Common Eye Conditions
Caring for your Children's Eyes
Age Related Macular Disease (AMD)
Further information about eye health is available at www.eyecare-trust.org.uk
There is much more to a sight test than finding out if you need new glasses. An eye examination by a qualified optometrist (ophthalmic optician) is also a vital health check which everyone should have regularly.
An eye test can detect the presence of hidden eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration as well as general health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. But because many eyesight-related conditions often develop slowly, you may not notice any symptoms initially. So the sooner a problem is Detected or monitored by an eye examination, the greater the chances of it being treated successfully.
That's why it is important to have eye tests on a regular basis -even if nothing appears to be wrong with your vision. For most people between the ages of 16 and 60 we recommend an eye examination once every two years, although you should see us immediately if you experience any visual difficulties. But for those who sufter from diabetes and glaucoma, an examination each year is essential.
Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in people of working age and this disease affects over two million sufferers in the UK. Yet it is estimated that effective eye screening and treatment could cut blindness due to diabetes by half.
Glaucoma is much rarer and mainly confined to those over 40 or with a family history of the disease. It is caused by too much pressure in the eye, and this leads eventual blindness if left untreated. Fortunately glaucoma can be detected in its early stages by an eye examination, and can then be treated with special eye drops.
The most common cause of poor sight and blindness in those aged over 60 is a disease called macular degeneration. Although not painful, it progressively blocks out your central field of vision. Some forms of the disease can be treated by laser, but only in the early stages of their development. So it is particularly important for older people to have regular eye tests.
If your eyesight is getting worse, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a serious problem. The likelihood is that you simply need new glasses.
Whatever your visual situation, it makes sense to look after your sight and your eye health with regular examinations.
Caring for your Children's Eyes
At Farmilo Optometrists we pride ourselves on being a "child-friendly" practice; making every effort to make your child's visit as comfortable and as enjoyable as we can.
We stock Action Man and Barbie ranges of frames as well as other frames especially designed for children.
Just as children should visit the dentist on a regular basis, it's vital
that a child's eyes are checked at least every two years (although we may
recommend more frequent visits). Many eyesight defects can be inherited
and so if there is a history of eye problems in your family, it is doubly
important to have your child's eyes examined on a regular basis. Children
should have their first eye examination before starting school. It doesn't
matter if they are too young to talk or read a letter chart as our
practice can detect visual problems at an early age. If
glasses are needed, we have a wide range of attractive styles which are
specially designed for children's faces. Many have soft nose pads for
extra comfort and spring hinges to reduce the chances of breakage.
It is important to know that your child sees clearly with both eyes working together properly.
Left un-corrected for too long, some sight defects cannot be put right. Establishing a routine of regular eye examinations can minimise the chances of a sight defect being carried on in to adulthood.
Research shows that one in five school children have an undetected eye problem. As a result many cannot see well enough to reach their full academic potential. They will also find it difticult to enjoy everyday childhood activities.
Children who are short-sighted may have problems at school if they cannot see the blackboard clearly. Those who are long-sighted may have problems focussing on books or computer screens.
One of the most important things to establish is that the child does not have a "lazy eye" or squint as the treatment for this is most successful if started at a very young age.
Optometrists are trained to examine children's eyes thoroughly and ensure that their eyes are healthy. They can examine the eyes of small babies and are able to find out whether a child is long or short-sighted even before they can talk. Alternative ways of measuring vision are used for young children who would not be able to read a traditional letter chart. Children are often unaware that they have a problem with their eyes and therefore may not complain of poor vision. Typical warning signs of problems are excessive blinking, squinting, peering closely at books or TV, and poor performance at school.
Another defect which should be tested at the earliest opportunity is colour vision deficiency (colour blindness), as it can effect careers' choices in later life. By making the child's teacher aware of this condition, or any other sight defect, they will be able to make allowances in the classroom.
Dyslexia is another defect which can be linked to visual difficulties. As part of the general medical care at schools, children will have BASIC visual screening, but these do not cover the full function of the eye and are not comprehensive. This is why full eye examinations are so important.
Eye examinations are free for all children under 16 years old, and up to 19 if still in full-time education, so make the most of this opportunity.
Our Francis Street practice was the first optometrists in Leicester to win one of the council's Child Friendly Awards. We offer a children's play area with toys and books for babies to teenagers; potty and step-up in toilets; free nappies and baby wipes; free parents' guide to children's eye care and bottle warming on request. Staff are trained to be friendly and to explain procedures and tests directly to children and we will provide a private place for breast-feeding or nappy changing on request.
Age Related Macular Disease (AMD)
AMD is a condition which affects the macula - the small central part of the retina used for central and detailed vision. This makes it difficult to read, write, drive and recognise faces. The peripheral vision is not affected so people with the condition are able to get about unaided and maintain their independence. The exact cause of AMD has not yet been established.
There are two types of AMD:
Dry type AMD is the more common form and causes a gradual deterioration in vision, usually over many years. There is currently no treatment for this condition.
Wet type AMD is less common and there is a more rapid loss of central vision. Some new treatments are being developed for this form of the disease.
Risk factors for AMD
Although the cause of AMD is not fully understood, there are some factors which may make certain individuals more prone to the disease:
Age
Age is the main risk factor for AMD. As you grow older the chance of
developing AMD increases.
Diet and nutrition
Early research has shown that people with a low intake of anti-oxidants
(nutrients which fight the damaging effects of free radicals) may be at
increased risk of developing AMD. Excessive alcohol consumption may also
deplete the level of anti-oxidants in the body. A diet high in fat
produces free radicals which may damage the macula.
Smoking
AMD is more common in people who smoke more then 20 cigarettes a day
compared to non-smokers. A recent study found that smoking more than
doubles the risk of AMD.
Sunlight
The macular cells are very sensitive to sunlight and may be damaged by it.
Genetics
It is believed that people with a family history of AMD may be more at
risk of developing the condition.
Gender
Women over 75 are twice as likely as men in the same age group to develop
AMD.
How can I prevent AMD?
The following steps may help to protect your eyes from developing AMD
For more information contact us or:
The Macular Disease Society.
Tel: 0800 328 2849
www.maculardisease.org
The Lutein Information Bureau
Tel: 0207 394 5071
www.luteininfo.co.uk
One of the questions we are asked most frequently is "Do you do a test for glaucoma?"
Many people have heard of glaucoma but are not sure what it is. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged at the point where it leaves the eye. This results in gradual loss of peripheral vision and it is usually due to an increase in pressure of the fluid inside the eye. However, different eyes can withstand different amounts of pressure before damage occurs and there is therefore no hard and fast rule about how high a pressure is too high. Glaucoma is treatable, especially if it is detected early, and affects 1 to 2 people in 100 over the age of 40. It is more common in those with a close relative who has the disease.
Visual fields testing gives a picture of whether the nerve is being damaged. If it is, then small areas of peripheral vision will become less light-sensitive and eventually, if not treated, will progress to being completely unresponsive to light and will affect a larger area.
Changes also occur in the appearance of the optic nerve inside the eye and assessment of this while examining the whole interior surface of the eye is the third part of glaucoma testing.
As you can see, there is no one "glaucoma test" but rather a consideration of the results of three tests; pressure, visual fields and optic nerve assessment.
All those over the age of 40 are advised to have an eye examination every two years to include these tests, and those with a close relative with the disease should be tested every year.
The test is free through the N.H.S. for those with a close relative (i.e. parent, brother, sister or child) with glaucoma and who are over 40.
For more information contact us or:
International Glaucoma Association
Woodcote House
15 Highpoint Business Village
Henwood, Ashford
Kent
TN24 8DH
Sightline (helpline): 01233 64 81 70
Administration: 01233 64 81 64
Website: www.glaucoma-association.com
A cataract is the name given to a clouding over of the lens inside your eye. This is mainly the result of the eye's ageing process and more than half the population over 65 have cataracts to some extent. But you shouldn't worry about having cataracts as you get older. They usually develop slowly and are not painful. Many people with cataracts find their vision is acceptable and will not require an operation. If you develop a cataract, you will eventually experience deteriorating eyesight, sometimes blurred or double vision, and a yellowish tinge to everything you see. But we can often do a lot to help by changing your spectacle lenses. Only in a minority of cases will cataracts seriously affect your vision and then a simple operation can usually solve the problem. This replaces the cloudy lens with a plastic one with enables you to see clearly again.
Although most experts agree that visual problems are not often a main cause of dyslexia, some visual problems occur more regularly with the condition. These are subtle and are rarely picked up in the school eye test.
Why an eye exam can help
Every child and especially those with a reading, spelling or any other learning difficulty, should regularly see an optometrist. Although visual treatments cannot be expected to offer a cure for dyslexia they are likely to make reading more comfortable and improve understanding of written words. The NHS entitlement does not cover the visual investigative tests needed for dyslexia, and so a child with a specific learning difficulty will need two appointments - one for the NHS eye examination and one for additional tests. Optometrists may charge a private fee for these tests, but they might be available free under the NHS at your local children's clinic.
How coloured filters may help
Many children with learning difficulties and some good readers may experience blurred vision, double vision, visual distortions, or letters and words moving on the page when reading. Some may benefit by using coloured filters, (either overlays or coloured lenses in spectacles). These people are often described as having Meares-Irlen Syndrome. Different people need different colours and the colour needed can vary greatly. Coloured overlays (transparent plastic sheets placed on the page) are cheap so these are often used to establish if coloured glasses would be likely to help. So if your child suffers from dyslexia or a learning difficulty, please speak to us for advice and to discuss how we may be able to help.
Visual Stress is a visual perception problem which makes it difficult to see clearly. The contrast between printed words on a white surface makes the letters appear jumbled, animated or simply blurred.
Colorimetry
Some people who have reading difficulties such as dyslexia find it helpful to use spectacles with a specific coloured tint. They can also relieve the symptoms of migraine and other problems associated with bright light.
The colorimeter is an instrument used to find accurately the exact tint required.
Sometimes there is a marked improvement in symptoms but other times the effect is less pronounced. To find out if colorimetry is likely to be beneficial we recommend a trial with coloured overlays (sheets of coloured plastic) for a few weeks first.
Colorimetry and the tints prescribed as a result of it are not available through the National Health Service - please contact us for details of our charges.
