Eye Health
Spotting Early Symptoms
From short and long sightedness to cataracts and glaucoma, there are many different conditions that can affect the health of your eyes and vision. Some conditions are simple to remedy with spectacles and contact lenses. Info here ➡
Other problems may occur due to eye health issues, which could lead to partial or complete sight loss, or may require surgery depending on their severity. Some eye diseases present with obvious symptoms whereas others may develop over years and only present symptoms in their advanced form. By regularly booking one of our comprehensive eye tests, we can help you to preserve and protect your eyesight, even when conditions appear to be symptom free.
See below for some common eye conditions.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside the eye. They often develop slowly over time and eventual symptoms can include blurred or double vision, extra sensitivity to light and glare, poor night vision and seeing brighter colours as dimmer or more yellow. UV exposure can accelerate the progression of cataracts so we recommend wearing sunglasses whenever outside, no matter the time of year. Low risk surgery is the only treatment for cataracts. Our optometrists can help monitor any cataracts and ensure a referral for surgery is made at the right time.
Age-Related Macula Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50 in the UK. AMD affects the central vision, making it difficult to read and recognise faces, but peripheral vision is typically unaffected. Straight lines can become distorted, although this often goes unnoticed if it is only affecting one eye. Early detection is crucial so if you notice any sudden changes to the vision in either eye, especially any distortion, book an appointment with us ASAP. You can use an Amsler Chart to check for distortions. Download here
Macula degeneration can be wet or dry. Wet AMD usually comes on suddenly. The earlier it can be diagnosed and treated by a specialist, the better the chance or preserving the vision. Dry AMD begins with drusen at the back of the eye. This may never significantly impact the vision but equally it may progress or even change to wet AMD. The only way to monitor the macula properly is with an Optical Coherence Tomography scan (OCT) which we recommend you have alongside your regular eye examinations with us.
Smoking and UV exposure are shown to increase the risk of AMD so we advise against smoking and recommend wearing sunglasses whenever outside, no matter the time of year. Nutrition and supplements are thought to be important in protecting against developing macula problems.
Nb: Some of the attached material suggests there is no treatment for dry AMD but with recent developments there is now a private treatment which has been yielding promising results. Ask your optometrist when you come in for your eye examination.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve. If you have a family history of glaucoma it can mean you are more at risk of developing it. Glaucoma can be sudden and painful or it can develop slowly over many years, showing no symptoms until the late stages. Parts or the peripheral vision are gradually lost and by the time this is noticed it can be too late to treat effectively, leaving tunnel vision. One of the well known risk factors is high fluid pressure in the eye, but it can also develop with normal pressures. As there are several types of glaucoma, treatments vary from simple eye drops to laser treatment or surgery. Regular and comprehensive eye tests are the best way to detect glaucoma and prevent permanent sight loss.
Using eye drops video here
Flashes and Floaters
Floaters are small particles in the vitreous or ‘jelly’ of the eye which cast a shadow on your retina and appear as dark spots or strands in your vision. 90% of us develop floaters as the vitreous breaks down with age and the brain usually learns to ignore them. This gel sometimes tugs on the retina, which causes the sensation of flashing lights. Often the vitreous will eventually come away from the retina. This is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). However, sometimes this tugging can create a retinal tear, which can lead to a retinal detachment, needing immediate medical attention.
If you have a sudden increase in floaters, flashing lights or a veil or curtain obstructing your vision, see an optometrist urgently. We may need to dilate your pupils with drops to perform a thorough assessment of your retina, and will refer you to an ophthalmologist if we find any cause for concern.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort, itchiness/grittiness, burning, or a feeling that there is something in the eye. Symptoms may include red eyes, blurry vision, and increased watery discharge. It is often caused by age, certain medications, prolonged screen time, windy environments, and conditions like blepharitis. Dry eye video here
We recommend taking regular breaks from screens, keeping hydrated and eating oily fish regularly to try to keep your tears in good condition. If you are still suffering with symptoms book in to see an optometrist who will assess your eyes and be able to advise on treatments and/or drops which are appropriate for your eyes.
Dry eye products here
Using eye drops video here
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye. It can lead to bleeding, swelling, scarring and even retinal detachments. It is a leading cause of blindness in developed countries and one of the biggest causes of sight loss in the world.
All people with diabetes are at risk of this complication and it usually develops gradually with no noticeable symptoms at first, so it’s very important to effectively manage the diabetes and have the retinas checked regularly. We advise routine examinations with us as well as attending the Diabetic retinal screening clinic.
Further Information can be found here