Detached Retina This is where the retina becomes detached from the back of the eye, frequently causing a sudden loss of vision. Other symptoms can be flashing lights and floaters. This is a serious condition requiring immediate referral to casualty for treatment. Glaucoma Glaucoma is caused by a progressive increase of the pressure in the eye to an abnormal level, which damages the optic nerve so messages are no longer sent to the brain. This may lead to tunnel vision and blindness at an early stage. If you suffer from diabetes, anaemia, or hardening of the arteries or if you are black or have a family history of glaucoma, you are more likely to develop glaucoma. There are two forms of glaucoma; chronic and acute The acute form is where the pressure suddenly becomes very high and should be treated as soon as possible. It can be very painful. The chronic form is generally symptom less and is gradual process. The pressure, whilst at an abnormally high level, does not get so high as to cause pain. The visual field is gradually affected. It is important to note that glaucoma is treatable if diagnosed early enough. Glaucoma may be detected by using several tests in conjunction with one another. The intra ocular pressure (IOP) can be measured with a tonometer, the visual field for field defects and the optic nerve head can be examined by the Optometrist using an ophthalmoscope.

Squint This is when one eye turns and does not work properly with the other. The movements of the eyes are controlled by muscles which, work in pairs. If one muscle is weak a squint can occur. A squinting eye may not develop properly leading to a ‘lazy’ eye. A child may have to wear a patch over the non-squinting eye to stimulate the vision in the poorer eye. Often an operation, sometimes followed by exercises, can remedy the squint. Early diagnosis is important. Stye A Stye is caused when an eyelash follicle becomes infected. Most styes get better on their own, although hot compresses can help. Cataract Cataracts cloud the eye’s normally clear, transparent lens, thus blurring the vision; it’s like looking out of a cloudy bathroom window. Like presbyopia, cataract commonly occurs with ageing. Almost all people over 65 will have cataracts, however, only a small number will have poor vision as a result, requiring an operation to remove the cataract. If you have a cataract you may notice; Gradually blurring or dimming of vision Haziness around lights (particularly at night time) Vision may be worse in bright light This can be resolved surgically by removing the cataractous lens, and a new plastic lens (an intraocular lens or IOL) is usually inserted into the capsule at the same time, thus being able to restore clear vision without the necessity of thick glasses. Cataract surgery is now quite commonplace and has a high success rate.