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Five common causes of sight loss

BY READERS DIGEST

16th Jun 2019 Health Conditions

Our eyes are windows to the world. When these windows become blurry and visual clarity is at stake, it can feel isolating. Sadly, there are approximately 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK today. 

Age can play a big role in the onset of conditions that threaten eyesight. Here we explore five common causes of sight loss for individuals after they pass the 40 year milestone.

Cataracts

Cataracts affects roughly 30% of the population aged 65 and over in the UK and is often described as looking through frosted glass.

The formation of a cataract is gradual and if left untreated can cause complete sight loss.

Age is usually the culprit; however there are a few additional contributing factors such as diabetes, family history, smoking, over exposure to ultraviolent light and severe inflammation of the eye.

Treatment is available. In fact cataract removal is the most commonly performed procedure in the world.

Refractive Lens Exchange is where the natural lens is replaced with an artificial one; removing the cataract with it. This procedure can also correct long-sightedness, short-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Don’t let limited vision, limit your life. Call Ultralase Eye Clinics on 0800 988 6385 to discuss your options for vision correction and claim £500 off Lens Surgery.

Presbyopia

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As the eyes age the lens gradually hardens and loses its elasticity. This process is known as presbyopia and typically starts to develop after the age of 40.

Imagine a balloon that is blown up and deflated. Over time the balloon will gradually lose its springiness. The same thing happens to the lens.

Those living with presbyopia will experience difficulty focusing on objects up close and tend to hold objects at arm’s length to be able to focus better – sound familiar?

There are several options to treat presbyopia including the use of reading glasses, bifocals, and contact lenses. For those looking for a permanent fix, Refractive Lens Exchange is recommended.

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration refers to the deterioration of the central part of the retina (light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) called the macula.

It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in individuals aged 60 and above; accounting for roughly 600,000 people in the UK. Symptoms include decreased quality of vision, blurry central vision and reduced colour distinction.

There are two types of macular degeneration, wet type and dry type. Whilst there is no cure for dry type, the wet type can be treated with injections, Retinal Laser Photocoagulation, Implantable Contact Lenses or Monofocal Lens Replacements.

Glaucoma

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Glaucoma occurs when there is a high amount of pressure inside the eye due to the eye’s drainage system becoming clogged. This stops the eye’s fluid from draining effectively and can result in complete vision loss.

Symptoms include intense eye pain, nausea, sore red eyes, headaches, sensitivity in and around the eyes, seeing colour rings around bright lights and blurry vision.

Treatment will not reverse any loss of vision, but it can prevent vision from regressing further. This includes eye drops, medicines, laser or surgery. 

Diabetic retinopathy

According to charity Diabetes UK, one in ten people aged 40 and over have type 2 diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina).

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurred vision, trouble with night vision and dark spots in central vision. It can take several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach the point where it threatens your sight.

The main treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy are laser treatment, eye injections and surgery to removes scar tissue. 

 

The Ultralase brand has been around since 1991, and successfully hailed as one of the UK's top vision correction specialists. 

Ultralase Eye Clinics Limited is the sister company to Optimax, sharing clinics and working as one family, treating various eye conditions throughout the UK. As a group we have performed over 700,000 procedures. 

For more information  phone 0800 988 6385 or email us at enquiries@ultralase.com

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