Eye Conditions

Myopia (short - sightedness)

Myopia is a very common eye condition. Objects in the distance appear more blurred, while closer objects are clearer. This is because either the power of the eye is too strong, or that the eye itself is too long. Either way, the image of the object you see is formed before it reaches the retina, and so is blurred.  Myopia is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Hyperopia (long - sightedness)

Hyperopia is another very common eye condition. Objects in the distance appear generally clearer, while closer objects are blurred. This is because either the eye is not powerful enough, or the eye itself is too short. Either way, the image of the object you see is formed after it reaches the retina, and so is blurred. Hyperopic people can increase the power of their eyes by accommodating and making the image clear, although this becomes more difficult as you get older or if you do a lot of concentrated work. Hyperopia is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an eye condition that can occur in conjunction with myopia, hyperopia, or on its own. Astigmatism occurs when the front of the eye (cornea) is not perfectly spherical (often described as 'rugby ball shaped'). It causes the image of the object you see to be focussed at two different points, and so is blurred. Astigmatism is easily corrected using spectacles or contact lenses.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is caused when the eye gradually loses its ability to see objects up close. It happens to everybody from around the age of 40 and gradually continues from then on. The main reason for it occurring is that the lens in the eye becomes less supple and harder to change shape, and so makes close objects look blurred. As the changes happen so gradually, the effects are often not noticed immediately. But, over time, reading may become more difficult - unless you hold a book further from you. Headaches may occur. Presbyopia is easily corrected using reading, varifocal, or bifocal glasses. Contact lenses are now also available.

Cataracts

Cataract is a term used to describe the gradual aging of the lens in the eye. When we are born the lens is perfectly clear and supple. As we age, the lens becomes more opaque and less supple. This has the effect of us needing more light in order to see as we get older, and objects generally appearing a little hazier. Sometimes the lens can become so opaque that it affects the vision, and causes problems such as glare (especially at night). If this occurs, a short surgical procedure to replace the opaque natural lens with a clear artificial lens can be performed and your vision usually improves immediately.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition where either the eye does not produce enough tears, or the tears do not lubricate the eyes sufficiently. This makes the eyes feel uncomfortable, gritty, and sometimes makes the white of the eyes appear very red. Dry eye can affect anyone at any time, although it is more common as we get older. Confusingly one common symptom is the eyes watering excessively, especially in windy weather. Often, any symptoms can be relieved by using artificial tears to lubricate the eyes better, although long term dry eye may need further investigation to rule out any general health problems.

Diabetes

Diabetes is caused when the body is unable to properly regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. Symptoms can be very mild and so can be very difficult to spot. Long term poor control of diabetes can affect the eyes by causing changes to the blood vessels of the retina. The blood vessels become more prone to bleeding, causing possible risks to the sight of the eye. Generally speaking, the earlier any diabetic changes are noticed in the eyes, the better the outcome after any treatment. People with diabetes are also more prone to cataract and macular changes, causing a reduction in vision. Because of this, diabetic patients are advised to have regular eye tests.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of diseases which cause progressive gradual degeneration of the optic nerve. Glaucoma is caused by a number of factors which can include high internal pressure of the eye, poor blood flow to the eye and genetic factors. Glaucoma affects the peripheral vision, and often goes unnoticed by the patient. Very rarely, glaucoma can affect people very suddenly, making them feel sick and causing pain to the eyes; in these cases immediate urgent assessment is advised. Those patients with glaucoma, or those with family members who have glaucoma, are advised to have regular eye examinations.

Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Macular degeneration (or AMD) affects the area of the retina that deals with the most detailed vision. It generally affects people over the age of 65, and causes deterioration in central vision. There are two main types; dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is far more common, progresses slowly and affects the vision more mildly. Wet macular degeneration is far less common, but has far more drastic changes, sometimes causing total loss of central vision in extreme cases. Treatment is varied, depending on the type, although much research has been put into dietary supplements such as Macushield, which you can order online now- Click Here.

Floaters

Inside your eye, there is a watery, jelly-like fluid called the vitreous. Tiny specks in the vitreous swirl around as you move your eyes. They are more noticeable on bright days or when looking at light coloured objects, for example a page of a book. Most people notice floaters in their vision at some point in their lives. Myopic people often notice them more, and they are more common with age. Most of the time, these floaters are perfectly normal. But if you suddenly notice a large increase in floaters, or notice any flashes of light, or even a shadow across your vision, you should book an eye test as soon as possible because this may indicate a more serious problem such as a retinal detachment.

The above information gives a brief overview of some of the common eye conditions people can suffer from. If you suffer from any eye problems or for early detection of any of the above conditions, visit your local Leightons Opticians or book an eye test today to speak with one our professional staff who will be happy to explain any eye condition in more detail.