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	Eye Defects		What is Keratoconus
	Common Eye Diseases		Computer Vision Syndrome

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Eye Defects

The best way to protect your vision is through good general health. A balanced diet includes all the essential nutrients needed by your eyes for each visual mechanism. Examination by a specialist is critical to identify eye problems. Safety and correction of vision defects is also important.

 

Below are some of the common eye defects. If you are concerned see an optometrist today.

COMMON EYE DEFECTS 

PRESBYOPIA

Presbyopia is a condition associated with the natural ageing of the lens within the eye. The ability to focus on close objects diminishes; this usually affects people in their mid forties. It is not a disease and can easily be corrected with prescription lenses.  Click here to find out about progressive lenses.

SPOTS, FLOATERS & FLASHES

Spots, floaters and flashes can all be part of the natural changes in the eye. They can affect anyone at any age. These shadows and "light shows" are seen in our line of sight. If a sudden increase in spots, floaters or flashes occurs, then we suggest seeing an optometrist as medical attention may be required.

ASTIGMATISM

Astigmatism is a common visual defect and is found in most people. It is caused by an irregular shaped cornea which blurs and distorts your eyesight. Special prescription lenses or contact lenses are used to correct astigmatism. We recommend regular eye checks to monitor the condition.

COLOUR BLINDNESS

Colour blindness is a vision defect where colours appear different to what they actually are. There is no cure for colour blindness. Visual aids and personalized identification methods can help colour blind people.

LONGSIGHTEDNESS

Longsighted people have the ability to see distant objects clearly and close objects less not so well. It is caused by a defect in the length of the eyeball. Prescription spectacles and contact lenses can correct long sightedness

SHORTSIGHTEDNESS

Shortsighted people can see close objects clearly and objects further away not so clearly. The shape and length of the eye causes this common defect. It can readily be corrected with special prescription spectacles and contact lenses

TYPES OF VISION 

PERIPHERAL VISION - What we see out of the corner of our eyes. While most of our vision is central we have the ability to see and detect changes within a panoramic range.

BINOCULAR VISION - Is when we receive images from both eyes. Our brain combines both these images into a single sharp image. The slight difference in angle in which each eye views an object produces full three-dimensional sight.

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Common Eye Diseases

DRY EYES

Dry eye is a common disease causing burning, gritty or tired eyes. Dry eye occurs when the eye is not bathed regularly by your tears. Your tears are essential for healthy eyes and clear vision. Dry eye generally affects computer users and post-menopausal women the most. Dry, windy, dusty and sunny environments; and infrequent eye blinking can lead to dry eye. Artificial eye drops are a common solution to dry eye and are readily available. For extreme or regular dry eyes, seek professional advice.

GLAUCOMA

It is often thought that Glaucoma is a disease suffered by elderly people. In fact it is a disease which can start much earlier in life. Approximately 2% of people over the age of 40 have glaucoma and the risk increases with age. It is now one of the leading causes of blindness. Often you are unaware that you may have early stages of glaucoma. This occurs when the internal pressure of aqueous fluid inside your eyes increases. This causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in loss of vision.

Your central vision may be very clear, so you may not notice any reduction in your side vision. It is very difficult to recognise peripheral visual fields defects, which is why it can remain undetected at the early stages. Early detection is important. Glaucoma cannot be prevented , but if treated at the early stages it can be controlled. Unchecked glaucoma is a painless and symptom-less progression towards blindness. Vision loss to glaucoma cannot be restored.

The best prevention is for regular checkups to measure the ocular pressure and access the optic nerve. If you have a family history, are very near sighted or diabetic there is a higher risk of developing the disease. Talk to our professional optometrist and book in for a retinal photo.

CATARACTS

What is a Cataract?

Cataracts are mostly found in people over 55. A cataract is a clouding of all or part of the lens in your eye. This results in blurred and distorted vision. During early stages low-visual aids can compensate for this problem. Surgery can remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens if required. If you have any concerns call us today to make an appointment. To seek more advice talk to our optometrist.

How do I know?

Cataracts can develop without any discomfort. Early indications can be from blurred vision and the appearance of spots in front of the eyes. Increased sensitivity to glare or a feeling of looking through a film are also indications you may be developing cataracts. We can prescribe contact lenses and spectacles so you can maintain good vision at the early stages. If the cataract starts to affect your daily activities our optometrist will refer you to an eye specialist.

CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis is a common infection or irritation of your eye. Infections can occur by bacteria, viruses, allergies or chemicals. Treatment must deal with the cause and requires extra cleanliness. Consult our optometrist.

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What is Keratonconus?

Keratoconus is a condition where the shape of the front of the eye deforms into a cone shape. Often described as a rugby ball with the end pointing outwards. As the cornea thins, it distorts your vision.

 

What Causes It?
The exact cause is not known. However what is known is that it has acquired and inherited components. About 1 in 3000 suffer from the condition

What can I do about it?
Early stages of keratoconus can be corrected with spectacles or soft contact lenses, but as the condition progresses, RGP (gas permeable) lenses are needed to better correct the distortion in vision.

How Do Rigid Contact Lenses Help?

A Keratoconus contact lens is shaped like a normal cornea. The rigid lens holds it shape reducing the amount of distortion. A soft contact lens would mould to the existing shape of your cornea and would correct the problem.
For more information click on the link below

Cornea & Contact lens Society

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Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome(CVS) is cause by long term computer use or situations where extreme focus is required at short distances. CVS leads to physical stress, fatigue and eyestrain and can cause discomfort in other areas such as your neck and shoulders. Ways to prevent CVS include, correct prescription eyewear, a UV screen filter and proper occupational health, i.e. equipment such as keyboards, screens, chairs etc., should be placed in the optimum position for comfort and vision. Regular breaks from close work are also required.

 

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