Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration can affect people of all ages, but it is the leading cause of sight loss in people over 60. Macular Degeneration causes problems with the central vision, which can become distorted or blurry. This means that someone with this condition might look at you sideways and may be unable to see fine detail. Over time, it can lead to a completely blank patch in the central vision although people tend to retain some peripheral (side) vision.
The development of this condition is significantly affected by diet and smoking.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a hereditary condition which can cause blindness if it is not managed with daily drops. It causes optic nerve damage due to changes in the pressure in the eye and can lead to loss of peripheral (side) vision which means that people with this condition may not see things or people that are approaching from the side.
People who are developing glaucoma are often unaware that there is anything wrong, but it can be detected by special tests that are used every time we have an eye examination at the opticians. People over 40 who have a close family member with glaucoma are entitled to a free eye test on an annual basis to ensure that any glaucoma is identified as quickly as possible.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes affects all the major organs of the body including the eyes. Diabetic Retinopathy causes the central vision to become patchy, and it can be difficult to read and drive. It is the biggest cause of sight loss in the under 60s in the UK. People who maintain a healthy weight, control their blood sugar, and stop smoking will reduce their chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes and therefore reduce the likelihood of experiencing sight loss as well.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a very common eye condition, mostly caused by the ageing process of the lens inside our eyes. As we get older, the lens gradually changes and becomes less transparent. A lens that has turned misty may have a cataract. Over time a cataract may get worse, gradually making objects appear cloudy or misty. Cataracts develop slowly and can lead to blurred vision, change in colour vision and sensitivity to glare. The treatment for cataracts is a simple operation, normally under local anaesthetic and performed as a day-case procedure. During the operation the natural cloudy lens is removed and a plastic one inserted. Maintaining a healthy diet, wearing sunglasses, and stopping smoking can reduce some people’s chances of developing cataracts.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is the name given to a group of genetically inherited eye conditions that affect the retina at the back of the eye. RP causes permanent changes to eyesight, but how much vision is affected and how quickly the changes take place varies enormously from person to person.
For people with RP, faulty genes cause the cells in the retina to stop working and eventually die. This affects the eye’s ability to process light, so that people with RP are often sensitive to light and may find bright light, changes in light levels and seeing in dull conditions such as outside at night or in dimply lit rooms difficult, this is often called night blindness. Many people with RP also loose peripheral vision which means seeing things straight ahead is easier but seeing things to the side is more difficult.
Hemianopia
Hemianopia, is partial blindness or a loss of sight in half of your visual field. It’s caused by brain damage, rather than a problem with your eyes. Depending on the cause, hemianopia may be permanent or temporary. The most common cause of hemianopia is stroke.
