EYE HEALTH
Eye health and regular check ups are very important. Not only can an eye test tell you whether you need glasses to see better, but an eye test can detect common medical conditions and eye diseases.
Below are a few listed common eye conditions and their description.
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age related macular degeneration is a painless eye condition that causes central vision loss and can affect both eyes.
There are 2 types
1. Dry Amd – the most common type progressing over years and a gradual onset of symptoms. Caused by a build up of deposits that damage the macula.
2. Wet Amd – the most serious type with a sudden onset over days. Caused by the formation of new and abnormal blood vessels under the macula.
It is very important to have regular eye tests in order to detect any signs of macula degeneration.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common eye condition which results in the inflammation of the eyelids.
There are 3 types of Blepharitis:
- Anterior blepharitis – Inflammation affects the area around the eyelashes
- Posterior blepharitis – inflammation affects the meibomian glands in the eyelid margins
- Mixed blepharitis – A combination of the above
Symptoms
Blepharitis can affect one or both of your eyes. It is more common to have it in both eyes with symptoms being worse in the morning.
Symptoms include swollen, itchy and red eyelids that stick together. Eyelashes tend to be crusty and greasy.
Treatments
- Warm compresses – place a heated towel gently over your eyelids and remove after 10 seconds. Repeat for 10 minutes.
- Massaging the eyelids
- Cleaning your eyelids and the area around it.
Age Related Cataracts
Age related Cataracts are a natural condition where the lens of the eye becomes clouded. Due to this light entering the eye is scattered causing blurred misty vision, glare and being easily dazzled by light.
There are different types of cataracts but one of the most common types of cataract is the age related cataract. This type of cataract is caused by a natural age related process occurring after the age of 40. The natural process involves the clouding of the lens of the eye which in time can detrimentally affect the sight.
When the cataract gets to a point where it starts to interfere with the lifestyle and daily activities and can’t be corrected with spectacles. Then at this point cataract surgery may be an option. Cataract surgery is a highly successful operation however with every operation there are risks.
We at Home Clinic Opticians will provide an in-depth consultation and advise accordingly with regards to cataracts and their treatment. All discussions will take all varying factors into consideration. Home Clinic Opticians will be with you all the way step by step in making any decisions necessary.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition which causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina (the light sensitive tissue at back of the eye) which can lead to blindness. It is caused by complications of uncontrolled high blood sugar levels leading to the blood vessels in the retina. It is one of the main causes of blindness amongst people with diabetes.
People diagnosed with diabetes qualify for a free yearly eye test by Home Clinic Opticians under the NHS. It is recommended to have an eye test every year as it can help spot early signs of the condition.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition which causes damage to the optic nerve (sends images from the retina to the brain). The main cause is due to fluid not draining properly from the eye which causes high pressure inside the eye. This high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve.
There are many types of glaucoma with the main ones being –
- Primary open angle glaucoma – most common type with a slow onset
- Primary closed angle glaucoma – an uncommon type with either a sudden or slow onset
- Secondary glaucoma – caused by other conditions such as uveitis
- Congenital glaucoma – rare condition that that affects babies due to the eye not developing properly
People with glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma get a free eye test by Home Clinic Opticians under the NHS and it is recommended to have a eye test every year in order to identify signs of glaucoma at the very earliest stage.
In every comprehensive eye test a pressure check, visual fields test and also an ocular health examination will be carried to identify any signs of glaucoma
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a very common condition which is caused by the eyes either not producing enough tears or the tears which are produced are not of good quality.
Symptoms include
- Red eyes
- Gritty sensation when you blink
- Sensitivity to light
- Mild blurred vision which is temporary
- Watery eyes
Lubrication drops usually help to treat the condition.
At Home Clinic Opticians our optometrists will advise you in greater detail about dry eyes and will also advise you specifically for which eye drops to use.
