Understanding Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Nish Fofaria • 17 November 2025

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of reduced vision worldwide, particularly as we get older. Although they can develop gradually, the good news is that modern diagnostics and treatment make cataracts highly manageable—and often completely curable. At Eyecare Opticians in Kingston upon Thames, we regularly help patients detect cataracts early using advanced imaging such as OCT and Optomap.

 

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). The lens should be clear, allowing light to pass through and focus sharply on the retina. When a cataract develops, vision becomes blurred, hazy, or dim—much like looking through frosted glass.

 

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

- Blurred or cloudy vision

- Difficulty seeing at night

- Glare or halos around lights

- Colours appearing faded or dull

- Sensitivity to bright lights

- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription

 

Causes of Cataracts

1. Ageing – the most common cause.

2. UV Exposure – sunlight accelerates cataract formation.

3. Medical Conditions – diabetes, long-term steroids.

4. Eye Injuries or Surgery.

5. Genetics.

 

Diagnosis at Eyecare Opticians

We use:

- OCT 3D eye scans

- Optomap ultra-widefield imaging

- Digital vision testing

 

Treatment Options

Early cataracts may simply be monitored or managed with updated glasses. Advanced cataracts are treated with surgery—one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine.

 

Prevention Tips

- Wear UV-protective sunglasses

- Eat an antioxidant-rich diet

- Stop smoking

- Manage conditions such as diabetes

- Have regular eye exams, especially over 50

 

Book Your Cataract Assessment

Eyecare Opticians, 307 Richmond Road, Ham, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5QU

020 8549 0331

www.eyecareopticians.com

Contact Lens Technology Has Changed — Here’s What You Need to Know

by Nish Fofaria • 26 November 2025
Contact Lens Technology Has Changed — Here’s What You Need to Know ... And Why Buying Lenses Online Could Be Riskier Than You Think Contact lenses have come a long way. Over the past decade, we’ve seen major advancements in oxygen permeability, comfort-based materials, moisture-retaining coatings, and even lenses designed to correct specific eye conditions such as dry eye or keratoconus. But at the same time, online contact lens sales have exploded — and not always for the right reasons. Convenience and price comparison make online ordering appealing, yet many patients don’t realise the risks that come with self-selecting lenses without proper clinical oversight. In this article, we’ll explore: • How modern contact lens technology has evolved • The benefits of newer lenses vs older generations • The hidden problems with buying contact lenses online • Why professional fitting matters for long-term eye health How Contact Lens Technology Has Evolved 1. Oxygen Permeability (Dk/t): Older hydrogel lenses restricted oxygen flow to the cornea, often leading to red, irritated eyes and higher infection risk. Modern silicone hydrogel lenses allow up to 5–6x more oxygen to reach the eye, keeping the cornea healthier and whiter throughout the day. 2. Advanced Wetting Agents: Today’s lenses are designed to lock in moisture. Technologies such as HydraGlyde®, TearStable™, and SmartSurface™ mimic natural tears to reduce dryness — especially helpful for digital-screen users and patients prone to dry eye. 3. Daily Disposable Innovation: Daily lenses are now thinner, smoother, and more breathable, minimising protein deposits and infection risk. This is a game-changer for people with allergies or sensitive eyes. 4. Specialised Optical Designs: New lenses can now help with presbyopia, astigmatism, myopia management in children, and dry eye through ultra-moisture and scleral technology. The Problem With Buying Contact Lenses Online ❗ Wrong Prescription — Contact lenses aren't like glasses. Two lenses with the same power can vary hugely in curvature, diameter, and oxygen transmission. ❗ No health assessment — Online retailers do not check for dry eye, corneal swelling or infection risk. ❗ Overwear habits go unnoticed — Sleeping or overwearing lenses increases risk of infection and scarring. ❗ Cheaper doesn’t always mean cheaper — Complications can lead to long-term damage and costly treatment. Why Professional Lens Fitting Matters At Eyecare Opticians Kingston, a contact lens assessment includes: • Corneal health examination • Tear film & dry eye evaluation • Precision fitting based on eye shape + lifestyle • Aftercare & monitoring • Access to the latest lens technology • Long-term eye protection & complication prevention Book a Consultation Eyecare Opticians – Kingston upon Thames 📞 020 8549 0331 🌐 eyecareopticians.com

Glaucoma & OCT Scans: Early Detection Is the Key to Protecting Your Sight

by Nish Fofaria • 17 November 2025
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the UK — yet most people don’t realise they have it until significant damage has already occurred. That’s because glaucoma often develops silently, without pain or obvious symptoms in the early stages. At Eyecare Opticians, Kingston upon Thames, we use advanced diagnostic technology, including OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), to detect glaucoma years earlier than traditional methods alone. What Is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the nerve that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye, but glaucoma can occur even with normal pressures. Why Glaucoma Is Known as the “Silent Thief of Sight” In most cases, glaucoma causes: - No pain - No redness - No early warning signs Common Symptoms of Glaucoma - Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision - Blurred vision - Difficulty seeing in low light - Halos around lights - Headaches or eye pain Glaucoma Diagnosis at Eyecare Opticians Your glaucoma assessment may include: - OCT Scan - Optomap Ultra-Widefield Scan - Eye Pressure Measurement (IOP) - Visual Field Testing - Optic Nerve Examination Who Is at Risk? - Over age 60 - Family history of glaucoma - High eye pressure - Diabetes - Short- or long-sightedness - Steroid use Treatment Options Treatments include prescription drops, laser procedures, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Book Your Glaucoma Screening Eyecare Opticians 307 Richmond Road, Ham, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5QU 020 8549 0331 www.eyecareopticians.com

Nuance Audio Glasses: The Future of Hearing & Vision Technology

by Nish Fofaria • 13 November 2025
A stylish mature couple enjoying a conversation at a restaurant, demonstrating how discreet and natural Nuance Audio Glasses look in real life. Hearing support has just taken a huge leap forward — and it’s happening through your glasses. Nuance Audio Glasses are the latest breakthrough in wearable technology, designed for people who want clearer hearing, greater confidence, and discreet support without traditional hearing aids. As an independent practice focused on advanced eye care, we’re excited to share why this technology is set to transform daily life for so many. What Are Nuance Audio Glasses? Nuance glasses look and feel like premium eyewear — but inside the frame is a sophisticated audio-hearing system. Using directional microphones and advanced signal processing, they enhance the sounds you want to hear while reducing background noise. They combine: • Prescription eyewear • Directional hearing assistance • Bluetooth connectivity • Premium comfort and style All in one smart, minimalist design. Why Nuance Audio Glasses Are a Game-Changer 1. Completely Discreet Hearing Support They look like beautiful eyewear — not hearing devices. 2. Hearing Enhancement Without the Hearing Aid Look Perfect for early-stage hearing changes, they give clarity in restaurants, meetings, family gatherings, and everyday conversations. 3. Prescription Ready At Eyecare Opticians, we can fit single vision, varifocals, blue-light lenses, Transitions, and sunglasses. 4. Advanced Microphone Technology Beam-forming microphones focus on voices while reducing background noise. 5. Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity Take calls, listen to podcasts, and stream audio hands-free. Who Are They For? Ideal if you often say “pardon?”, struggle in busy restaurants, don’t feel ready for hearing aids, or want discreet, stylish technology. Nuance vs Hearing Aids Nuance Glasses look like normal eyewear, offer mild hearing support, allow prescription lenses, and cost less than many hearing aids. Why Eyecare Opticians Are Early Adopters As a technology-led practice with OCT, Optomap, and myopia control expertise, Nuance aligns perfectly with our approach to advanced care. We offer: • In-practice demonstration • Vision + hearing assessment • Expert suitability advice • Prescription fitting • Full aftercare support Try Nuance Audio Glasses — Book Your Demo Today Eyecare Opticians 307 Richmond Road, Kingston / Ham 020 8549 0331 eyecareopticians.com