The nights are drawing in

It just seems a few days ago when most conversations I had with my patients were about where they were going for their summer holidays. Now the discussions are about the Christmas adverts already appearing on our TV screens. Only a few weeks ago it was still daylight going to bed. Now it is twilight going home from work.

Shortly the clocks will change and we will have to drive home after work in darkness. As drivers it is incumbent on us all to ensure our vision is up to scratch for driving. The current legislation says we have to be able to read a number plate at 20.5metres. There is no mention about the quality of our vision. You undoubtedly have struggled to see clearly with the sun being so low in the sky and causing severe dazzle when driving. Likewise, at night, you might be struggling with oncoming car headlights.

The joy of living in Argyll is its natural beauty. The down side is the wet roads and low sun at this time of year. You can minimise the effects of glare during the day by wearing polarised sunglasses. These help reduce unwanted reflections from the wet roads. At night you can minimise glare by wearing glasses with anti-reflection coatings which minimise light scatter from car headlights and street lights.

None of these are much use if you don’t have regular eye examinations and wear up-to-date glasses prescribed by your optometrist. Basic eye examinations are funded by NHS Scotland. Depending on your circumstances you might qualify for help towards the cost of your glasses. Your optometrist will confirm your eligibility for an NHS-funded eye examination and what, if any, financial help is available to you. Eye examinations every two years are the norm for most patients.