical problems with your eyes, and can then map out a treatment plan for you. 

Why you should have an OCT scan

If your optician recommends an OCT scan for you then you should have one. An OCT scan can detect any eye conditions you may have, and you can then be treated for them to improve your vision. As well as being treated for a condition you do have, an OCT scan can detect a developing condition, meaning your optician could prevent it if caught in time. 

An OCT scan is always within your best interest and is an effective way to detect eye conditions. 

If you’re worried about your eye health then visiting your local optician is the best optician for you. Your optician can identify any issues you may be having and treat them for you. If you live in these areas then why not visit one of our clinics here at R Woodfall. Our team of friendly professionals are here to help you.

How to Maintain Good Eye Health

It’s just as important to take care of your eyes like you would to the rest of your body. Your eyes are so important, they’re your way of processing information about the world around you. If you want to take better care of your eyes, but you’re not sure how, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we want to give you some of the best ways to maintain your eye health to help prevent the chances of visual impairments in the future.

The following is a list of ways you can help keep your eyes healthy. 

Wear your sunglasses 

Protecting your eyes from the sun is vital for maintaining good eye health. The sun emits harmful UVA and UVB rays that can damage the eye if overexposed. If you send too much time in the sun without protecting your eyes then you’re at risk of developing photokeratitis, an eye condition that results in temporary discomfort and pain.

It’s been found that long term overexposure to the sun may also increase your risk of developing serious eye conditions such as cataracts, eye cancer, and macular degeneration. This is why it’s important to protect your eyes with UV protection. 

Here at R Woodfall, we have a range of sunglasses that provide protection and comfort to your eyes in the sun. Our UV filtered lenses can combine with your usual prescription lenses, so you don’t have to keep switching between the two in the summer months. 

Visit your local optician 

The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to visit your local eye care provider. Your local optician can perform a comprehensive eye examination on you to determine the health of your eyes. These tests can also detect the early onset of a variety of eye conditions, giving your optician the chance to catch them before they worsen.

If you’re looking for a professional optician practice in and around London, we have clinics in these various locations. We’d love to help you with any eye concerns you have.

Diet & exercise 

Like the rest of your body, diet and exercise can also help improve your eye health. Eating a nutrient rich diet can really help keep your eyes healthy. It’s been found that fatty fishes that contain a lot of omega 3 are great for your eye health. Dark leafy greens such as spinach are also beneficial. 

Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight is also a great way to reduce your risk of developing vision problems. It’s important to get a bit of exercise regularly when you can to reduce the amount of intraocular pressure within your eyes that can lead to glaucoma.If you’re concerned about your eye health, feel free to contact us today.

How to care for ageing eyes

As we age we begin to notice some changes to our vision. The risk of age related eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration increase as we grow older. This is why it’s important to start caring for your eyes now to help prevent these conditions and preserve your vision as best as you can.

Below are a few recommended ideas on how to best care for your eyes as they age.

Wear Sunglasses On Sunny Days

One of the best ways to protect ageing eyes is to always wear sunglasses in the summer. On sunny days, harmful UV rays can unknowingly do a lot of damage to your eyes. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to vision problems such as cataracts. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to keep your eyes covered and protected

At R Woodfall, we have a wide range of sunglasses for you to choose from. From lenses to the right frames for you, we can help you out with all of your eye protection needs.

Be More Physically Active

Exercise is good for your body, but did you know that it also benefits your eye health directly? Cardiovascular exercise such as running, walking, and swimming can lower the intraocular pressure in the eye. Intraocular pressure refers to the fluid pressure of the eye, which can cause problems if this pressure is too high. Cardiovascular exercise can lower this pressure and in turn, help prevent eye conditions such as glaucoma.

Quit Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health, but did you know it can directly affect your eyesight too? Quitting smoking is a recommended method of preventing many eye conditions, especially age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Smokers are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with AMD, so quitting is your best option.

Visit Your Optician Regularly

At R Woodfall, we can help identify any eye conditions you may have and give you the necessary treatment. By visiting us, you can help prevent or improve any eye conditions that you may exist. We have the very best optical technology to perform eye examinations that can detect age-related eye conditions.

It’s better to detect eye conditions early rather than later, so by visiting an optician practice such as one of ours, you can ensure your eye health is in great hands.

Feel free to contact us today with any queries you may have. We’d be happy to help you with all of your eye care needs.

Age-related eye conditions explained

As we age, it’s natural to notice changes in your body; but one aspect that is often overlooked are changes to your eyes and vision. Growing older presents new challenges to overcome, and one of them is an increased risk of age-related eye conditions that could affect our vision.

At R Woodfall, we’re here to share our knowledge with you on these age-related eye conditions, and offer our expert advice on the matter. 

Below are a few of the most common age-related eye conditions and their explanations.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that involves damage to the optic nerve. It’s usually caused by a buildup of fluid in the eye. Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease, which means that it will only get worse without treatment as time goes on.

This is why it’s very important to visit your optician as we have the technology to detect the early onset of these eye conditions.

The symptoms of glaucoma include:

  • Eye pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Tenderness around the eye
  • Headaches
  • A red eye

Macular Degeneration

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is another progressive eye condition that affects a person’s vision. When someone has AMD, their central vision (not peripheral vision) becomes blurred, meaning it becomes difficult to see clearly.

AMD is when ageing causes damage to the macular. The macular is the part of your eye responsible for your sharp vision, and it forms part of the retina. AMD is commonly caused by abnormalities in blood vessels that then cause fluid leaks in the macular.

Age-related macular degeneration usually first affects individuals in their 50s and 60s. At this age it is significantly important to visit an eye care expert so they can detect any early warning signs.

Cataracts

Cataracts are another age-related common eye condition that requires treatment. This eye condition occurs when the lens in the eye develops cloudy patches. Over the passing of time, these cloudy areas can become larger and larger, resulting in cloudy/blurred vision and eventually vision loss.

Luckily the treatment for cataracts is straightforward and quick, meaning it may not cause you many issues if you choose to have surgery.

Cataracts are a very common age-related condition, the majority of people will experience having cataracts once they reach a certain eldery age.

What Can I Do?

In order to best prevent these eye conditions, you should visit your local eye care specialists. When you visit an optician, they can perform eye examinations on you to search for any signs of an eye condition. If an eye condition is detected then you can receive help immediately to prevent them from getting worse.

It’s worth visiting your opticians. If you have any questions or would like to visit one of our practices then do not hesitate to contact us today.

Blue Discount Offer

To thank our wonderful Blue Light Services, we’re now offering a 10% discount to anyone who works for the NHS, the Police and the Fire Service.

Prescription Sunglasses Offer

Our all inclusive sunglass offer is now on! Frame and single vision lenses for just £99. 

*Terms & conditions apply.

50% off a Second Pair of Lenses

When you buy a pair of glasses, we will give you a second pair of lenses for half price. This might be useful for those prescription sunglasses, reading glasses or spare pair for the car that you’ve always wanted.

Dulwich Festival

We are, once again, proud to sponsor the Dulwich Festival’s Children’s Art Competition. The winners in each age category have been selected by the judges and this artwork is now on display in our window on Lordship Lane. 

New Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions in Blackfen!

The Contact Lens That Knows Light!

We are so excited to announce that we now offer the amazing new Acuvue Oasys with Transitions Contact Lenses!  This first-of-its-kind lens seamlessly adapts to balance the amount of indoor and outdoor light entering the eye, including filtering blue light and blocking harmful UV rays. Less stress on your eyes means less squinting when subjected to bright light as well as reducing glare at night.  These are truly ground-breaking contact lenses, particularly good for patients who do alot of sports.

If you would like more information on these lenses or are keen to try them out, please call us on 020 8660 2147 and we can arrange for you to see our Optometrist.

Recycle Your Contact Lenses!

A huge bag of contact lenses, blister packs and packaging from one of our practices that WON’T end up in landfill!! Don’t forget we recycle all of the above, you don’t even have to be a patient, just pop in with them and put them in our recycling box. Thanks to TerraCycle UK for this great initiative