One of our most valuable assets is our vision. While there are many different reasons for vision loss, the most common eye conditions in the UK today are dry eyes, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Read below to find out if any of these apply to you. If you are concerned, please see a professional as soon as possible.
1. Dry Eye
Even when you're happy, your eyes well up with tears. Tears are a mash-up of water for moisture, oils for lubrication and mucus and antibodies that keeps your eyes moisturised to aid visibility and keep your eyes comfortable. Sometimes, when using your air conditioner or a heater, or even when staring at a computer screen for several hours, your tear film starts to dry out. It's similar to when you get sand in your eye.
Dry eyes feel uncomfortable, and the general symptoms include a burning sensation, light sensitivity, eye redness, blurry vision and even difficulty wearing contact lenses. If you believe you suffer from dry eyes you should consult an optician who can assess your condition and will likely provide you with artificial tear drops and ointments.
Relief tip: Every time you blink, your natural tears wash and calm your eyes. Your eyes get dry if you do not produce enough tears or if they evaporate too rapidly. Try blinking more frequently when using a computer or other screen to prevent this.
2. Cataracts
Most cataracts are age-related and more frequent in those over 50. They can be caused by UV radiation, a protein breakdown or even an injury that causes the lens of the eye to the cloud. Blurry vision, glare, colour changes are the most common symptoms. Over time, as the cataract gets worse, less light reaches the retina and you may have an especially hard time seeing and driving at night.
Cataracts can eventually cause serious visual loss if left untreated. Fortunately, they can be treated with surgery. Whether surgery is needed depends on the degree of vision loss and whether it affects quality of life. Whether or not to have cataract surgery is up to you and your doctor.
Relief tip: While surgery might be the only way to treat cataracts, by quitting smoking and adding beta-carotenes such as sweet potatoes, carrots, turnip, and vitamin C to your diet you may be able to slow down the progression.
3. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a result of prolonged high blood sugar associated with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Too much blood sugar can alter the blood vessels in the back of the eye, preventing the retina from receiving the proper amount of nutrients it needs to maintain vision. Common symptoms include floaters, blurry vision, eye pain, gradually worsening vision, or sudden vision loss.
If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss, however in most cases, laser surgery that will seal or destroy growing and leaking blood vessels in the retina can prevent significant vision loss.
4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease characterized by damage to the macula, the area of the retina that perceives light. AMD may get worse over time and is the leading source of permanent vision loss in people aged over 60. Age and family history are the most common risk factors, and common symptoms include less clear and blurry vision, and worse or different colour perception.
There is no current treatment for AMD, however, current treatments can slow the progression of the disease, including anti-angiogenesis drugs and laser-therapy.
Relief tip: Vitamins C, E and beta-carotene can decrease the risk of vision loss with intermediate to advanced dry age-related macular degeneration.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve in your eye. It gets worse over time, and it's often linked to a buildup of pressure inside your eye. The increased pressure, known as intraocular pressure, has the potential to harm the optic nerve, which carries pictures to the brain. Family history plays an important role in the development of glaucoma, but it may not show up until later in life.
Glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss if the optic nerve is damaged by elevated eye pressure, and as most people don’t have early symptoms or pain from this increased pressure, it is important to see your Optician regularly so that it can be treated before long-term visual loss occurs. Once detected, glaucoma can be treated with either surgery, lasers or eye drops.
Relief tips: Prescription eye drops can lower the pressure in your eye and prevent damage to your optic nerve.
What can I do to keep my eyes as healthy as possible?
There are several things you may take to safeguard your vision, including:
- Even if you don't notice any changes in your eyesight, visiting your optometrist on a frequent basis for an eye test will help detect eye diseases early on.
- Wearing quality sunglasses even on cloudy days to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB light which can harm the corneas and retinas.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices, including eating plenty of greens like spinach, and kale, and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and halibut. You can also remain active to lower the risk of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol which can lead to serious eye conditions.
Common eye conditions can be caught early by an eyecare professional
Seeing an Optician regularly is the best way you can ensure healthy vision for years to come. Visit one of our stores or book an appointment for a private or NHS eye exam. Whenever and wherever you need us, we’re here for you.