Dry Eye
Discomfort? Burning? Stinging? Itchiness? Foreign body sensation? You may be experiencing dry eye which can lead to red, watery eyes and reduced clarity due to poor tear quality. This can affect us at any age.
Following an assessment we can advise you how to manage your symptoms using eye drops, heat masks and continuous care.
Cataracts
What are cataracts?
A cataract in the eye occurs when the lens, a small transparent disc inside the eye, develops cloudy patches.
A cataract can cause reduced vision and eventually blindness if left untreated and usually develops in both eyes at the same time. Many people who reach old age will develop a cataract, while some groups of people are more likely to suffer from cataracts than others, including:
- Older people – it’s estimated that 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 suffer from cataracts.
- People with a family history of this medical condition
- A blow to the eye- a blow can occasionally cause a traumatic cataract
- People who suffer from conditions such as diabetes
- People who take certain medications or smoke- especially smoking can speed up the progression of certain types of cataracts
How do I know if I have a cataract?
Cataracts are painless and their symptoms can vary from person to person. They may include:
- Blurred Vision
- A gradual loss of colour vision and objects appear fuller
- Difficulty reading
- Poor vision in low light situations
- Frequent changes of prescription glasses
- An increased sensitivity to bright lights
- Double vision, even with only one eye open
These symptoms do not always indicate a cataract, however, if you are concerned feel free to give us a call
Is there a treatment available for cataract?
A cataract in the eye can be treated by a routine operation. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced by a synthetic one. The operation is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure. It has a high success rate in improving your eyesight and it can take from 2 to 6 weeks to fully recover.
Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma in the eye is a common eye condition that can be treated if caught in the early stages. When you have glaucoma, your eyes are filled with fluid that is continually being produced and then drained. If the fluid doesn’t drain away properly, the pressure on the back of the eye builds up, causing nerve damage which leads to glaucoma. This damage might also occur if the fluid drainage and pressure are normal, but the nerves are weak.
Some groups of people are statistically more likely to suffer from glaucoma:
- Older people – 5% of people over the age of 65 develop glaucoma.
- People with a family history of the condition.
- People from an Afro-Caribbean background.
- Very short or long-sighted people.
How do I know if I have glaucoma?
There are two types of glaucoma- chroma and acute. The most common form of glaucoma is chronic glaucoma which typically has no early warning signs. It develops slowly and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years, and this is why it is important that you have regular eye examinations, especially as you get older. Some people, however, find that their vision worsens in one eye, eventually leading to tunnel vision, as the centre of vision is the last part to be affected.
Acute glaucoma is less common and can occur suddenly when there is complete blockage of the fluid. As it happens very quickly, it is usually painful and may induce blurred vision, rainbow-coloured halos around bright lights, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment for chronic glaucoma is extremely effective when the condition is caught in the early stages. Eye drops are the most common treatment and work by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye and improving drainage. Tablets, laser treatment and surgery may also be recommended, especially if the condition is more advanced.
Acute glaucoma is serious and requires immediate treatment in the hospital. Drugs will be given to reduce the pressure and any pain, and laser treatment or minor surgery will usually be required. The treatment is painless and treating both eyes at the same time is often recommended to stop the condition from developing in the other eye.