Burton & Wright Opticians

29/04/2026

Something we unfortunately are seeing more and more of in practice!
Luckily our enhanced sight tests including OCT scanning can help to identify exactly which one we are dealing with and monitor or refer on as necessary.

Lamellar Macular Hole vs Full-Thickness Macular Hole

Macular holes are foveal defects that may significantly affect central vision and are best characterized using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

They are broadly divided into lamellar macular holes (LMH) and full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) based on the extent of retinal involvement.

- A lamellar macular hole represents a partial-thickness defect of the fovea. It is commonly associated with tangential traction from an epiretinal membrane and may show splitting of the inner retinal layers.

On OCT, there is an irregular foveal contour with loss of inner retinal tissue, while the outer retinal layers, particularly the photoreceptor layer, remain largely intact. Visual acuity is often relatively preserved, though patients may report mild metamorphopsia.

- A full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) is a complete defect extending from the internal limiting membrane to the retinal pigment epithelium at the fovea. It typically results from anteroposterior vitreomacular traction, often in the setting of posterior vitreous detachment.

OCT demonstrates a full-thickness interruption of the retinal layers with associated cystic changes at the margins. Clinically, patients present with reduced central vision, central scotoma, and distortion. Visual loss is usually more pronounced compared to lamellar holes.

Eyeball world

12/04/2026

Another condition that can be picked up from its early stages on our OCT machine.
Book your OCT scan alongside your regular sight test.
📞01455 637616

12/04/2026

FYI 👀

Decreased Eyesight in Children: More Than Just a Vision Problem?

Decreased eyesight in children is becoming increasingly common and is rarely just a simple issue of needing glasses. It often reflects disruptions in normal visual development influenced by both environmental and physiological factors.

📊 Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism remain the leading causes of blurred vision at different distances in children.

However, most vision problems are not limited to the eyes alone—they are significantly influenced by excessive screen exposure, reduced outdoor activity, and poor visual habits.

Waiting vs Early Intervention: What’s the Right Approach?

Ignoring early warning signs like squinting, frequent headaches, or abnormal head posture can lead to:

Progressive worsening of vision

Reduced academic performance

Delayed visual and cognitive development

Early action is not optional—it is critical.

What Actually Causes Decreased Eyesight?

Decreased vision commonly results from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors that alter how light is focused on the retina.

This can lead to:

Refractive errors

Binocular vision disorders

Conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia

Common Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

Sitting too close to screens or books

Frequent eye rubbing or blinking

Covering one eye while focusing

Complaints of blurred, double, or “fuzzy” vision

The Hidden Risk of Delayed Action

Daily visual stress from poor lighting and prolonged near work can:

Increase accommodative and binocular strain

Interfere with proper visual processing in the brain

Lead to long-term visual inefficiencies if untreated

Why Early Eye Examinations Are Critical

Comprehensive pediatric eye exams are the only reliable way to detect vision problems early.

They help to:

Identify issues as early as infancy (even before symptoms appear)

Prevent progression through timely intervention

Prescribe appropriate management (glasses, patching, or vision therapy)

Ensure proper eye alignment and binocular coordination before school age

Why Do Vision Problems Persist?

Because lifestyle changes alone are not treatment.

While reducing screen time and increasing outdoor activities support visual health, they do not correct underlying refractive, binocular, or neurological vision disorders.

Key Takeaway

Protecting a child’s vision requires a dual approach:

👉 Healthy visual habits support eye function
👉 Professional eye exams ensure proper development

The best outcomes are achieved when vision problems are identified and managed early—before they impact learning and development.

09/04/2026

When you are dispensed spectacles you will very likely have a conversation with your dispensing optician which will include a number of the following terms. 👓
We like to be able to discuss options and advise our patients based on their needs but I know people are often very interested in understanding why the advised lenses are selected and the following can be a useful basic guide.
Look forwards to seeing you all at your next sight test 👓🤓👓

Types of Lenses Used in Spectacles 👓✨

Warning ⚠️: Practical and clinically relevant.
[2–3 min read] Useful for daily patient education and lens selection guidance.

Eyeglass lenses vary in vision correction, material, design, and special features. Choosing the right lens type ensures optimal visual comfort and eye health.

🔍 A. Based on Vision Correction

Single Vision Lenses
• One field of vision
• Ideal for myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism

Bifocal Lenses
• Two optical powers in one lens
• Corrects distance and near vision

Progressive Lenses (Multifocal)
• Smooth transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision
• No visible line, more natural vision

Trifocal Lenses
• Three vision zones
• Distance, intermediate, and near correction in one lens

Trivex Lenses
• Lightweight and impact-resistant
• Suitable for active lifestyles

🧪 B. Based on Lens Material

Glass (Crown Glass) Lenses
• Excellent optical clarity
• Heavier and less impact-resistant

Plastic Lenses (CR-39)
• Lightweight and affordable
• Commonly used for everyday spectacles

Polycarbonate Lenses
• Impact-resistant
• Recommended for children and sports

🔥 C. Based on Special Features

Photochromic (Transition) Lenses
• Darken in sunlight
• Convenient for indoor and outdoor use

Polarized Lenses
• Reduce glare from reflective surfaces
• Useful for driving and outdoor activities

Anti-Fatigue Lenses
• Small boost for near vision
• Helps reduce eye strain from prolonged screen use

🧭 D. Based on Lens Design

Aspheric Lenses
• Flatter, thinner, and lighter
• Reduces distortion, especially for high prescriptions

Prism Lenses
• Corrects eye alignment issues
• Improves binocular vision and reduces double vision

Clinical Tip
Selecting the correct lens type, material, and design improves comfort, vision quality, and safety. Patient education ensures optimal satisfaction and adherence.

— Choose the lens wisely, and your eyes will thank you:)

08/04/2026

Interesting read for any high myopes out there!
Another reason to have the most thorough eye examination available to you with OCT imaging.
You can book your sight test today by phoning 01455 637616

High myopia (typically defined as a prescription over 600 degrees or −6.00 diopters) does require more attention to fundus health than the average person. This is because as the eye axis elongates, structures like the retina and choroid thin, increasing the risk of fundus diseases. The core of protection lies in regular check-ups, avoiding trauma, and appropriate (scientific) correction.

🏥 Regular and comprehensive fundus examinations (of the utmost importance)

High myopia can lead to complications such as Retinal Detachment, Myopic Macular Degeneration, and Glaucoma, and early stages may present with no obvious symptoms. It is recommended to have a comprehensive eye examination annually, not just a vision test.

· Key examination items: Dilated fundus examination (to screen for retinal tears and areas of degeneration), intraocular pressure measurement (to screen for glaucoma), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT, for examining the macula), and axial length measurement (to monitor myopia progression).

· Warning signs: If you suddenly experience a large number of floaters, flashes of light, a fixed dark shadow in your vision, or distorted vision, seek medical attention immediately. This could indicate a Retinal Detachment.

🤸 Avoid strenuous exercise and head/ocular trauma

Due to the elongated eye axis and thinned retina, high-impact or strenuous activities can precipitate retinal tears or detachment.

· Exercises to avoid: Body-contact sports like boxing, basketball, or football (risk of ocular impact), as well as activities like diving, bungee jumping, roller coasters, and heavy weightlifting.

· Relatively safe exercises: Slow jogging, yoga (avoid extreme inversions in high myopia), and swimming—while being cautious to prevent accidental eye injury.

👀 Scientific eye use and visual protection

· Control eye strain: Avoid prolonged near work; take breaks to look into the distance every 30–40 minutes. Minimize unnecessary close-up tasks.

· Correction options: After reaching adulthood with stable refraction, options such as ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) implantation or laser refractive surgery may be considered. However, these only correct refractive error and do not reduce the structural risk to the fundus; regular annual examinations remain essential.

· Daily protection: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to reduce light-induced retinal stress. Use impact-resistant protective eyewear when necessary.

🥕 Nutritional support

A balanced diet supports ocular health, but it does not cure high myopia.

· Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Found in dark green vegetables (spinach, kale) and corn—help protect the macula.

· Vitamins C, E, and Zinc: Provide antioxidant support for retinal health.

Protecting the eyes in high myopia is primarily about establishing a long-term relationship with an ophthalmologist—monitoring is more important than treatment.

03/04/2026

Please note we are now closed for Easter and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 7th April.

08/02/2026

👀Another new brand to arrive in the practice this month is INFACE 👓


Come on in and see them in the flesh!

03/02/2026

William Morris of London has arrived at Burton & Wright

31/01/2026

👜 ASPINAL 👜

What more is there to say???😍

Quality, beautiful design and outstanding craftsmanship.

😎Sunglasses & Optical frames included😎

Available today from Burton and Wright

30/01/2026

❤️💙💛💜
Classy, colourful and stylish……
What more could you want from your spectacle frames!?! 👀🤓

Come and view our range of Cocoa Mint frames available today 👓

29/01/2026

🚙🏎️ Onefor the car fanatics 🚙🏎️

Did you know you can have Range Rover frames????👀

Come and see the range, both optical and sunglasses available 👓☀️

28/01/2026

Now available at Burton and Wright!!!