seeing clearly
A clearer guide to understanding vision, opticians and glasses
- Introduction
- Opticians
- Your eye test
- Free eye tests
- Your prescription
- Definitions
- Everyday life & glasses
- Top tips
Everyday life and glasses
Technology Using a computer or mobile phone and watching TV
While there is no solid evidence that suggests that using a computer or mobile phone or watching TV can significantly damage your eyes, in 2005 72 ppint carried out a report called ‘Square Eyed Britain’ on 2,750 office workers. This report found that 90% of workers regularly suffer from ‘screen fatigue’ (headaches, sore or tired eyes, trouble seeing colours and blurred vision).
With most of the country upgrading to high-definition TVs and over three million people subscribing to HD television, people are demanding a better quality TV picture. However, many people will not see the full benefit, because they have an out-of-date prescription.
Sun Exposure to UV light
It is important to protect your eyes from the sun (see www.assoc-optometrists.org). If your eyes have been exposed to too much UV light, you may suffer from photokeratitis. Your eyes will look red and will water, and it might also feel like you have dust in them. Photokeratitis usually gets better by itself within a few days, but it could cause some long-term problems. This is sometimes referred to as 'snow blindness'.
You should wear sunglasses, especially around midday when levels of UV light are higher. Be careful when choosing sunglasses. If you don’t get 100% UV protection, harmful rays from the sun will still reach your eyes through the sunglasses, increasing the risk of damage. Sunglasses that wrap around your eyes will give the best protection as they cover more of your eyes, so there is less chance of sunlight, wind and pollen getting into them.
Driving Dangers of driving
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) found that 13 million drivers do not have good enough eyesight to be driving without glasses or contact lenses. Unlike the regulations for people who work with computers and monitors, there is currently nothing in place for people who drive as part of their work to have their eyes tested regularly. Although there is nothing to encourage people to have their eye tests, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has set laws for driving that say you need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you cannot read a number plate from 20 metres away, your insurance is not valid and it’s illegal to drive (see www.dft.gov.uk).
How many of you reading this will replace your prescription glasses with a pair of normal sunglasses as you jump in the driver’s seat? Shockingly this is common practice, yet some drivers can only just about see the road. In countries such as Spain, this wouldn’t be allowed due to European law which says that drivers who need prescription glasses must carry a spare pair with them in the car at all times. You must also be aware of the dangers of tinted glasses. Under the Highway Code, you are not allowed to wear tinted glasses at night or in poor light, as the lenses are too dark and will affect your vision.