Eye Health
At the eye clinic opticians our specialists eye care practitioners can help with eye care across all age group. From new additions to the family all the way through to the most senior members, we are here to help and keep the vision and eye health at its best. As a little extra knowledge never hurt anyone, we’ve pulled together some information about some of the most common eye health defects and issues.
Astigmatism
This is when the eye is oval-shaped, like a rugby ball, and results in blurry vision unless corrected by an expert. Astigmatisms are very common and can usually be corrected by the right prescription glasses.
Cataracts
This is the clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye. Cataracts most often occur in older people, but they can affect people of any age. They can be treated by a simple operation if required.
Myopia
This is best known as short sightedness and it is when a person can see better up close than further away. If someone is myopic, their eyes are a little too long and their vision can be rectified with the right prescription lens glasses.
Hyperopia
This is best known as long sightedness and is when a person can see better further away than they can up close. A hyperopic person’s eyes are a little too small and their vision can usually be rectified with the right prescriptive lens glasses.
Presbyopia
This is when the natural lens in the eye becomes harder. Up close, this lens usually needs to change shape to produce a clear image, but the presbyopic lens is unable to flex sufficiently. Treatment requires a separate lens prescription for near-vision tasks. This can be addressed by single vision, bifocal or varifocal glasses.
ARMD
Macula Degeneration is the leading cause of the blindness in UK. It is a group of conditions which affect the functioning of the macula area. The macula area is very important for central vision, detailed vision, colour vision. Things like smoking, age, uv radiation can all increase the risk of developing ARMD.
Glaucoma
This is a group conditions which affect the functioning and structure of the optic nerve (the nerve connecting the eye to the brain). The optic nerve is very important for side/peripheral vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause changes which affect the peripheral vision.
Lazy Eye
The children can develop lazy eyes (amblyopia) as one eye is much stronger than the other or eyes are misaligned (squint)
Squint
Also known as strabismus – occurs due to incorrect balance of muscles that align the eyes. Eyes can be seen turning in and outwards.
Blephirtis
The inflammation of eyelids, can leads to dry eye, soreness and stinging. This can be treated with good lid hygiene, hot compresses, eye bag or eye drops
Retinal Detachment
Retina pulls away from the back of the eye. In most cases retinal detachments need treating straight away. Retinal tears or detachments may lead to flashes and floaters. Patients may also experience things like curtains, veils, cobwebs or see a shadow at the edge of the vision.
