In the middle section of the eye, there is a lens. When a person has cataracts this part of the eye gradually becomes thicker and can become opaque. Cataract can be caused by smoking, U.V radiation, but most commonly it comes with age. It is very common in older people, and surgery is considered routine at present, taking just a few hours for most people.
Eye with cataract
A person viewing through Age related macular degeneration
Age related macular degeneration (ARMD):
This form of degeneration is very common as we get older. This affects the central part of your eye (the macula) which is used for looking straight ahead (i.e. central vision). It is basically described as wear and tear of this part of the eye. There are two types of ARMD, DRY and WET. Dry is the most common type (80% of ARMD sufferers) and low vision aids (such as magnifiers) are used in such cases. Wet affects the remaining 20% of sufferers and can come on suddenly; there are various surgical treatments available for this, providing it is treated quickly.
Diabetes:
This is the main cause of sight loss in the working class in the U.K. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause effects in the eye, most generally to the back of the eye (i.e. the retina). This is why diabetics must have an eye test with their optometrist at least once a year, as well as their routine screening with their specialist. During the eye test the optometrist will put some drops in your eyes which will dilate your pupils, this will make it very easy for your optometrist to check more of your retina and establish whether or not there are any signs of diabetic changes to the eye. The optometrist will also take a picture of the back of your eye and keep this on file, so that at your next eye test, we can make sure everything is the same as your previous examination.
What a person sees when they have Diabetic Eye disease
What a person sees when they have glaucoma
Glaucoma:
This is a condition which occurs due to progressive damage to the optic nerve. It can also cause high pressures (pressure of the fluid in the eye), and can also cause defects in the visual field (generally the peripheral field of vision). Glaucoma can be hereditary so if there is a direct family history of glaucoma it is very important to have an eye test regularly. If over 40 then this should be on a yearly basis. If caught early then treatment, in most cases, can be very simple, just a matter of using eye drops.
