MACULAR DEGENERATION

Age -related macular degeneration (AMD) is degeneration of the macula. The macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for our sharp, central vision. Because the macula primarily is affected in AMD, central vision loss may occur.
Nutrients such as zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins A, C and E can help lower the risk for AMD or slow down the progression of dry macular degeneration. If you find that straight lines, such as lines on a page, or sides of buildings appear wavy or there is an empty or dark area in your central vision, then it’s advisable to have your eyes checked by a professional. Call Optilase opticians to book for your free eye test!


CATARACTS

Cataracts are a condition of the eye whereby the lens becomes opaque, clouding the vision. Wearing sunglasses to block ultraviolet sunlight can help to delay the formation of a cataract. Good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

Some of the symptoms of a cataract include:

Cloudy/blurry vision.
Colours seem faded.
Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights.
Poor night vision.
Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.)
Prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses frequently.
These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, it is advised to get a professional eye examination.


DRY EYES (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca)

This occurs when your tears are not capable of providing enough moisture for your eyes. This can be due to decreased tear production, producing poor quality tears, or ageing. Symptoms include itching, burning, stinging, gritty feeling in the eyes. Each blink coats the eyes with tears. Activities that reduce our blink rate such as watching t.v, computer usage and driving can result in dry eye symptoms. Simple steps like avoiding coffee, drinking more water, adding more Omega 3 and flaxseed oil into the diet, and using lubricating eye drops can be very beneficial in treating dry eye.




GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which results in vision loss. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Almost half the people with this condition don’t realise they have it. This is due to the fact that glaucoma causes no symptoms in its early stages. Intra ocular pressures (IOPS) are checked, and optic nerves assessed in all our sight tests. This allows glaucoma to be detected in its early stages. Treatment can be given in the form of drops to slow down the progression of this condition.