Stuck in Level 4 Lockdown we fielded a number of calls from people stranded when their glasses were broken. In some cases we were able to find a creative temporary fix. But this is not always possible, and often less than ideal. Here’s a check list we recommend you consider:

Review how much you rely on your glasses. Take a moment to imagine starting a day without your glasses, how long would you be able to manage.
Do you have a back up pair of glasses? These may be an older pair of glasses in an previous strength. Locate these and try using them for a few hours to see if they still suit you.

Here’s another Lockdown observation. If your prescription is not up to date this may not cause you any eyestrain in normal conditions, but it can be different if you suddenly start reading more, or spending more time on a screen.

Often the outcome of an eye examination is a change to your ideal glasses prescription. This prompts the question: “Is it worth getting new lenses?” A ‘small’ change in prescription which we find at an eye examination may not seem worth an update at the time - but that can change when you increase your time reading and on a screen.

The final consideration is whether you update just your lenses, or get a complete new pair of glasses. This is the ideal time to consider how you would manage without your glasses. Consider a complete new pair of glasses and you will have a back up.

The way we look at the world is changing. We used to spend most of our time looking at far and middle distances. Today we focus on near objects, our computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, gaming devices and e readers. Traditional computer screens are giving way to ever-smaller displays on tablets, eReaders, netbooks and smart phones. As our screen hours increase there are new lenses to help with the resulting eye fatigue.

Reports show nearly 60% of us are looking at digital screens for 5+ hours per day. This is taking its toll on our eyes, causing eye fatigue and digital eye strain. Symptoms can include tired eyes, blurred vision, headache and dry eyes. Digital technology can effect our posture. You may have neck or back pain, through stress on your cervical spine when you are unconsciously bent forward looking at a screen. Spending large amounts of time looking at digital screens (or any near object) means our eyes are exerting more effort to focus.

We are now offering Hoya Dynamic Sync lenses - designed for long periods on your screen. Dynamic Sync’s design has your ‘distance power’ for everyday use and a ‘boost zone’ at the bottom of the lens. The boost zone reduces eye strain when you are looking at screens, or reading. The boost zone allows your eye muscles to relax and focus more easily. This helps relieve eye strain, even after several hours looking at near.

The lenses have clear vision in all directions so they are easy to wear. We would love to talk to you about how these lenses will help.