Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, commonly referred to as Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea during sleep, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. In addition to providing temporary vision correction, Ortho-K has been shown to slow the progression of myopia by altering how light focuses on the retina. Consistent wear and careful lens hygiene are essential for safe and effective use. While Ortho K lenses are suitable for all ages, the discipline required to see the best results is worth considering when it comes to children.

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses

Soft multifocal contact lenses are worn during the day and are designed with multiple optical zones. These zones help control the way light enters the eye, creating a peripheral focus that may signal the eye to slow its growth. Since excessive elongation of the eye is a key factor in myopia progression, this optical design can help manage the condition over time. Many patients find these lenses comfortable and easy to incorporate into their daily routine.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose Atropine eye drops are another widely used option for myopia management. Typically applied once daily, these drops work by slowing the eye’s elongation. Atropine does not correct vision directly, so glasses or contact lenses are usually still required. However, it can be an effective option for individuals who prefer not to rely primarily on contact lenses.

Choosing the Right Approach

Each myopia control method offers unique advantages, and the most suitable option depends on individual needs, lifestyle, and eye health. Consulting with an eye care professional can help determine the most appropriate strategy for managing myopia progression and maintaining long-term visual health.

The Bromley Eye Centre is Bromley’s trusted local opticians and eyecare specialists- to schedule an appointment and explore which myopia control option is best for you, book online today.

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Ortho-K lenses are special contact lenses that you wear at night, while you sleep. They gently change the shape of your eye overnight. When you wake up, you take them out – and you can see clearly for the whole day. No glasses. No contacts. Just clear vision.

Mornings Are So Much Easier

You wake up and the room is clear. Just like that. You take the lenses out, give them a rinse, put them in their case, and you’re done. The whole thing takes less than a minute. 

No more glasses sliding down your nose. No more dry, uncomfortable contacts by lunchtime. For parents of kids with short-sightedness, it also means one less stressful thing on a busy school morning. Kids pick up the routine really quickly, often quicker than adults do. 

The Daytime Is Simple

Once the lenses are out, you don’t have to think about your eyes at all. No lens case in your bag. No spare glasses just in case. You just get on with your day.

This is especially great for kids and sporty people. Swimming, football, cycling – all of it is so much easier when you’re not worrying about glasses or contacts falling out. PE lessons become way less of a hassle.

Bedtime Is When the Magic Happens

Every evening, you clean your lenses and put them back in before you go to sleep. Thats really all there is to it. The lenses need around 8 hours to do their job, so a regular bedtime helps.

A few minutes at night means a completely free day for your eyes. Most people think that’s a pretty good deal.

Could Ortho-K Work for You?

Ortho-K is great for kids whose short-sightedness is getting worse, active people who struggle with glasses, and anyone who just wants to stop messing around with contacts every day.

If you’re in Bromley or nearby, The Bromley Eye Centre can help you find out if Ortho-K is right for you or your child. Just honest, helpful advice – no pressure at all.

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Screen time in the younger generations has skyrocketed in the last few years as smartphones and iPads have become irrevocably integrated into our everyday lives. The long-term effects, both physical and psychological, are yet to be fully discovered. However, in the short-term, problems like myopia are becoming a concern. Is there a link between screen time and rising myopia in children, or are there other factors at play? Research suggests that it may not be quite as straightforward as it seems.

Several large studies have found that the more time children spend on screens each day, the higher their risk of developing short-sightedness. In fact, each additional hour of daily screen use has been associated with a measurable increase in myopia risk.

One reason for this is that screens fall under what is called “near work”. When children focus on objects up close for long periods- whether that’s a tablet, smartphone, book or homework- the eyes are under continuous strain. Over time, this constant close focusing may encourage the eye to grow slightly longer, resulting in blurred distance vision.

However, there are many indirect consequences of high screen-times that may contribute to the development of myopia. One major factor appears to be a lack of time spent outdoors. Studies consistently show that natural daylight plays a protective role in healthy eye development. Children who spend more time outside are less likely to become short-sighted, regardless of how much near work they do. Unfortunately, increased screen use often replaces outdoor play, reducing exposure to natural light and physical activity.

Genetics also play an important role. Children with one or both parents who are short-sighted are more likely to develop myopia themselves. When genetic predisposition combines with long hours of screen use and limited outdoor time, the risk increases further.

So what can parents do?

Banning screen use entirely simply isn’t realistic anymore. However, regular screen breaks, following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), can help reduce eye strain. Encouraging at least one to two hours of outdoor play each day can also make a real difference. Most importantly, regular eye examinations ensure any changes in vision are detected early.

If you’re concerned about your child’s eyesight, professional advice can offer reassurance and support. The Bromley Eye Centre provides comprehensive eye examinations for children of all ages. Book your child’s eye test today to help protect their vision and support healthy eye development for the future.

The post Is There a Link Between Screen Time and Rising Myopia in Children? appeared first on Bromley Eye Centre.

Ortho-K lenses work by gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep. By morning, the temporary change in corneal curvature allows you to see clearly throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. For adults who want freedom from constant glasses-wear but aren’t ready (or aren’t good candidates) for laser eye surgery, Ortho-K can be an appealing alternative.

One of the biggest advantages for adults (as with many things in life) is convenience. If you lead an active lifestyle, play sports, or work in environments where dust, dryness, or fluctuating temperatures affect your eyes, eliminating daytime lenses can significantly improve comfort. Many adults who struggle with contact lens intolerance or dry eye symptoms find Ortho-K to be a refreshing solution.

Another major benefit is that Ortho-K is fully reversible. The effects fade gradually if you stop wearing the lenses, allowing you to adjust or discontinue treatment without long-term commitment. This makes Ortho-K a particularly attractive option for adults whose prescriptions may still fluctuate or who prefer a non-invasive approach to vision correction.

It’s also worth noting that Ortho-K can correct a wide range of refractive errors, including mild to moderate myopia and, in some cases, astigmatism. Advances in lens design have made the treatment more customisable and accessible than ever before.

So, can you still benefit from Ortho-K later in life? Absolutely. Whether you want sharper vision without surgery, more comfort than traditional contacts can offer, or simply the freedom to get through your day without relying on glasses, Ortho-K might be the right fit. A consultation with an eye care professional at The Bromley Eye Centre can help determine if you’re a good candidate, and open the door to clearer, more convenient vision. Book your appointment with us today on our website or by calling 020 8466 8333.

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Ortho K contact lenses are not exactly new technology, but have grown significantly in effectiveness and popularity in recent years. Lesser known than daily or monthly soft lenses, many patients will overlook them without fully understanding how they work and the benefits they provide. So, how different are they to normal contact lenses?

Ortho K contact lenses are hard, gas-permeable lenses that work to reshape the cornea overnight.

For anyone who wears glasses, the daily hassles are all too familiar- slipping off during sports, fogging up in cold weather, or worrying about accidental damage. These frustrations make many people wonder if there’s a better way to see clearly without the constant dependency on glasses.

While not a brand-new invention, Ortho K contact lenses have gained popularity in recent years due to their proven effectiveness and unique benefits. Unlike standard daily or monthly soft lenses, Ortho-K lenses work differently, and many patients overlook them simply because they don’t yet understand how they work.

Ortho-K lenses are rigid, gas-permeable contacts designed to gently and temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep. This means you can wake up to clear vision without needing glasses or daytime contacts.

The Science Behind Ortho-K Lenses

Ortho-K lenses work by gently reshaping the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye that helps focus light onto the retina). Vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness) occur when the cornea’s shape causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry vision.

When you wear Ortho-K lenses overnight, their specially designed shape applies gentle pressure to the central part of the cornea. This subtle reshaping flattens the central cornea, temporarily shifting how light enters the eye and allowing it to focus correctly on the retina. Because Ortho-K lenses are rigid but gas-permeable, they allow oxygen to reach your cornea, keeping your eyes healthy.

The clear vision that results is temporary, which is why consistent overnight wear is required to maintain sharp vision.

Ortho K lenses are suitable for children and adults suffering from myopia, and can even help slow its progression in young people.

Book Your Appointment Today

The Bromley Eye Centre is currently the only Ortho K licensed opticians in Bromley- book an appointment with us today to find out more.

The post How Ortho K Lenses Work: Science Behind Reshaping the Cornea appeared first on Bromley Eye Centre.

One of the biggest advantages of Ortho K lenses is that they are appropriate for both adults and children to wear, and have unique benefits for both groups. However, many parents that visit us here at the Bromley Eye Centre have never heard of Ortho K contact lenses, so it is only normal for them to have questions about whether they are safe for their children to use.

Generally speaking, Ortho K contact lenses are completely safe for children with myopia. Many parents worry about children losing or breaking glasses (which can be expensive to replace!) and having to wear glasses can be restrictive when it comes to sports or other physical activities. The use of Ortho K lenses, due to being worn at night, can be much more closely monitored by parents at home, and the risk of things getting lost or broken is significantly reduced.

Ortho K contact lenses, in many cases, can also halt or slow the progression of myopia in childhood, when eyesight is still changing and developing. The effectiveness of Ortho K lenses as a treatment option will depend on the severity of your child’s myopia, as well as more controllable factors like consistency of wear.

Of course, every child has a unique set of circumstances, so Ortho K lenses will not be the best or safest option in every case. However, this is something you will be able to discuss in depth with your optician, who will always be able to advise you on the best course of action.

The Bromley Eye Centre is the only Ortho K authorised practice in Bromley. To find out if your child is eligible for Ortho k contact lenses, get in touch and schedule your appointment with us today.

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How Traditional Contact Lenses Work

Traditional soft or gas-permeable lenses are worn during the day to correct your vision. They sit directly on the eye and bend light in a way that compensates for short-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The moment you remove them, your eyesight returns to its natural state.

They’re simple and effective, but they also come with some drawbacks: dryness, discomfort after long wear, restrictions during sport or swimming, and the ongoing need to insert and remove them every day.

How Ortho-K Lenses Work

Ortho-k contact lenses take an almost opposite approach. These custom-made rigid gas-permeable lenses are worn overnight while you sleep. They gently reshape the surface of the cornea, correcting the way light is focused on the retina.

In the morning, you remove the lenses and enjoy clear vision all day without needing glasses or contacts. The effect is temporary and reversible, so the lenses must be worn each night to maintain results.

Key Differences at a Glance

When you wear them:

 Traditional lenses: worn during the day.

• Ortho-k: worn at night only.

Lifestyle impact:

• Traditional lenses: can cause dryness, discomfort, and limitations in sport.
• Ortho-k: freedom from glasses or lenses during the day.

Suitability for children:

• Traditional lenses: correct vision only while worn and are difficult to supervise throughout the day.
• Ortho-k: can also slow the progression of myopia, making them popular for younger patients, and use can be supervised easier at night

Permanence:

• Neither option is permanent, but ortho-k reshapes the eye temporarily, while traditional lenses provide correction only while in place.

Which Is Right for You?

 If you’re looking for a straightforward, familiar option, traditional contact lenses remain a good choice. However, if you want the freedom of clear, unaided vision all day, ortho-k lenses could be life-changing. If you’re unsure, make an appointment with us at The Bromley Eye Centre, where our qualified staff will be able to help you make the right decision for your overall health and quality of life.

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Why are more children becoming short-sighted?

As the new school year approaches and children spend more time on devices for learning and entertainment, we’re seeing an increase in a condition called myopia, or nearsightedness.

You may have heard of myopia before, but did you know it’s becoming more common in children? It’s often more than just a simple need for glasses. For many children, myopia can progress quickly, leading to stronger and stronger prescriptions over time. This can increase the risk of more serious eye health issues later in life.

In the last 50 years, the prevalence of myopia in the UK has more than doubled – from 10% in the 1960s to 23% in the 2000s (1). Experts predict that by 2050 more than 50% of the global population will be myopic – shortsighted. If children are myopic, they are at greater risk of developing a number of eye diseases in later life. The more myopic you are, the greater the risk. However, if we can reduce the end amount of myopia you have, the risk will be lower.

BEC has recently invested in new technology, an axial biometer, to help determine those children at a higher risk of becoming myopic. Biometry is the measurement of the length of the eyeball, which can provide crucial information about the child’s risk for the development and progression of myopia. By regularly monitoring biometric measurements, we can better understand how a child’s myopia progresses and make informed decisions about treatment options.

Solutions to protect your child’s vision for the long term.

The good news is that we have advanced solutions to help slow down the progression of myopia and protect your child’s vision for the long term. This is known as myopia management.

Instead of simply correcting their vision with standard glasses, we can use specialised treatments designed to actively control how their eyes grow. Our solutions include:

• Night Lenses: These specially designed contact lenses, made by Eyedream, are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This provides clear vision all day without the need for glasses or contact lenses, while also slowing down myopia progression. EyeDream offers children the freedom and confidence to swim, play sports and enjoy an active lifestyle without the restrictions of specs or contact lenses.
• Contact lenses for myopia: MiSight contact lenses are designed to give your children clear vision and slow the development of myopia. Children as young as 8 years old can confidently apply and remove MiSight 1 day lenses on their own. Children wearing MiSight 1 day achieved better than 20/20 vision across all visits over a 6-year period.
• Specialty spectacle lenses: We offer innovative spectacle lenses such as ZEISS MyoCare MyoCare is backed by ZEISS innovation and more than a decade of experience in developing lenses to manage myopia progression. MyoCare lenses provide – Effective myopia management in children, good vision for all viewing angles, comfortable vision & full UV protection.

The right solution depends entirely on your child’s specific needs and lifestyle. Our goal is to work with you to create a personalised plan to give your child the best possible vision now and in the future. For example, many parents love EyeDream lenses as they are worn at night and at home so lens wear & care can be monitored – and no more lost specs or contacts!

Back-to-school offer for your child’s eyesight

If you have any concerns about your child’s eyesight or want to learn more about myopia management, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. We’re here to help you navigate these options and find the perfect fit.

As a special offer in September & October we are offering discounts on our fitting fees.

Call on 020 8466 8333 or visit our website at bromleyeyecentre.co.uk  to book an appointment.

If you have family members or friends who you think could also benefit from our help we would also extend the same discounts to any household we can help over this period. Just provide them with your patient number and we can apply the offer.

We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

Thank you

We truly appreciate your continued loyalty and support. Thank you for trusting us with your family’s eye care. We look forward to helping your child see more clearly and confidently in the year ahead.

From the whole Bromley Eye Centre team.

The post A Clearer Future: Protecting Your Child’s Vision appeared first on Bromley Eye Centre.

Consider Your Work Setting

Office Work

If you work in an office, and spend most of your day at a computer, then there are several ways you can adapt your glasses:

• Look for anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from screens and overhead lighting.
• Blue light filters can help with eye strain, especially if you work late.
• Verifocals can allow you to shift from screen work to face-to-face conversations, presentations, or walking around. Varifocals allow you to see clearly at all those distances without changing glasses.

Outdoor Work

 If you are a builder, gardener or have a similar profession that requires a lot fo outdoor work, then you may need to consider:

• UV protection, which is essential to protect against sun damage.
• Polarised lenses, which cut down glare from reflective surfaces like water, glass, or metal.
• Photochromic (transition) lenses, if you move between indoors and outdoors often.

Workshop/Industrial/Lab Work

If you’re in an industry that requires eye protection, here is what you should be thinking about:

• Impact-resistant lenses (polycarbonate or Trivex) for safety.
• Wraparound or side shields that can protect from dust, debris, or splashes.
• If your work requires both clear vision and eye protection, prescription safety glasses can be a very practical choice. They’re common in workplaces where PPE is mandatory, and many employers will even subsidise them.

Comfort and Style

While practicality is important, so is the way your glasses look and feel. Your optician will make sure any glasses you choose sit correctly on your face and are comfortable for you to wear. When it comes to style- it’s completely down to personal tastes!

Choosing the best glasses for your work environment is a little bit of a balancing act, but it will make your life so much easier if you get it right. The team at The Bromley Eye Centre are always here to offer guidance and advice when you need it. Why not book your eye test with us today?

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How Can Regular Eye Tests Benefit Your Health?

Early Detection Of Eye Conditions

Many eye diseases, like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, develop slowly and without obvious symptoms at first. Routine eye exams can catch these issues early, often before any permanent damage is done.

Keeping Your Prescription Up To Date

Your vision can change over time. Regular tests ensure your glasses or contact lenses are providing the clearest, most comfortable vision possible, helping to reduce eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, especially if you spend a lot of time working with screens.

Insight Into General Health

The eyes can reveal signs of broader health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even neurological disorders. An optometrist can often spot these early during a routine eye exam.

Important In Children’s Development

The importance of regular eye tests is emphasised for older patients, but taking your children for regular checkups is just as necessary. In children, undiagnosed vision problems can affect learning, reading, and coordination. Regular eye checks are crucial to catch issues early and support proper development, especially during school years.

How Regularly Should You Get Your Eyes Tested?

For adults, it is generally recommended to have an eye test every 1-2 years, and for children and the elderly, every year.

Even if your eyes feel fine, regular eye tests are a simple way to protect your sight and spot potential problems early. It’s not just about seeing well- it’s about staying well and protecting your overall health.

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1. Invest In A Sturdy Case

If you’re someone who uses glasses for short-distance activities such as reading, you won’t always need to have your frames on your face. For the times when you don’t need them, having a good, reliable hard case to keep them in means you can pack them into a rucksack or suitcase without having to worry if they’ll bend or break.

2. Pack A ‘Just-In-Case’ Pair

It’s always good practice to keep a spare pair of glasses around in case the worst should happen. When you’re travelling, the risk of your glasses getting lost or damaged only increases. Bringing a spare pair with you means you always have a backup plan.

3. Take A Cleaning Kit

While a hard case will keep the frames from being bent or broken, you’ll also need to make sure your lenses don’t come to any harm- and travel means exposure to dust, sweat, and smudges. Packing a good cleaning kit consisting of a small microfiber cloth, lens-safe cleaning spray, and even pre-moistened wipes can keep your lenses clear and your vision sharp on the go.

4. Avoid Leaving Sunglasses in Hot Cars

Extreme heat can warp plastic frames and damage lenses, especially polarised or prescription sunglasses. Never leave them sitting on the dash or in a closed glove compartment.

5. Attach Them Securely To Yourself

If you’re doing water sports, hiking, or anything active, use a floating strap or retainer to keep your sunglasses from slipping off or sinking. It’s a small accessory that can save you from losing an expensive pair.

If you’re in need of a sturdy case, some cleaning supplies or further advice on how to travel safely with glasses, come and visit us at The Bromley Eye Centre today or give us a call on 020 8466 8333.

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In this post, we’ve listed the most common ways people damage their glasses and how to avoid them.

Cleaning with the Wrong Materials

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using whatever is nearby to clean their lenses. Tissues, paper towels, the corner of a shirt _ they’re all rougher than they look. These materials can cause micro-scratches that build up over time, reducing clarity.

Instead, use a proper lens cleaning solution and a microfibre cloth. If you’re unsure which one to choose, pop into the practice and we’ll be happy to advise.

Putting Glasses Lens-Down on Surfaces

It’s tempting to place your glasses face-down on a table when you’re in a rush. But this small habit can cause scratches on your lenses, especially if the surface has dust or grit.

Always place them down with the lenses facing up, or better yet, keep a case nearby to store them safely.

Wearing Glasses on Your Head

Resting glasses on your head might be convenient, but it can quickly loosen the arms and stretch the frame. Over time, this can affect how well your glasses sit on your face.

If you’re constantly taking them on and off, it’s best to use a case or keep them folded and stored properly.

Exposing Them to Heat

Leaving your glasses on a car dashboard or near a heater can do more harm than you’d expect. High temperatures can warp the frames or damage any coatings on your lenses.

It’s best to store them somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.

Skipping Routine Adjustments

Glasses naturally loosen over time, especially if you wear them every day. If they start to feel off balance or keep slipping down your nose, don’t try to bend them back yourself.

We offer quick adjustments in practice, usually on the spot.

The Bottom Line

Taking care of your glasses doesn’t need to be complicated. A few small changes to your daily habits can go a long way in keeping your eyewear looking new and working as it should.

If your glasses feel loose, look scratched or just aren’t sitting quite right, visit us at Bromley Eye Centre. We’re here to help with repairs, adjustments or advice to keep your glasses in top shape.

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