Adults eye health

As we age, our vision may start to deteriorate or we may become susceptible to eye conditions that can affect our daily life. These conditions can vary from minor irritations to serious health concerns that require immediate medical attention.

On our website, we provide valuable insights into common eye problems that adults might face. From macular degeneration and glaucoma to cataracts and dry eyes, we cover each condition in detail. Our information includes the possible causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments that are available.

If you think that you may be experiencing any of the symptoms associated with these eye conditions, we encourage you to book an eye examination with us. Our qualified optometrists will be able to help diagnose any issues and provide you with the necessary treatments.

You can book an appointment with us through our website or by phoning our stores.

Dry eyes

Dry eye is a common condition and it is not usually serious. It may be associated with itchy, sore, red or watery eyes and it can be due to various reasons such as age, contact lens wearers, certain medications or an underlying condition.

Get the relief you need from dry eyes. Book your dry eye assessment now and experience the comfort.

Low vision aids

Low vision aids could be either optical or electrical and they are designed to help visually impaired people in their daily environment. There are many different low vision designs and options to enhance visual performance and allow better academic and social adaptation.

Book your consultation appointment to discuss options of magnifying products to provide maximum independence and quality of life to people that suffer with low vision.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is characterized by irregularities and thinning of the front surface of the eye, the cornea, usually resulting in loss of vision, light sensitivity and glare. Keratoconus generally affects both eyes, it begins during adolescence and progresses until mid-30s. Risk factors of developing keratoconus include genetics or certain systemic disorders. There are various contact lens options that can provide good visual outcomes in most patients with keratoconus.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common eye condition that affects the eyelids. It is caused by inflammation of the eyelid margin, which is the area where the eyelashes grow. It usually affects people over 50, although it can develop at any age and generally it is not serious. The main symptom of blepharitis is red, swollen, and itchy eyelids. It can also cause irritation, burning, crusty eyelashes and a gritty feeling in the eye. Blepharitis is usually a long-term (chronic) condition, which means once it develops it can cause repeated episodes. Treating blepharitis and controlling the symptoms includes good daily eye-cleaning routine. This will need to be continued indefinitely. More severe cases of blepharitis may require antibiotics.

Blepharitis can be caused by a number of factors, including bacterial infections, skin conditions, and allergies. It can also be caused by poor eyelid hygiene, such as inadequate facial cleansing and makeup removal. During a routine eye examination blepharitis can be spotted and treatment can be recommended.

Cataract

Cataract is a common eye condition and the main cause is age. However, smoking and exposure to sunlight have been linked to getting cataract. Younger people can develop cataract if they have an injury to the eye or if they have some medical conditions like diabetes.

A very small number of babies are born with cataract. Cataract occurs when the clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or misty. This is a gradual process and it doesn’t hurt. The early stages of cataract usually do not affect vision. Thought, many people with cataract notice a change in their prescriptions.

Car headlights and streetlights can become dazzling. Colours may look different too and become faded or yellowed. To try to prevent cataracts, or to stop them getting worse, good quality sunglasses with full UV protection and giving up smoking can help. If eyesight cannot be improved enough by changing glasses, the only proven treatment for a cataract is surgery. The surgery is carried out under a local anaesthetic and is very safe. Once the cataract has been removed, it will not return.

During a routine eye examination cataract can be spotted and based on its stage the optometrist can advice the patient. For more information about cataract please ask your optometrist.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is damaged by the pressure of the fluid inside the eye.

This might be because the intraocular pressure is higher than normal, or because the nerve is more susceptible to damage from pressure. This may affect one or both eyes. Anyone can develop glaucoma.

However, risk factors include ageing, family history of glaucoma, very short sighted patients, and African or Caribbean origin patients. As most of the time people cannot feel the pressure inside the eye and the damage happens slowly, patient may not know that they have glaucoma until a lot of damage has been done.

That damage cannot be put right, so it is particularly important that glaucoma is diagnosed early. The best way to make sure of this is to have a regular eye examination.

If somebody is at risk of developing glaucoma, they should have an eye examination once a year. Untreated glaucoma can be serious as it causes gradual visual loss that might cause total blindness.

However, the good news is that most of the times treatment with eye drops might stop glaucoma getting worse. Early diagnosis is essential for better prognosis.

Macular degeneration

The macula is an area at the back of the eye that is used for seeing fine details such as reading a book. Macular degeneration covers a number of conditions which affect the macula. As a result, peoples’ ability to see fine detail such as recognising faces or to read or watch television is affected. However, this does not normally affect their ability to walk around as their side vision is not affected.

The most common form of macular degeneration is age-related macular degeneration that happens with ageing. Around one in ten people aged 65 or older show signs of macular degeneration.

One of the most common symptoms of macular degeneration is noticing that straight lines appear wavy. However, as most people might not notice this, if it happens in one eye as the other eye will compensate, it is important to regularly check their vision and have their eyes examined.

Smoking is known as a major risk factor for developing macular degeneration so giving up smoking can protect eyes from developing macular degeneration. Other risk factors include family history of the condition, obesity, and exposure to ultraviolet light. A diet rich in oil fish and coloured fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration.

Patients that notice any changes to their vision it is important to act quickly. Rapid treatment could save their sight.