CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Words By Zachary Smith, Optometrist, Midland Eye

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects, and it is an almost inevitable part of ageing. It’s why most people start needing reading glasses around age 45. If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be able to ditch your glasses for good, here’s a complete rundown of the most common eyesight issues that can be solved with surgery, as well as those that need maintenance to stop or slow progression.

Let’s start with vision problems that can be corrected surgically:

 Refractive Errors

The most common vision problems are refractive errors – where the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing correctly on your retina causing blurry vision. This can mean myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), or astigmatism (where the lens is a rugby ball shape).

In the past, these refractive errors could only be corrected with glasses. While glasses are still a quick and inexpensive option, many people would like a more permanent solution to their blurry vision.

Laser Eye Surgery

For many people with refractive errors, laser eye surgery offers a permanent solution. The most common type, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), involves creating a small flap in your cornea, reshaping the tissue underneath with a laser, and then replacing the flap. It’s remarkably quick (usually taking just 15-30 minutes for both eyes) and most people can return to work within a couple of days. 

If you have thinner corneas or if you’re involved in contact sports you may not be suitable for LASIK. However, alternatives like ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or the newer SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure might be more appropriate.

Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL)

For those with very high prescriptions or thin corneas that make laser surgery unsuitable, ICLs offer an excellent alternative. These special lenses are implanted inside the eye, working alongside your natural lens to correct your vision.

ICLs are typically recommended for younger patients with stable but high prescriptions who aren’t yet candidates for lens replacement surgery.

Lens Replacement Surgery

Also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), this procedure is essentially the same as cataract surgery but performed before any cataracts develop, purely to correct vision. During surgery, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one.  

Lens replacement surgery is particularly beneficial for:

● People over 45 who want to correct both distance and reading vision simultaneously

● Those with high prescriptions that might not be suitable for laser eye surgery

● People who want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses

It’s worth noting that while lens replacement is extremely effective, it’s generally not recommended for younger patients unless they have very high prescriptions. This is because younger eyes still have natural flexibility, allowing them to focus at different distances – a capability that’s lost when the natural lens is replaced. 

Cataracts: Clearing Cloudy Vision

Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, making everything look misty or blurred – rather like looking through a frosted window. They’re incredibly common as we age, affecting many people over 65. 

During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one, helping restore your vision to its former clarity. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic and takes just minutes per eye.

If you also have astigmatism, specialised toric lenses can correct this at the same time as addressing the cataract.

Some eye conditions can’t be fully corrected with surgery, but their progression can be slowed or managed to preserve vision.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the normally dome-shaped cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision. While it can’t be cured, there are effective treatments to halt its progression. For example, Corneal Cross-Linking is a procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue using ultraviolet light and a photosensitiser (riboflavin or vitamin B2) to create new bonds between collagen fibres in the cornea. It’s highly effective at stopping keratoconus from worsening in about 95% of cases. 

In very severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, a corneal transplant might be necessary, but this is increasingly rare thanks to early intervention with cross-linking.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. There are two forms:

Wet AMD

For wet AMD, regular anti-VEGF injections can slow the progression significantly. These injections work by blocking a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates the growth of harmful abnormal blood vessels in the eyes.

In around 10% of cases, vision actually improves with these injections. For about 80% of patients, the injections merely slow the degeneration, which is why catching it early is crucial. About 10% of patients don’t respond to treatment, though there are several types of anti-VEGF medications to try if one doesn’t work.

Dry AMD

Currently, there’s no approved treatment to reverse dry AMD, however, research is ongoing.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is typically characterised by increased pressure within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated. While glaucoma-related vision loss can’t be reversed, further damage can be prevented.

Eye drops are usually the first line of treatment, helping to reduce pressure within the eye and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. For cases where drops aren’t sufficient, various surgical procedures can help reduce eye pressure.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes can affect your eyes in several ways, most commonly through diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.

Diabetic Macular Oedema

When fluid builds up in the macula due to leaking blood vessels, it causes swelling and blurred vision. Treatment options include steroid injections and laser treatment; these treatments can significantly improve vision by reducing swelling, though regular monitoring is essential.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina’s surface. These can bleed or cause scar tissue, potentially leading to retinal detachment and severe vision loss. Laser photocoagulation can seal off these abnormal vessels and prevent further growth. While this helps preserve remaining vision, it can’t restore vision already lost and may affect peripheral or night vision in treated areas.

Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal dystrophies are a group of rare genetic eye disorders where abnormal material builds up in the cornea (the clear window at the front of your eye), affecting its clarity. Fuchs dystrophy is the most common type, typically affecting people in their 50s and 60s.

For advanced cases of corneal dystrophy, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This procedure replaces the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. It’s often done at the same time as cataract surgery if both conditions are present.

Genetic Conditions Beyond Current Treatment

Some eye conditions, particularly genetic ones affecting the retina, currently have no effective treatments. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection of these conditions, even though treatment options are limited.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

This inherited condition causes the gradual degeneration of the retina’s light-sensitive cells. It typically begins with night blindness, followed by a progressive loss of peripheral vision, eventually resulting in tunnel vision. Research into gene therapy and retinal implants shows promise, but effective treatments remain in the experimental stages.

Stargardt Disease

This juvenile form of macular degeneration affects the central vision, usually beginning in childhood or adolescence. While research is underway, no treatments are currently available to slow or reverse vision loss from Stargardt disease.

Leber Congenital Amaurosis

A severe form of retinal dystrophy present from birth or early childhood, LCA causes profound vision loss. While gene therapy has shown promise for specific genetic mutations causing LCA, treatments aren’t widely available for all forms.

Fortunately, these conditions are relatively rare – they are genetic and affect people from birth.

Looking to the Future

The field of ophthalmology continues to advance rapidly. Promising areas of research include:

● Stem Cell Therapy: Particularly for conditions affecting the retina and optic nerve

● Gene Therapy: For inherited eye conditions like certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa

● Artificial Retina Technology: Electronic implants that can partially restore vision for some blind patients

● Advanced Drug Delivery Systems: To provide sustained treatment with fewer interventions

While many eye conditions still pose significant challenges, the future holds hope for treatments that may one day restore vision thought to be permanently lost.

If you’re considering eye surgery or dealing with an eye condition, the most important step is to consult with an eye care specialist who can assess your individual situation. Remember that what works for one person might not be right for another, and a personalised approach is essential. Many corrective procedures also aren’t yet available on the NHS, so you may have to contact a private clinic if you want to ditch your glasses for good.

Regular eye examinations remain your best defence against vision loss, as many conditions can be managed effectively if caught early. Even for conditions that can’t currently be cured, treatments often exist to preserve remaining vision and maintain quality of life. Just be sure to report any issues or changes in vision to your optician immediately. The earlier conditions are caught, the better the outcome.

With the right information and expert care, many people can achieve significantly improved vision and a better quality of life, whether through corrective surgery or appropriate management of ongoing eye conditions.

With EDITION_004, APAR steps into a new realm of cinematic storytelling, presenting its latest collection through a visually arresting short film inspired by the late 19th-century Decadent movement. Known for its celebration of beauty, artifice and sensual indulgence, the movement becomes the perfect lens for APAR’s exploration of identity, ritual and the quietly theatrical act of dressing — and undressing.

The film frames the intimate moments that precede the day: the small personal rites through which we construct our public selves. In these gestures, APAR finds a space where clothing becomes both armour and expression — a reflection of who we are, and who we choose to be.

Like each offering before it, EDITION_004 builds upon the foundations of previous collections. APAR’s design process embraces evolution rather than reinvention, drawing on carefully chosen references that guide the season’s direction. This time, inspiration comes from Aldo Fallai’s iconic photographs of the late Giorgio Armani from the late ’70s and early ’80s — imagery famed for its sensual tailoring, cinematic contrasts and quiet, powerful glamour.

Addressing the modern concern of over-development and relentless consumption, the label’s approach rejects obsolescence. Instead, it finds novelty through reinterpretation: familiar silhouettes revisited with seasonal colours, new fabrics and unexpected textures. Freshness is not forced; it is discovered.

This season’s palette is grounded in nature — earth-toned khakis, mushroom browns and military undertones softened by silk headscarves, a subtle nod to Fallai and Armani’s creative collaboration. Among these muted hues, a jolt of colour emerges: a fuchsia crepe woven T-shirt, paired with ivory paper-cotton lounge trousers, creating a raspberry-ripple sharpness that cuts through the more sombre shades. It’s a visual echo of the collection’s title — Decadent Days, where lightness, indulgence and play coexist.

Key pieces receive quietly radical updates. A classic wool peacoat is transformed in denim, giving a winter staple a sun-lit, summery twist. Softer, fluid silhouettes sit alongside the brand’s signature structured tailoring — a belted tailored coat, sculpted trousers with corsetry boning, now positioned as eveningwear. Styled with ivory silk boxer shorts and bare skin, the looks conjure the voyeuristic, erotically charged world of Helmut Newton — a tension of power, gender roles, and the gaze.

Film — part ritual, part performance, part confession — becomes the ideal medium for APAR’s ongoing examination of the self. EDlTION_004 situates the viewer as both observer and participant, watching the many identities we assemble each day, and the quiet metamorphosis that happens as fabric meets skin.

With Decadent Days, APAR does more than present a collection. It offers a meditation on desire, identity, transformation — and the artful pleasure of getting dressed.

Few bands have shaped culture quite like The Rolling Stones. Their swagger, their sound, their unfiltered edge — it all became the blueprint for rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Now, that same defiant spirit has been distilled into something unexpectedly exciting: Subversive Scents, a new unisex fragrance concept capturing the band’s legacy in five bold, genre-bending perfumes.

Created in partnership with Universal Music and crafted by master perfumers at Nirvana Brands, this collection draws on iconic moments, legendary tracks and the unmistakable energy that has defined the Stones for more than six decades. These are not polite, background fragrances. These are scents with presence — eclectic, seductive, disruptive, and unmistakably rock ‘n’ roll.

Below, a closer look at the line-up.

Wild Horses — Eau de Parfum, 100ml

A scent built on emotion — literally. Aquatic and ozonic notes collide with soft musk to create an evocative “salty tears” accord, supported by rose, jasmine and pink peppercorn. Fresh, intimate and quietly powerful.

Top: Rose, Aquatic Notes

Mid: Jasmine, Peony, Pink Peppercorn, Salty Tears Accord

Base: Musk, Cedarwood, Amber, Tonka Bean

Sticky Fingers — Eau de Parfum, 100ml

Deep, smoky and deliciously indulgent. Think late nights, vinyl spinning and the curl of whisky in the air. A rich blend of Bourbon Vanilla, olibanum and whiskey creates a warm, resinous, addictive finish.

Top: Whiskey

Mid: Vanilla Orchid, Olibanum

Base: Bourbon Vanilla, Musk, Sandalwood, Patchouli

Satisfaction — Eau de Parfum, 100ml

A complex, modern take on a tobacco fragrance. Patchouli Leaf, electric musk and oud lend grit and depth, while bright spices and pineapple add an unexpected lift. Confident. Iconic. Unapologetic.

Top: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Saffron, Pineapple

Mid: Tobacco, Tuberose, Orange Blossom

Base: Cedar, Patchouli, Tonka Bean

Urban Jungle — Eau de Parfum, 100ml

Raw, atmospheric, and unmistakably metropolitan. Vetiver meets a “hot concrete” accord to create a textured, industrial leather effect. A scent that smells like the city — its pulse, its grit, its unstoppable energy.

Top: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Hemp
Mid: Rhubarb, Sweet Grass, Juniper

Base: Vetiver, Hot Concrete, Worn Leather

Paint It Black — Eau de Parfum, 100ml

Dark, opulent and magnetic. Saffron, oud and benzoin create a multifaceted burning oud accord, layered with blackberry, patchouli and smoky resinous notes. A statement fragrance with real cinematic depth.

Top: Blackberry, Pink Peppercorn, Nutmeg

Mid: Saffron, Rose, Jasmine

Base: Patchouli, Musk, Burning Oud

The full collection is available in the heart of London at the Rolling Stones’ flagship store, RS No.9 Carnaby (9 Carnaby Street), as well as The Perfume Shop in Lakeside and Brent Cross, and online at subversivescents.co.uk.

Five fragrances. One legendary legacy. And a reminder that rebellion never goes out of style.

Corduroy has always been more than just a fabric. It’s a texture loaded with history: worn by kings, workers, artists, rebels, skaters, academics and every stylish misfit in between. Next week, Beyond Retro, the vintage institution renowned for championing the circular and the timeless, is honouring that rich heritage with its largest-ever corduroy release — more than 7,000 unique pieces arriving across its stores in London, Stockholm and Gothenburg.

(Banana Republic)

It’s a drop that spans centuries of stories. Corduroy’s earliest ancestor appeared in 2nd-century Egypt, woven as a luxurious cotton–linen blend before evolving into the ribbed textile we recognise today. The name may not literally mean “cloth of the king,” but early corduroy was indeed worn by the wealthy before becoming a uniform of the working class. As the Industrial Revolution reshaped Britain, the fabric’s durability earned it the nickname “the poor man’s velvet.” Milled in Manchester, it became the trusted companion of railway workers, farmers and factory hands — the people who built modern Britain.

(Levi’s)

But corduroy’s journey didn’t end with industry. After the world wars, surplus military garments found their way into the wardrobes of students, artists and free-thinkers who embraced its rugged authenticity. By the 1960s and 1970s, corduroy had slipped firmly into the hands of counterculture — beloved by academics, musicians, activists and creative outsiders who valued its warmth, texture and quietly rebellious charm. From Levi’s flares to Lee Westerners, it became a symbol of intellect and individuality. The 1990s revived it once again through grunge and skate culture, loose, worn-in and effortlessly cool. And today, as fashion continues to lean toward longevity and narrative-rich pieces, corduroy is back at centre stage.

(Boohoo)

Beyond Retro’s new drop celebrates every chapter of that story. Expect 70s wide-wale trousers, 90s chore jackets, military-inspired coats and beautifully broken-in workwear — each piece handpicked for its character and quality. It’s a tactile archive of cultural moments, reinterpreted for the modern circular wardrobe. “Corduroy has always carried the marks of its past — the ridges that tell a story of work, rebellion, and renewal,” says Steven Bethell. “This drop is a celebration of craft, culture and circularity — giving a second life to one of fashion’s most enduring fabrics.”

(Levis)

You’ll find the collection at Beyond Retro’s locations in Soho, Dalston, Drottninggatan and Arkaden, each store ready to welcome the next generation of corduroy lovers searching for pieces with personality and history.

For those who champion sustainable fashion, Beyond Retro needs little introduction. The brand is beloved for its authenticity, its curated edits and its refusal to compromise on style or principles. Together with its parent company, Bank & Vogue, Beyond Retro is part of a global movement redefining how we handle the overwhelming volume of clothing produced each year. What began in the early 90s as a passion project in a basement has grown into a pioneering circular fashion network working in wholesale, retail, recycling, upcycling and manufacturing — all with the goal of building a truly closed-loop economy.

(Banana Republic)

(Cordings)

With this latest drop, Beyond Retro doesn’t just bring corduroy back into the spotlight — it reminds us why vintage continues to matter. In a world obsessed with the new, sometimes the most exciting things are the ones already waiting for us, filled with history, texture and soul.

Footasylum is turning up the heat this season with the exclusive launch of Nike’s latest collection, available now online and in Footasylum stores nationwide. This isn’t just another drop — it’s a statement piece in motion, designed for those who move differently.

Taking its cue from Nike’s legendary running franchises, this bold release blends technical performance with street-ready design, striking that perfect balance between sport and style. Every detail feels deliberate — engineered for comfort and movement, yet built to look right at home in an urban setting. It’s sportswear that earns its stripes in the gym, but really shines on the streets.

Front and centre are high-energy colourways created exclusively for Footasylum, each one pushing Nike’s visual language into new territory. Keep an eye out for the standout bold blue Windrunner, a piece destined to become the unofficial uniform of the modern mover.

Designed to hook together from head to toe, the collection channels Nike’s new “Tech Sport” aesthetic — a fusion of athletic DNA and everyday versatility. It’s perfect for those who don’t just wear their style but live it: dynamic, unapologetic, and always in motion.

In a world where performance and lifestyle increasingly collide, this partnership between Nike and Footasylum cements both brands’ positions at the forefront of modern sportswear aesthetics. The only question left: are you ready to move with it?