You should always look after your peekers. We’ve already covered our top eye health tips and how to keep your eyes healthy in winter, but to really drive home the message, we think it’s important to know about the wide variety of eye conditions that affect the UK population. Some are relatively common, whilst others are quite rare. In the U.K, the most prevalent eye conditions are glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. By being aware of these conditions, as well as attending regular eye examinations, you can ensure you are taking all the precautions necessary to avoid their development.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
This condition can affect individuals of all ages, but in people over 60, it is the leading cause of sight loss. Macular degeneration causes issues with the central vision, which can become blurry or distorted. This means that if you suffer from this condition you might look at someone sideways and not be able to see fine details. Over a long period of time, it can lead to a completely blank patch in the central vision, however, some people can retain side vision. You are at higher risk of developing this condition if you smoke and lead an unhealthy lifestyle.
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a condition that’s often hereditary which, if not treated daily with eye drops, can lead to blindness. It causes damage to the optic nerve due to changes in eye pressure and can lead to loss of peripheral vision, which means those who suffer from this condition may not see people or things approaching them from the side on. Often those who develop glaucoma are unaware that anything is wrong, but it can be detected with an eye examination. Those who are over the age of 40 or have a close family relative who suffers from glaucoma are allowed a free eye test each year to ensure they can pick up on any arising issues as soon as possible.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes affects all the major organs of the body, especially the eye. This condition causes the central vision to become patchy which can lead to difficulty in reading and driving. Over 35% of people with type 1 diabetes and around 20% of those with type 2 diabetes will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy. It’s the greatest cause of sight loss for those under 60 within the United Kingdom. However, most cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable, so those who control their blood sugars, maintain a healthy weight, and stop smoking will reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce the chance of developing sight loss associated with diabetic retinopathy.
CATARACTS
This is an extremely common eye condition that is typically caused due to the ageing process. Cataracts develop slowly and can lead to change in colour vision, blurred vision, and sensitivity to glare. The treatment for cataracts is a simple operation, which is usually conducted under local anaesthetic. The natural cloudy lens is removed and a plastic one inserted during the operation. Some people can reduce their chance of developing cataracts by taking some simple precautions, which include wearing sunglasses, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy diet.
In order to reduce your risk of obtaining some of these conditions and catching them earlier for better treatment, it’s important to attend regular eye examinations. The NHS recommends you have an eye examination once every two years in order to maintain the health of your eyes. Remember that a healthy lifestyle is also a high contributing factor to the avoidance of these conditions. If you notice any changes in your vision or pain in your eyes, then you should seek medical attention right away. Don’t wait and don’t take your eyesight for granted.