What is Macular Degeneration?

This is a common eye disease linked to ageing that in time will destroys sharp, clear central vision due to damage to the retina. The retina is the very thin tissue that lives at the back of the eye and contains the light-sensing cells which are sending visual signals to the brain. Sharp, clear, ‘straight ahead’ vision is processed by the macula, which is the central part of the retina. When the macula becomes damaged through eye disease, many daily activities such as driving and reading become increasingly difficult.

Some studies indicate that eating a diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Some of the highest levels of antioxidants can be found in cherries, blueberries, grapes, oranges, plums, pineapple and kiwi fruit.

Posted by Hannah Wingate, Sunday 18th March, 2012

What are floaters?

Some people can notice a change in their floaters after having laser eye surgery, either a change in pattern or an increase. This seems to happen mainly for those patients with very high amounts of shortsight (myopia), eg -7.00 dioptres or higher. Also patients are paying much more attention to their vision, and the quality of their sight, after having LASIK and become aware of the natural presence of floaters during this time. In this case there is no real change, but just a shift in perception. The awareness of floaters will decrease over the months following having had treatment and are rarely a long term issue.

Posted by Hannah Wingate, Monday 27th February, 2012

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis becomes especially important when we are looking to perform laser eye surgery, e.g. Z-LASIK. Blepharitis is linked with dryness of the eyes and should be treated before having vision correction, to increase the moisture over the cornea (which does temporarily become drier after treatment). This LASIK post-op dryness recovers within 3-6 months, and is managed most often by the patient using artificial tear drops. The effects can be greatly helped by pre-treating any blepharitis, which can sometimes take a few weeks, to help the recovery after laser eye correction. If the blepharitis is severe, then LASIK may not be an option at all. Your clinician can advise on all of these factors at the time of a pre-op consultation.

Posted by Hannah Wingate, Wednesday 22nd February, 2012

Laser eye surgery in 2012

In many ways 2011 was a great year for not only us at Focus and our team but for laser eye surgery in general. We treated more people than ever, obtained our 100% 20/20 results and also introduced our revolutionary treatment for reading vision problems in the form of ‘KAMRA‘. However one of the most rewarding aspects of working in the clinic is seeing the difference laser eye surgery or KAMRA makes to people’s lives.

We see many patients come to us not realising how much laser eye surgery will change their lives but they very shortly experience what it is like not to have to fuss around for lenses or glasses anymore. For many it’s the best thing they’ve ever done.

If you’re reading this and have had surgery at our clinic then we hope you’re happy with your results. If you’re new to thinking about laser eye surgery or our KAMRA treatment then why not just come in and book a free consultation? There is no obligation at all on your part and you can meet with our team, have your eyes checked out and discuss any questions you might have with our optometrists. At the very worst you’ll get a great cup of coffee!

You can book right now online here or simply call one of our friendly team on 0207 307 8250. Who knows, 2012 could be the year you throw away those specs or lenses for good!

Posted by Hannah Wingate, Monday 16th January, 2012

Optical Illusions

And now for something completely different!

Optical illusions are caused when the brain thinks it is seeing something but the object or visual is actually not there. Our brains do not really view entire objects but rather gather data from just parts of an object making up a picture from past visions or experiences.

Of course most of the time our brain gets the images right but optical illusions play on the above fact to create something that isn’t quite there or would normally be an ‘impossibility’.

We’ve picked some of our favourites below:

This is a still image…or is it??

How many legs does this elephant have?

Is this possible? or real?

Posted by Hannah Wingate, Thursday 01st December, 2011