Caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, with its endless to-dos and family duties, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. As a busy mum, I’ve often found myself focusing on everyone else’s needs and forgetting about my own, especially when it comes to looking after my eyes. But lately, I’ve realised how important it is to make my eye health a priority. It’s led me on a journey of discovery and self-care that I never expected.
A big step in this journey was when I chose to get my eyes checked at Specsavers, a well-known eye care centre that’s all about making sure you see clearly. Booking my appointment was super easy, with lots of choices to fit different schedules and budgets. Since I’ve been going there for more than 25 years, I got a free eye test at the Specsavers in Putney – a perk I didn’t want to miss out on!
What made Specsavers stand out was how they used the latest tech to really check my eyes thoroughly. Along with the regular eye test, I decided to go for an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan. It’s a fancy procedure that takes super detailed pictures of the inside of your eye. Think of it like an MRI, but just for your eye! This scan helped the optometrist spot and keep an eye on different eye problems with amazing accuracy. Plus, it meant they could catch any issues early and take action if needed.
During my trip to Specsavers, I had a blast checking out their huge selection of eyewear, especially the prescription sunglasses. They had all sorts of brands, but Vivienne Westwood’s collection really stood out to me. Their sunglasses are known for being super trendy and colourful, with a bold and avant-garde vibe. I tried on a bunch of pairs and ended up falling in love with one that was just perfect for me. It was a real showstopper, adding a pop of colour and a touch of elegance to any outfit.
What struck me most about the Vivienne Westwood collection at Specsavers was its versatility and range. From classic silhouettes to contemporary designs, there was something to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re drawn to sleek aviators, oversized frames, or bold geometric shapes, Specsavers offers a diverse selection of frames to suit every style and occasion.
On top of their cool designer brands, Specsavers has a ton of trendy frames right in their stores. They’ve got everything from old-school classics to bold, modern styles, so there’s something for everyone. Plus, the staff there are super friendly and know their stuff – they’ll help you find the perfect frames that match your style and personality to a tee.
My visit to Specsavers Putney was really great. The eye health test was thorough, and the OCT scan was impressive. They have a good selection of eyewear too. As a busy mum, it’s easy to forget about self-care, but this experience reminded me how important it is to look after my eyes. And I love my new Vivienne Westwood prescription sunglasses – they’re stylish and practical
Air travel with glasses or contacts
Air travel poses various discomforts for frequent flyers, from cramped seating to lengthy security procedures. However, for those who wear contact lenses or glasses, the challenges of flying go beyond the typical inconveniences. Here’s a comprehensive eye health guide to navigating air travel with glasses or contacts, especially during the summer season.
Exploring the Challenges
Dry Cabin Air
A common complaint amongst air travellers is the dryness of cabin air. The low humidity levels in aeroplane cabins can lead to the evaporation of tears, causing discomfort and irritation for contact lens wearers. Additionally, dry eyes can worsen existing vision issues and make wearing glasses uncomfortable.
Pressure Changes
Changes in air pressure during ascent and descent can affect the eyes and sinuses. Contact lens wearers may experience discomfort or pain due to pressure build-up behind the lenses. Glasses wearers may also notice changes in vision or discomfort as their frames press against their temples or nose.
Increased Risk of Eye Infections
The confined space and recirculated air in aeroplane cabins, along with airborne pathogens from fellow passengers, can increase the risk of eye infections for contact lens wearers. Extended contact lens wear during flights, coupled with limited access to proper hygiene facilities, can create an environment conducive to bacterial or fungal growth.
Tips for a Comfortable Flight
Stay Hydrated Inside and Out
Combat dry cabin air by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during the flight to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Use lubricating eye drops approved for contact lens wearers to relieve dryness.
Limit Contact Lens Wear
Minimise wearing contact lenses during flights, especially on long-haul journeys, to reduce the risk of dryness and discomfort. Consider wearing glasses instead and follow proper hygiene practices when wearing contacts. Carrying a spare pair of lenses and a lens case is advisable.
Protect Your Eyes
Wear sunglasses with UV protection when exposed to sunlight during the flight or while navigating airports. UV radiation can still reach your eyes through aeroplane windows, potentially causing damage or discomfort.
Maintain Hygiene
Prioritise hygiene if wearing contact lenses during flights. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses and avoid touching your eyes or lenses with unclean hands. Consider carrying a travel-sized bottle of contact lens solution for cleaning and disinfecting lenses mid-flight.
Opt for Comfort
Choose lightweight and comfortable glasses frames that won’t cause discomfort during long flights. Adjust the fit of your glasses to ensure they sit comfortably on your nose and ears. Consider adding an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from cabin lights.
Take Regular Breaks
Regardless of wearing contacts or glasses, take regular breaks during long flights to rest your eyes and alleviate strain. Close your eyes periodically, blink frequently, and perform simple eye exercises to promote circulation and moisture retention.
By following these eye health tips, travellers can minimise the discomforts associated with wearing glasses or contacts during air travel and enjoy a more pleasant journey.
