Common Eye Conditions
Cataracts
These are a natural change that occurs in everyone's eyes, to a greater or lesser
extent, as we get older. The lens of the eye gradually becomes more cloudy,
reducing the clarity of vision, and causing increased susceptibility to glare
from oncoming headlights. Cataracts are removed by a simple operation that is
most often conducted as a day-patient case under local anaesthetic.
Diabetic Retinopathy
All of our patients who suffer from Diabetes are monitored closely for changes
to the retina (tissue layer at the back of the eyes) resulting from their diabetes.
Where possible we also take digital photographs of the back of their eyes, to
enable us to accurately diagnose any changes since their last check-up. Normally
all our diabetic patients are on an annual recall system, although in cases
where an ophthalmologist or other specialist has taken responsibility for the
patient's eyes, a routine two-year checkup might be considered sufficient.
Dry Eye
A reduction in the quantity or quality of tears that are present in the eye
can lead to increased dryness and discomfort, as well as causing the eyes to
water more often, especially when exposed to cold winds. Untreated dry eye can
also cause problems with contact lens wear, reducing the comfort and vision
that is obtained with the lenses. We are able to offer advice on various methods
of treating dry eye, and for those patients who wear contact lenses, a change
of contact lens material or cleaning solution may give better comfort.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects our peripheral vision, i.e. that at the sides rather than objects
that we are looking directly at. For this reason, early glaucoma is often asymptomatic,
although defects in peripheral vision can be picked up during visual field screening
as part of your regular eye examination. Damage from glaucoma is irreversible,
although treatment with eyedrops is normally sufficient to prevent further deterioration.
Patients are more likely to develop glaucoma if they have a famiy history of
the condition, if they are a smoker, and as they get older. For this reason,
all patients with a family history of glaucoma are placed onto an annual recall
system.
Macula Degeneration
The macula is the region of the retina that is used for our fine detail vision.
As the eye ages, an accumulation of waste products in this region can cause
a reduction in the maximum visual acuity that the eye is able to obtain. There
are two forms of macular degeneration; the more common dry form, in which the
deterioration is normally slow to progress, and the wet form, which causes more
rapid visual distortion. For the dry form, prevention is the only method of
management, and we recommend UV coatings on all lenses, and will also discuss
dietary options with suitable patients. Wet degeneration is treatable, using
a new treatment known as photodynamic therapy, providing that the changes are
caught at an early stage.