As the saying goes, “eyes are the windows to the soul.” Your eyes are also the windows to the world. They allow you to experience the beauty and wonder of life, and it’s so important to take care of them. In the UK, there are around two million people living with sight loss. By 2050, this number is expected to double. Many suffer from various eye conditions. Eye health is crucial for our quality of life, but unfortunately, many people take it for granted.
In this blog, we’ll discuss three of the most common eye conditions and what you can do about each one. Make a big difference in your vision in the long term with early detection and treatment, even though not every condition can be prevented.
Cataracts
A cataract forms in the clear lens inside the eye and gradually causes painless, cloudy, or blurry vision. In the UK, it is estimated that half of all people over 65 have cataracts, as cataracts are a normal part of ageing.
Eye health tips:
- Protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses and a hat.
- Quit smoking, as smoking can increase the risk of cataracts.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as leafy greens and berries.
Treatment:
- Cataract surgery to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases where damage occurs to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. In the UK, it’s estimated that over 500,000 people have glaucoma. Chronic open-angle glaucoma (the most common type) is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it has no symptoms in the early stages. The earlier it is detected, the lower the chances of sight impairment.
Eye health tips:
- Get regular eye exams to detect glaucoma early
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke, as smoking can increase the risk of glaucoma
Treatment:
- Eye drops to lower eye pressure
- Laser treatment or surgery to improve fluid drainage
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision) deteriorates over time. This can cause blurred vision or blind spots in the central vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognise faces. In the UK, it’s estimated that over 600,000 people have AMD, making it the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.
However, with early detection and appropriate treatment, vision loss from AMD can often be prevented or slowed down. This is why it’s important to get regular eye exams, especially as we age. Every two years, or more frequently if a doctor of eye care recommends it, the NHS advises everyone to have an eye exam. By staying on top of our eye health, we can reduce the risk of vision loss and maintain our quality of life.
- Age is the biggest risk factor; most cases occur in people over 60.
- Genetics, with people who have a family history being more likely to develop the condition.
- Smoking and a poor diet lacking in nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to a higher risk of AMD.
Eye health tips:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients, especially dark, leafy greens, colourful fruits and vegetables, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Don’t smoke, or quit smoking if you already do.
- Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Get regular eye exams to detect early signs of AMD.
Treatment:
- There is no cure for AMD, but certain treatments can slow the progression of the condition and improve vision in some cases.
- Anti-VEGF injections can help reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
- Approved supplements can help slow the progression of AMD.
Our eyes are precious, and it’s important to take care of them. By adopting healthy habits and getting regular eye exams, we can reduce the risk of developing these conditions and catch them early if they do occur. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to maintaining good eye health. Book an eye test at our opticians today! Check out our services to see what solutions we can discuss for you.