Contact Lenses

Why try contact lenses?

Contact lenses can give you a fresh look, the freedom to be more active, and the ability to see your best. They are an excellent alternative to glasses. They will affect how you see – and how other people see you. Discover the benefits.

Look great without glasses!

  • Wear them all the time or just occasionally for socialising, sport or special events.
  • Rediscover your natural beauty without glasses.
  • Look good without frames blocking your face.
  • Show off your make-up without glasses.
  • Choose from a wide range of non-prescription sunglasses.

Who can wear contact lenses?

With the advent of silicone hydrogel (soft) contact lenses and ever increasing prescription ranges,  more people than ever can enjoy the freedom of contact lenses. Daily lenses are now also available in the high performance silicone hydrogel material with ACUVUE TruEye and Sauflon Clariti lenses. Even if you need reading glasses, that’s not a problem as lens makers are designing ever more successful multifocal lenses.

TruEye Pack

TruEye Pack

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Dry eyes? – Try Blink

If you have dry eyes, why not pop in and get yourself a free* 5 vial trial of AMO Blink Intensive tears. These artificial tear drops are designed to give “long lasting relief from the feeling of dry, tired eyes”. They are also safe for use with contact lenses.

*One trial of 5 vials can be collected by visiting the Caerphilly practice in person and asking at reception. While stocks last.

What is dry eye?

Blink Intensive eye drops

Blink Intensive eye drops

Symptoms of dry eye include:

  • dryness
  • burning sensation
  • sandy-gritty feeling

these symptoms generally get worse as the day progresses.

The Causes?

Dry eyes are usually caused by decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation. The lack of tears causes the inside of the lid to rub against the sensitive cornea causing the symptoms above.

But, my eyes are not dry – in fact they’re always running!

Some people experience tears running out of their eyes and down their cheek. This can also be related to dry eyes. If you think about it, the tears are no longer in the eyes (they’re on your cheek), therefore leaving your eyes dry. Blocked tear ducts, or misplaced lids can also cause tearing, so it is best to consult your optician if you are unsure.

Please note: This article is for information purposes only.  Please consult your Ophthalmic Optician or Doctor if you have any concerns.

Ray-Ban Tech Collection

RB 8306 RayBan Tech Collection

RB 8306 RayBan Tech Collection

Today we received our first of the new Ray-Ban Tech Collection. They are “designed with innovative materials and techniques” and “reflect Ray-Ban’s celebrated history of leading with style and technology.” For example the RB 8306 (pictured) is made out of Carbon Fibre and has polarised brown lenses for reduced glare.

The Carbon fibre sheet, made of seven layers and bonded with resin is water-cut for accuracy. While light and strong, carbon fibre frames are also flexible, comfortable and highly resistant.

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Life is a Beach!

No matter what the weather, the sun always shines at Lawrence and Harris.

Beach mural at the Caerphilly practice 2010

Beach mural at the Caerphilly practice 2010

Today, local signwriter Jason Howells has delighted us with a gloriously sunny beach mural.

The 2010 version of our Caerphilly practice’s summer window features palm trees, an inviting ocean, a luscious golden beach and a yacht.

Over the past three summers Jason has given us sizzling variations on the beach theme, but this years is the largest and best yet!

The beach mural’s aim along with this blog post is to remind passers by of the importance of protecting your eyes from UV by wearing sunglasses, especially during the summer and when away on holidays.

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Nike Sunglasses

Summer wear

New to Lawrence and Harris this summer are Nike Sunglasses. There are a variety of designs including full and half rim styles. The majority can be glazed with your own prescription.

Prices go from (correct at time of publishing – while stocks last):

  • £99 non-prescription;
  • £150 with prescription tinted lenses (prescription dependent);
  • £200 with prescription polarised lenses (prescription dependent).

For more information, come and and speak to myself (Gareth) in the Caerphilly Practice. Don’t forget to book a sight test (if required).

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Free Low Vision Aids (Wales)

Welsh low vision service logo

Welsh low vision service logo

Because of changes that can occur in the eye, it is not always possible to achieve the level of vision you are used to with conventional spectacles.

Welsh Low Vision Service

Four of our Optometrists including myself have been accredited practitioners under the ‘Welsh Low Vision Scheme’ for many years now. As part of this Welsh Assembly funded scheme, we offer free Low Vision Assessments to the visually impaired and appropriate magnifying aids, telescopes, glare shields and electronic aids on free loan. If needed we will use our local knowledge to refer you to other services in our area.

If you wish to be assessed under this scheme, you can either book an appointment yourself or ask your Ophthalmologist, Doctor, Optometrist or Social Worker to refer you to us.

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Macular degeneration and ocular nutrition

Nutrition and the eye

PreserVision eye supplements

PreserVision eye supplements

In 2001, a large clinical trial was undertaken called the “Age-Related Eye Disease Study” (AREDS). This found that high levels of anti-oxidants and zinc significantly reduced the risk of Age related macular degeneration (AMD) and it’s associated vision loss.

Specially prepared vitamin and nutrient supplements (using the AREDS formula, or very similar) are increasingly used by people suffering the early stages of AMD and those with family history of the disease.

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