Eye Examination
At Stratton Opticians, our optometrists allow up to an hour for each eye examination, which are always tailored and totally bespoke to your individual needs and requirements. We use the latest diagnostic equipment and assessment tools to enable us to do this accurately.
Both of our senior optometrists have been qualified for over 12 years and have a wealth of experience in the optical field. Our routine eye examination will always check closely for any early signs of eye disease and other medical conditions. Any other visual problems detected during the eye examination will be clearly explained by our optometrists at the end of the examination. Our patients are always treated with the upmost care and are always welcome to come back into the practice at a later date for further advice.
Common eye diseases
Some diseases of the eye are painless and without regular eye examinations may not get treated until they cause permanent vision loss. As we get older, our eyes become more susceptible to certain eye conditions. After the age of 60 it is particularly important to attend for an eye examination regularly to help diagnose and receive appropriate treatment for these conditions. It’s important this is done as early as possible as waiting until problems arise is the point at which it may be too late to treat and manage the condition.
Please choose from the selected common eye conditions below to read more information about each of them. If you are worried about anything you read please don't hesitate to contact us so we can arrange an eye test for our optometrist to thoroughly examine your eyes at our Practice to test for early signs of all conditions.
Just some of the eye diseases we screen for during a routine eye examination are glaucoma, cataract, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, other retinal problems, corneal issues and conjunctival issues (such as conjunctivitis). Many other systemic health issues such as diabetes can often be detected on a routine eye exam, hence this highlights the importance of having your eyes tested regularly.
Driving & Eyesight
You should always wear your glasses or contact lenses when driving if you need them. We also recommend the following:
- Keep a pair of prescription sunglasses in the car to combat bright sunlight, especially in the winter when the sun is low
- Plastic or polycarbonate lenses are less likely than glass to shatter in an accident
- Some types of Varifocals are designed to provide a wider field of view for driving - your optometrist will advice you about this
- Polarising lenses reduce glare, making them ideal for driving during bright daylight hours
- Adding an anti-reflective coating to your normal distance driving glasses reduces glare when day driving
The law in the UK states that you are legally required to be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres in normal conditions. If you can’t meet this standard, your insurance will be invalid. However, there are two obvious problems with this criteria: it requires drivers to self-test (which they rarely do) and secondly, it doesn't test for visual fields (your peripheral vision), which is essential for safe driving.
Additionally, certain eyesight conditions, such as cataracts and double vision must be reported to the DVLA and drivers must be able to see clearly out of the corners of their eyes and when driving in the dark.
Drivers who don’t take responsibility for their vision by having regular eye tests risk serious penalties if involved in an accident. This can include points on your licence, a fine or even time in prison.
Make sure that you don’t get caught out when it comes to driving. At Stratton Opticians we will ensure that your eye prescription is correct, up-to-date and we will answer any queries you may have about driving and the law.
- Rest your eyes - Regularly look away from the screen and focus on some object in the distance (further than 6 meters) - it relaxes the focusing muscles in the eyes which reduces eye fatigue.
- Take breaks from the computer - It is important to take regular breaks from the computer to reduce computer eye strain. Use adequate lighting- Eye strain is usually caused by sunlight or bright lighting in the room. Use curtains or blinds to reduce the brightness.
- Reduce glare - Make sure no lights behind you are reflecting in the VDU screen.
- Anti-glare (anti-reflective) coatings on lenses - helps reduce the glare. See the below video.
- Upgrade your monitor - Old CRT monitors flicker which is one of the main reasons for eye strain; replace them with modern LED screens.
- Change the monitor’s settings - Make sure the brightness is the same as your surroundings and the size of text and contrast is comfortable to read. Black text on a white background is the most comfortable. Reducing the amount of blue can help as blue light has a shorter wavelength and this is associated with more eye strain.
- Change your work station - Having to look from a screen to a piece of paper can strain your eyes. Make sure your chair and desk are at the right height for you. Your computer monitor should be 20 to 24 inches form your eyes and the centre of it should be 10 to 15 degrees below your eyes.
- Wear lenses specifically designed for computers - If you have contacts, think about wearing glasses instead as contact lenses can become dry and uncomfortable. Ask your optometrist about special lenses for computer work.
Visual Stress Assessment
Visual stress can impact how individuals read and comprehend text, leading to discomfort in daily activities. Many people struggle with reading, writing, and processing information, which can affect their performance at school or work.
At Stratton Opticians, for many years we have provided an assessment to help both children and adults experiencing visual stress. One solution we offer is the ChromaGen system, which features a unique range of specially tinted lenses. These lenses may help some patients improve their reading speed.
During the assessment, we find the right color combination for each individual. When the correct combination is identified, patients often experience immediate benefits such as clearer text, easier reading, and better recognition of words and numbers. We have done many assessments over the years and have found some remarkable results. Feel free to call us for further information.
Please keep in mind that while many individuals report relief using tinted lenses or overlays, there is currently no strong clinical evidence to support their use as a treatment for reading difficulties or visual stress.
Contact
Opening Hours
Monday: 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday: 9am – 5.30pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5.30pm
Thursday: 9am – 5.30pm
Friday: 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 9am – 2.00pm
Sunday: Closed
Off-street parking outside practice / Car park located opposite
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