 During National Eye Health Week 2020, I would like to focus today on kids and how you can prevent them from having eye damage that could lead to vision loss when they are older.
Now I know, it is hard to think of that young wild child of yours ever growing up, raising a family, growing grey. But it will happen. And you can do things now to ensure their vision stay at it most healthy reducing your child's risk of eye disease. The easiest way is to protect them from UV damage to their eyes. Most of our UV damage happens before we ever turn 18! Not all kids sunnies are created equal, so make sure they have proper UV protection. You may see something like UVA/UVB, UV400 or the CE mark. These all indicate great UV coverage not just a dark lens. Want to do a fun activity? Visit http://www.visionmatters.org.uk/downloads/sunglasses-design-kids-activity-sheet-nehw-2020.pdf Download it and have your talented kid create their own sunnies! Then head over to our Facebook Competition and post a photo of it. After all, they only have one pair, so take good care of their eyes!
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 We are now open to see all routine eye examinations and eyecare appointments. In order to maintain social distancing during this global pandemic, all appointments, spectacle repairs and purchases will be by appointment only.
Continuing to maintain the highest levels of hygiene in our practice, we will be asking all those who enter to wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. Staff may look a bit different, but rest assured, there are smiles under our masks. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask. To book an appointment to speak to the optometrist or member of staff, please phone 01635 528844.  As I have a lot of my previous patients, family and friends living in the USA, I wanted to say that I am heartbroken over the current state of affairs in America. I know there are many of you who will peacefully protest and march over the following days. You all may become exposed to gases and chemicals that can possibly injure your eyes.
Just a note to say that if you get any chemical in your eyes - pepper spray, tear gas, repellents, or anything else, remember in addition to wearing your mask... · DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES - as hard as it it, try not to as rubbing can result in more damage to the surface of the eye. · RINSE EYES WITH SALINE OR WATER - milk has not been shown to be any more effective. I have always told patients when they get a foreign body or chemical in the eyes....Rinse, Rinse and Rinse some more. If you have any re-wetting or lubricant eye drops, use those as much as possible · If you are going to be near any danger to your eyes (chemicals or objects such as paintball, squash, racquetball), please WEAR SAFETY SPECTACLES. The chemicals won't melt the contacts but safety spectacles are more ideal. · Consider visiting your optometrist as soon as you can to have your eyes checked as sometimes injuries to it may need an antibiotic eye drop. Photo credit: Dr Lori Vollmer. Review of Optometry, 24 May 2006,  Lockdown is easing and lots of us are going to be getting back to the road. Travelling to see family and friends - for an outside socially distant visit of course! Some may be heading back to the office or travelling for work again.
Recent news reports regarding a top government official driving a long way to test his vision has reignited the issue of driving vision. There are many on the road driving with inadequate vision. Many are using an older spectacle prescription or perhaps have never had an eye examination. Check out this interview with a colleague on Sky News talking about just this - driving and your vision. Dr Peter Hampson points out that optometrists are still available both in person and remotely for those struggling with their vision or concerned about the health of the eyes.  Is it me or are there a lot more cyclists out on the roads during lockdown? So nice to see everyone keeping so fit!l I may have to take up cycling just so I can wear a pair of these POC cycling glasses - especially in this amazing flourescent pink colour!
POC is a world leader in cycling gear and you will find many professional cyclists sporting their eye wear collection. The frame is ultra lightweight and made to be a durable sports frame. The lens material provides the ultimate in clarity from Carl Zeiss, a world leader in optics who we are proud to work with. The clear and tinted lenses included with each frame can be changed easily. All the frames come with a hard case and polishing cloth. The lens material is optimised for road cycling. - increasing contrasts on the road surfaces to help you miss those holes and gravel in time. The anti-fog and ripel treatments keeps fog, dirt and grime off your lenses and makes the water pearl off. The pictures POC DO Blade EF provides 100% UV protection in a Category 2 lenses that allows for 18-43% light transmission. Each frame from POC comes with a hard case, polishing cloth, storage box for the replacement clear lens. Take a look at our POC collection as well as other cycling and sport sunnies click below.  The goodr brand has rocketed to success in America and Valarie Jerome Optometrists is pleased to bring this fun range to Newbury!. All the style and fashion without the large price tag. The company was started to provide the active community - like runners and cyclists - with gear that is fashionable and affordable with not the same old sport look.
Lots of uniquely named quirky frames to help you stand out on your next run or cycle. The ones above are Swedish Meatball Hangover. The goodr sunglasses benefits from a frame that won't slip. The polarised lenses help to sharpen the vision. Really like the frame but want it in your prescription? Well that can be done! Look good, run goodr!  Izipizi from Paris makes stylish glasses for the whole family. We are pleased to introduce the SUN Junior collection to Newbury!
For kids 5-10, Izipizi SUN Junior offers style to your little one while providing them with 100% UV protection. Available in different shapes and colours, feel free to browse our online shop. We all know to cover the kids in sun cream to protect their skin but don't forget their eyes. UV can damage the eyes, and cause redness and irritation. Excessive UV exposure can increase our risk of cataracts and macular degeneration as we get older. During the global pandemic lockdown, many of us are taking more to the outdoors or playing in the garden more than usual to entertain the kids - and for our own sanity! Why not protect their eyes in some of theses stylish sunnies! Check out this amazing new project from The Corn Exchange in Newbury. They have created a virtual community choir to sing I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing. This song celebrates and recognises all those in our area working hard on the frontline. Those amazing men and women working to keep us all safe and the country going. You will see Valarie Jerome along with I lots of other familiar faces from the Newbury area
The song, I’d like to Teach the World to Sing, was chosen by Sarah Franklin, a local nurse who works at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. She requested this song on Kennet Radio, to celebrate the hope of the community as well as recognising those on the frontline and thus the virtual choir was created! Another way the Newbury community has came together at this difficult lockdown time to bring a bit of joy or a smile to someone's face.  LiveFitNow was founded by Newbury personal trainer, Vicki Brown. In addition to offering fitness classes, personal training and online coaching, Vicki had created the new LiveFitNow Podcast series. Ms Brown invited Valarie Jerome Optometrists owner, Dr Valarie Jerome, to take part in the new series.
Health is what most people are thinking about lately during this COVID19 crisis. Vicki recognises the importance of total body health and fitness. She wanted to let her listeners in on the benefits of eye health, the role of optometrists to public health, and the importance of routine eye examinations. Click on the link to have a listen ... https://www.buzzsprout.com/984196/3346612 https://www.livefitnow.co.uk/  The current COVID-19 virus pandemic is a stressful time for us all in one way or another. The impact of stress can be affect us mentally and physically. The physical effects of stress on the body affect all parts including the eyes and vision.
What stress does to our eyes and vision
What to do Some easy ways to manage stress is to get adequate sleep and exercise. Even moderate exercise just as a walk is good to manage stress. Think about watching how much caffeine you drink and consider stopping smoking. For some people, further treatment is needed such as talk therapy, meditation, breathing exercises and medications. Don’t forget to reach out – talk to family, talk to a friend or talk to your optometrist. |
Dr Valarie JeromeWriting and sharing interesting topics affecting patients in their daily life, our practice news and the profession of optometry. Archives
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