Eye conditions
Our optometrists in HatchEnd are highly trained in the detection and management of ocular disease and a detailed inspection of the health of the eyes is essential. Some conditions do not present with any symptoms and it is for this reason that a thorough regular examination is so important.
Annual eye examinations are normally suggested, although some patients may require a recall of 3, 6, or 9 months
We use advanced equipment to screen for diseases that can affect the body as well as your eyes. An initial history will be taken so we may understand your needs and previous ocular problems. Each examination is tailored to your needs – every patient is different and each eye is different.
Myopia (short – sightedness)
Myopia is a very common eye condition. Objects in the distance appear more blurred, while closer objects are clearer. This is because either the power of the eye is too strong, or that the eye itself is too long.
Either way, the image of the object you see is formed before it reaches the retina, and so is blurred. Myopia is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Hyperopia (long – sightedness)
Hyperopia is another very common eye condition. Objects in the distance appear generally clearer, while closer objects are blurred. This is because either the eye is not powerful enough, or the eye itself is too short.
Either way, the image of the object you see is formed after it reaches the retina, and so is blurred. Hyperopic people can increase the power of their eyes by accommodating and making the image clear, although this becomes more difficult as you get older or if you do a lot of concentrated work. Hyperopia is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is caused when the eye gradually loses its ability to see objects up close. It happens to everybody from around the age of 40 and gradually continues from then on. The main reason for it occurring is that the lens in the eye becomes less elastic and harder to change shape, and so makes close objects look blurred.
As the changes happen so gradually, the effects are often not noticed immediately, but over time, reading may become more difficult – unless you hold a book further from you. Headaches may occur. Presbyopia is easily corrected using reading, varifocal, or bifocal glasses. Contact lenses are now also available.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an eye condition that can occur in conjunction with myopia, hyperopia, or on its own. Astigmatism occurs when the front of the eye (cornea) is not perfectly spherical (often described as ‘rugby ball shaped’).
It causes the image of the object you see to be focussed at two different points, and so is blurred. Astigmatism is easily corrected using spectacles or contact lenses.
Eye nutrition
Eating a healthy, balanced diet reduces your risk of eye disease. Include lots of omega-3 fats, found in oily fish, and lutein, found in dark-green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
Vitamins A, C and E are also helpful, so eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. If you have a family history of macular degeneration (losing central vision in the eyes), ask your optometrist about taking nutritional
Important information about eye nutrition
It is never too soon to take your child for an eye examination, as optometrists can examine children’s eyes even if they are unable to read letters. You should aim to take children for their first eye examination at least by the time they are three years old, especially if there is a family history of wearing glasses.
Children should have eye examinations at least once every year, and more often, as advised by the optometrist, if they have an existing eye condition. Eye tests for children under 16 are free, and also upto 18 and in full time education. It is important to know that the eye screening children receive in schools is not as detailed as the eye examination carried out by an optometrist. A recent study has shown alsmost a third of schools have no facility for screening their pupils!
Always make sure there is plenty of light when your child is doing their homework so they do not strain their eyes to see. An Anglepoise lamp or an overhead white light is very useful.
Children of any age who are underachieving at school should have an eye examination. Poor vision is very likely to cause problems with reading and writing.
If you suspect that your child has a colour vision problem or if there is a family history of colour vision problems then arrange an eye examination with our optometrist. There is no cure for colour vision deficiency but at least teachers can be made aware of this problem and avoid using certain colours in their teaching.
Always protect your child’s sight in the sun. There is increasing evidence to suggest that over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) can contribute to the development of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and ocular melanoma (eye cancer). On average, people receive 50% of their lifetime sun exposure before they are even 18 years old!
Make sure they eat their greens! Eating certain fruit and vegetables which contain substances called lutein and zeaxanthin help protect against some eye conditions, in particular cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the leading causes of blindness in this country. In particular ensure they eat plenty of broccoli, oranges, carrots, kiwi fruits, mangoes, sweetcorn, grapes, and of course spinach!
If your child is computer crazy or a bookworm ensure they take regular breaks from such close work.
Children who rub their eyes a lot or who complain of tired eyes and frequent headaches should have an eye examination. Poor vision is a common cause of sore eyes and headaches.
When your child is playing certain sports, such as badminton or squash, get them to wear protective goggles so they don’t risk a dangerous eye injury. These can be obtained from our practice and can even have a prescription built in.
