Parents and pregnancy

Changes during pregnancy
We're sure this is a very exciting time for you, especially if it's your first child. Of course, your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and your eyes can be affected too. Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to dry eyes, blurred or distorted vision, or spots and floaters. Don't worry if you experience any of these problems. The chances are they developed naturally and will disappear in the same way after childbirth. But it's always important to visit your optician or GP if you do have any problems, just in case it's a symptom of something other than hormonal changes.

Parents' eyesight matters too
As a parent, you can spend so much time worrying about your child's health that you forget about your own. We believe it's important that you have regular sight tests. Of course, some eye problems run in the family, so identifying any problems you may have will also benefit your children. So next time you make an appointment for your son or daughter, why not book a time for yourself as well.

Childproof glasses
Glasses aren't toys - but kids don't know that! They seem to like nothing better than grabbing your glasses off your face, or playing with them when they find them lying around the house. No problem. You can wear glasses with flexible frames, which retain their shape even after being bent and twisted, and choose scratch resistant lenses.
Contact lenses
Practical and now affordable, contact lenses are ideal for those with busy lives. Modern lenses are comfortable and easy to look after. Specsavers easyvision range has lenses to suit all lifestyles.

Babies and toddlers

Baby's first sight test
Good vision is very important to children because so much of what they learn is taken in through their eyes. So it's never too soon to start your child's eyecare. You'll find most infants and pre-school children have regular vision screening as part of their routine developmental checks. These early checks are invaluable, but aren't as thorough as a full eye examination by a qualified optometrist.
When your child is born, the paediatrician will check their vision when they are still in the hospital ward. It is very rare for there to be any problem with a newborn's vision. A newborn's eye is about 75% of the size of an adult eye, and it will continue to develop for the first two years of life.

Tests for toddlers
We advise that children should have their first eye examination at around three years old. Learning difficulties can sometimes be caused by uncorrected vision problems, so the earlier they can be detected, the better the chance of correcting them.
What's more, at Specsavers Opticians, the test is designed to be friendly and fun for kids of all ages.

Inside the test room
It's important to remember that eye examinations won't hurt your child, and that your child doesn't have to be able to read yet. First, the optician will ask about any family eyesight problems and whether the child has any difficulty playing games, looking at pictures or seeing small objects. Then several child-friendly tests will be undertaken, after which the optician will discuss the results with you.

Early school years

How do you know if your child has an eye problem?
During the first 12 years of our lives, as much as 80% of learning is accomplished through our vision. Yet, one out of every four children has an undetected vision problem that may inhibit their progress. It can be difficult to spot. Children have no way of knowing if what they see is any different from what others can see. But there are a number of tell-tale signs you can look out for, for example: is your child sitting too close to the TV; do they rub their eyes repeatedly; are they clumsy; do they squint?
If you maintain a regular routine of eye examinations, however, you can minimise the chance of an eye or sight defect being carried into adulthood.

Our children's glasses are built to last
Children's glasses are specifically designed to fit small faces. There are lots of features and special lenses you can choose to ensure their glasses fit comfortably and will survive the rough and tumble of a busy active life.

Your child's new glasses will be fitted and adjusted to ensure they are comfortable to wear. They'll also be given a free case in which to keep them when not being worn, and a lens cleaning cloth.

Play safe and stay safe
Children will always get into scrapes, so it is important they learn how to take care of their eyes. Teach your child how to play safely, and ensure they play only with toys that are suitable for their age. Any games that involve hard objects or balls should be supervised, and avoid activities that use projectiles, such as pea-shooters or pellet guns. When sports or activities call for safety goggles to be worn, make sure your child wears them. Remember, dangerous materials should be kept safely out of reach – this includes household cleaners, sprays, glues, chemicals, knives and scissors.

Teenagers

Testing teens
It's very important for young people to get into the habit of having regular eye examinations. Uncorrected vision problems can affect all aspects of their lives: their studies at school or university; their job; even their social life or ability to play sport.

Your kids are free to choose
It seems teenagers either love something or hate it. So when it comes to glasses it's important to give them choices to allow them to get the look they want. We have a wide variety of frames in our children's range. Or they might find something to suit them in our adult styles. Whatever they decide, we're sure they'll find a fashionable look.

Contact lenses are cool
In their mid-to-late teens, many kids start clamouring for contact lenses, either for occasional or regular wear. These are now available in a wide range of prescriptions. The price has come down too and we have a number of schemes available which can include a full aftercare service and free home delivery. You can also buy online.

Over 40s

Presbyopia - a natural change in sight
When you reach your 40s your eyesight starts to change. Presbyopia, or blurred near vision, affects everyone sooner or later. Don't panic - you just need an eye test to determine which eyewear is right for you.

Bifocals
If you need one prescription for distance vision and another for close work, then bifocals could be the answer. Two different strengths in the same lens means you won’t have to worry about carrying two pairs of glasses with you.

Varifocals
Varifocals give you all the benefits of different prescriptions in the same lens, but without the tell-tale line that bifocals can have. Varifocal lenses have a gradual change from your distance prescription to your close-up one, so they look just like ordinary glasses and you can use them for work, driving and when you go out.

Reading glasses
When you need a little help to focus on the newspaper or your latest book, reading glasses offer a simple solution. With a prescription that helps keep the words pin-sharp, you can carry on enjoying the crossword or your favourite author.

Contact lenses
When wearing glasses isn’t convenient, try our contact lenses. For sports or active recreation, or for when you want to change your outfit, our comfortable contact lenses give you more options. You can even have them with varifocal prescriptions.

Which eyewear is right for you?
If you need eyewear but don’t know what type will be best for you, your optician will recommend various options. Our online questions can also give you an idea of what might be best for you.

Over 60s

Eyesight for life
At the stage in your life when you are likely to have more free time for hobbies, activities, family and friends, it would be a shame if poor eyesight meant you couldn’t enjoy it to the full. Though your vision is likely be changing as part of the natural ageing process, regular check-ups, friendly advice and correct eyewear can help you retain the best possible quality of vision. Eye examinations are quick and simple and we have a wide range of bifocals and varifocals to suit your requirements, so there’s no need to be restricted by blurred vision. And, with our great offers for over 60s and for NHS customers, you can be sure Specsavers is even better value for money.