So what is astigmatism and what can we do about it?
The most important thing to understand about astigmatism is that it's a perfectly normal part of the spectacle prescription in healthy eyes. It's also very common with approximately 95% of the irish population having some degree of astigmatism.
In straight forward terms astigmatism relates mainly to the shape of the cornea. If one's cornea is a little more curved either horizontally or vertically then this creates astigmatism. Uncorrected, this has the result of blurring and causing 'ghosting' of the vision making driving at night, using computer screens and concentrating on near vision tasks difficult.
Fortunately astigmatism is fully correctable with glasses and nowadays with contact lenses as well. This means that whether you're at work in the office or enjoying a game of golf you can always have the best vision for what you're doing.
To find out more about astigmatism and options in both glasses and contact lenses call in and speak to Joseph Lee our optometrist who'll be happy to answer your questions.

This January at Stepaside Eyecare in Dublin 18, we are running a promotion aimed at improving both visual and postural comfort for office workers.
These days a huge number of people are working in an office environment and the vast majority spend a significant part of their day on a PC, laptop or tablet device/smart-phone.
Coupled with standard reading this means that the eyes of an office worker are required to focus at many different distances for eight or more hours per day.
Computer screens or laptops are usually viewed slightly further away than other reading material such as newspapers or deskwork. This means that the prescription for viewing a screen (intermediate) needs to be different from that for reading printed documents (near). Using standard single vision lenses means that many people lean forward to view their screen and backwards to view printed papers. This can lead to back and neck strain over time and subsequent pain or discomfort.
Office or Indoor lenses are a simple solution to this increasingly common problem. The upper portion of the lens carries the intermediate prescription while the lower lens holds the reading prescription. The power gradually changes as the user looks down meaning that they do not have to adjust their position to view their screen and closer items on their desk. Indoor lenses do not have any lines like bifocals and can be ordered with an anti-reflective element to reduce glare from lights and screens for optimal visual comfort.
To find out more call in and our Optometrist Joseph Lee will discuss your needs and which indoor lens will work best for you.

It's that time of year again and Stepaside Eyecare are once again offering great deals on eye tests, frames and contact lenses to see you through the holiday season.
We still have a great range of gents, ladies and kids frames with up to 30% off, hurry though as these great deals are getting snapped up every day. We also have a brand new range of fantastic  Ray-Ban gents and ladies frames with super lightweight and flexible styles available.
If you're getting into the party mood this Christmas wouldn't seeing the world without your glasses be nice? Well now you can with the advent of modern, comfortable contact lenses. If you're trying them for the first time or if you need an upgrade we have  great offers on both daily disposable and monthly disposable contact lenses.
Call in store or call 01 532 2008 to find out more.

This November we are celebrating our first year in business and looking forward to embarking on another enjoyable and rewarding year.
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since we put the shutters up and turned the sign on the door to 'open'. Since then we've been working to offer a high quality of service and great value frames and lenses to our customers. We've been catering for all ages with our youngest patient being 18 months and our oldest a youthful 95 years. This has allowed us to use our knowledge of eye care to assist all members of the community and ensure that everyone who chooses Stepaside Eyecare enjoys the highest quality service and understanding of their needs.
As part of our birthday celebrations we are having a November Birthday Sale with fantastic reductions of up to 30% on designer frames like Fendi, Gucci, Ted Baker, Max Mara and many more. We are also having a party on Thursday 22nd November from 6pm to 8.30pm where you can enjoy refreshments, get a goodie bag and see all our great offers on frames. Personal stylist Natalie Svikle will be here to offer advice on frame shapes and colours to suit your look and lifestyle. 
To receive your invite and a €20 voucher for you or a friend just call in store or like us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stepaside-Eyecare/254251207955445?fref=ts. See you at the party!

There have been many advances in the field of contact lenses in the past few years. From improved comfort to the complete correction of astigmatism, many more people are now benefiting from new materials and improved performance.
Within the next few months the latest and perhaps the most significant advance in lens technology for quite some time will arrive at Stepaside Eyecare. A new daily disposable contact lens which offers the benefits of the highest oxygen permeability and surface moisture of any lens ever made will bring the ultimate in comfort  for every wearer.
Check our website, facebook page or call 01 532 2008 to find out more about this amazing technology.

Back to school is a busy time of year for most parents and very often one of the most important things can get overlooked - getting your child’s eyes tested. Good vision is vital for any child going to school. Without it everyday tasks like reading the board, using computer screens and doing homework can become difficult and ultimately lead to under-performance.

Joseph Lee, owner and optometrist at Stepaside Eyecare in Dublin 18, recently carried out vision screening in a number of South Dublin schools. He said “I found that in primary schools almost 30% of children had an undetected visual issue. This ranged from a mild prescription through to some kids who had no useful vision in one eye and required immediate treatment.”

Squint (a turning of the eye) is usually obvious to parents, teachers and health-care workers but there are other problems that may go unnoticed. A lazy eye, short-sightedness and long-sightedness are all common problems that if undetected can lead to blurry vision, headaches and poor concentration. An annual eye test will spot these issues and resolve them before they cause problems. 

If your child is having vision problems, headaches or if there is a family history of eye conditions make sure to get them checked out.