Optical Conditions

To help you understand what some optical terms actually mean, we have explained some of the most common below.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a very common condition and is nothing to be overly concerned about. It is uneven curvature of one of the eyes optical surfaces. Typically, the front of the eye is not spherical like a football but is more the shape of a rugby ball.

Cataract

If you have discovered that you have a cataract, don't worry! More than 50% of those over age 65 have some cataract development and the majority can be treated successfully with surgery. A cataract is a clouding of part of your eye called the lens. Your vision becomes blurred or dim because light cannot pass through the clouded lens to the back of the eye.

Squint

A squint (also known as strabismus) is a condition that arises because of an incorrect balance of the muscles that move the eye, faulty nerve signals to the muscles and some refractive error (focusing faults). If these are out of balance, the eye may turn in (converge), turn out (diverge) or sometimes turn up. Commonly found in young children

Glaucoma

The front part of the eye contains fluid called 'aqueous humor.' This fluid normally drains away through a sieve-like structure inside the eye called the trabecular meshwork. If this meshwork becomes clogged up for any reason, the fluid cannot escape and pressure will build up inside the eye. This will result in pressure on the optic nerve and, consequently, sight in the eye is permanently lost. This disease is called 'glaucoma'.

Hypermetropia / Hyperopia

Hypermetropia or Hyperopia results from light rays not being fully focused by the time they reach the retina, due to the eyeball being too flat or too short to suit its optical system.

Myopia

Myopia is the reverse condition of Hypermetropia or Hyperopia. In this case, the eye is too long for the optical system. It results in trouble seeing objects at a distance and only near objects can be seen clearly.

Age Related Macula Degeneration (ARMD)

AGE-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is Britain's biggest cause of blindness, affecting up to 700,000 people over 65. It's caused by a build-up of deposits in the macula, which is made up of millions of light-sensitive cells. Symptoms include blurriness and dark or empty spaces blocking vision.

Diabetes

Although a general condition Diabetes can in some cases affect vision. Diabetes mellitus or `sugar diabetes' affects about one person in fifty in the UK. This means that the body cannot cope normally with sugar and other carbohydrates in the diet. If you have diabetes this does not necessarily mean that your sight will be affected, but there is an enhanced risk. If your diabetes is under control then you are less likely to have problems, or they may be less serious. However if there are complications which affect the eyes then this can result in loss of sight.