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Cataracts and the Quality of Life: Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

Posted on by Lee Wilson, Access Consultant, Universal Design Consultant
An optometrist is inspection an older mans eyes.

Cataracts and the Quality of Life

Cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eyes. The eye’s lens is usually clear and helps focus light rays onto the retina. It is composed of proteins that are normally arranged clearly and organised. However, in cataracts, these proteins start to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. This cloudiness prevents light from passing through the lens properly, leading to blurry or impaired vision.

Cataract is a common ophthalmic condition, and it is a leading cause of blindness globally, affecting about 24-30 million people. Cataracts, especially in old age, affect vision significantly and make it difficult to perform daily activities like watching movies, reading, driving, and recognising people’s faces.

Advanced cataract vision compared to normal vision, looking up a heritage style stairway

Risk factors

The following are significant risk factors:

  • Aging: Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and may not significantly affect vision at first. Most people start to notice cataract symptoms in their 60s or 70s, but signs can begin earlier, especially in those with a family history or other risk factors. By the age of 80, more than half of people will have cataracts to some degree. The process is gradual, and the severity of symptoms varies with many people.
  • Another factor can also affect its progression.
  • Genetics: Family history
  • Injury: Eye injuries can lead to cataract formation.
  • Diabetes: High blood glucose level.
  • Prolonged UV Exposure: Extended exposure to sunlight.
  • Smoking
  • Medications (Long-term use of steroids)
  • Other eye conditions like glaucoma can increase the risk.

Symptoms of cataract

Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Difficulty seeing in dim light areas or at night
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Faded colours
  • Double vision

Treatment options

Cataracts are treatable, and various treatment options are available. We will discuss them as non-surgical and surgical. The treatment for cataracts depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on daily activities.

Non-surgical treatment: prescription aids

In the early stages of cataracts, you may feel decreased vision and contrast changes that can be corrected using prescription glasses or contact lenses. In severe vision loss, low vision aids, such as magnifiers or special lighting, can also assist with reading or close-up tasks. These solutions manage symptoms but do not halt the progression of cataracts.

When to opt for this approach: Prescription aids are suitable when cataracts are early and do not significantly impair daily functions.

Surgical treatment: cataract surgery

Surgical treatment is the only permanent solution for cataracts. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. This surgery is typically quick, safe, and offers rapid improvement in vision.

Surgery is recommended when cataracts begin to interfere with activities such as driving, reading, or watching TV or when other treatments no longer provide sufficient relief.

Living with cataracts before surgery

If you are not yet ready for cataract surgery, you can manage the condition through lifestyle adjustments and vision aids. These steps can significantly improve daily life and help maintain independence. Here are some strategies:

  • Using stronger lighting can reduce the impact of decreased contrast, especially when reading or doing close-up tasks.
  • Magnifying aids or handheld magnifiers can help with reading.
  • Anti-glare lenses are specialised lenses that reduce glare from headlights, sunlight, or indoor lighting.
  • Adjust your environment. A well-lit home helps you perform daily tasks safely.
  • Frequent eye check-ups with an eye doctor can help monitor the cataract’s progression and manage any vision changes.
  • Eat a nutrient-rich diet, quit smoking, manage and control your diabetes, and limit alcohol consumption.

LumiLab guides, webpages, and articles discussing optometry and ophthalmology are intended only for educational and informative purposes and do not serve as medical or professional advice.

The information presented, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, optician, or other health care professional if you have questions about your eye health or vision.

Stock image by Freepik – http://www.freepik.com, stair images by LumiLab

Download this Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

How Eyesight Changes As We Get Older: Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

Posted on by Lee Wilson, Access Consultant, Universal Design Consultant
An older man getting an eye test at an optometrist.

How Eyesight Changes As We Get Older

With the process of aging, our body goes through many changes. The change in people’s eyesight as we grow older is one of them. As we age, our other body organs, like tissues and muscles, weaken, and our eyes do as well.

Eyesight decreases as people age due to multiple causes and different intensities. The primary reason is aging, and other factors include quality of lifestyle, vision habits, and exposure to various hazards like UV lights.

The first cause that directly affects every person’s eyesight is aging, which wears down different eye parts like eye muscles, weakness, lubrication, stiffness in the lens, cornea, and retina thinning. These aging effects slow down the ability of the eye to naturally adjust the light intensity (as we discussed in a previous article, How the Human Eye Works), ultimately leading to aging-based vision problems when people get older. 

The lens’s stiffness, also called presbyopia, typically starts around the age of 40. The lens starts losing its flexibility, which makes it hard to focus on close objects and requires people to move them away for clear vision. For example, when you read a book with presbyopia, you have to hold it farther away.

As we age, tear production slows down, reducing lubrication in the eyes. This leads to dryness that may damage the vital machinery of the eyes, like the cornea and retina. Reduction in eye lubrication starts affecting vision at the age of 50.

Another effect of aging is the accumulation of protein mass on the eye lens, which is called cataracts or clouding of the eye. Due to cataracts, vision becomes blurry, and people cannot recognise and identify different colours. It is usually affected at 60 and is treatable by surgery. 

A close up of an older lady and a young lady staring at the camera.

Some people’s peripheral and night vision is reduced as they age, and they can’t see on the sides without turning their heads. This is the most common effect of aging. In the case of decreased night vision, people cannot work in dim light due to the pupils becoming more minor and less responsive, brightness changes (increase or decrease), and they do not adjust accordingly.

The second cause is exposure to an unhealthy lifestyle, which starts affecting vision at a young age and becomes severe with age. This includes direct exposure to UV radiation, oxidative stress, over-pressure on the eyes, anxiety and stress, work in an unfriendly environment, and poor nutrition.

Due to these factors, the risk of eyesight damage and eye diseases becomes increased. Some common eye diseases include glaucoma, AMD (age-related molecular degeneration), and diabetic retinopathy. Ultimately, we can’t avoid the natural causes of decreased eyesight, but we can minimise it by taking good care of this natural asset.

A luminance contrast between surfaces and lettering on signage and product labels can help.

LumiLab guides, webpages, and articles discussing optometry and ophthalmology are intended only for educational and informative purposes and do not serve as medical or professional advice.

The information presented, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your physician, optician, or other health care professional if you have questions about your eye health or vision.

Stock images by Freepik – http://www.freepik.com

Download this Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

How Human Eyes Work: Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

Posted on by Lee Wilson, Access Consultant, Universal Design Consultant
Human eye anatomy poster with eyelid and optic nerve symbols isometric vector illustration

How Human Eyes Work

Do you know how the human eye works? Here are some interesting facts about the human eye, which is the most fascinating but complex organ of the human body. Have you considered how human eyes adjust their tune according to the intensity of light, capture the surrounding scenery in nanoseconds even when we are continuously moving, and behave differently in bright sunlight or dim candlelight?

Human eyes are a natural, highly efficient camera that captures every detail of our surroundings. But even a minute defect in their machinery can directly impact our daily performance. Let’s learn more about the human eye and how it performs this work efficiently.

How does a human eye work?

The physical appearance of a pair of human eyes is spherical with a protective accessory eyelid. Above all, magic happens through these four sub-parts: cornea, pupil and iris, lens and retina. Here is how this mechanism works:

  1. At the frontline, when the human eye is exposed to surrounding light or any object, the cornea, the domed-shaped front surface of the eye, captures this light and transfers it to the pupil. The dark circular surface in the middle of the eye controls the intensity of light and allows how much light should pass through it. The pupil adjusts it with the colourful shutter named the iris. It expands and shrinks according to brightness.
  2. After this, the cornea and retina work to gather. The cornea focuses on the light and refracts it like multimedia on the retina’s screen to form an image. The retina uses rods and cones to change the incoming light into a flipped image. Rods help to see in low light, and cones provide colour vision and sharpness that can simultaneously detect over 10 million colours.
  3. After image formation, this data is changed into electric signals carried via optic nerves and sent to the brain. The brain decodes these electric signals and converts them into clear, colourful images. This delicate step-by-step process is nonstop and happens every single moment whenever we see something in our surroundings.

As we age, tear production slows down, reducing eye lubrication. This leads to dryness that may damage the vital machinery of the eyes, like the cornea and retina. Reduction in eye lubrication starts affecting vision at the age of 50.

Here is a fun fact

The eyes are the most prominent companion of our brain. It decodes almost 80% of other sensations with the help of the eyes and acts accordingly.

For example, if we eat food with disgust presentation after seeing it, our brain will act normal, but if we see it first, we will be unable to eat it and feel vomiting or bloating.

So, protect your vision, take good care of it, eat eye-friendly foods, and adjust your life routine without disturbing the comfort and health of your eyes. Last but not least, remember to go for a regular eye check-up.

LumiLab guides, webpages, and articles discussing optometry and ophthalmology are intended only for educational and informative purposes and do not serve as medical or professional advice.

The information presented, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your physician, optician, or other health care professional if you have questions about your eye health or vision.

Stock image by Freepik – http://www.freepik.com

Download this Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

Awareness of Common Eye Disorders: Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

Posted on by Lee Wilson, Access Consultant, Universal Design Consultant
An optometrist is using specialised equipment to inspect the eyes of a young woman.

Awareness of Common Eye Disorders

Awareness of the most common eye conditions is important for maintaining good eye and general health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 2 billion people in the world suffer from some visual disorder ranging from mild refractive errors to severe conditions that can lead to blindness.

Awareness helps catch issues early, allowing individuals to take proactive steps and ultimately reduce the risk of blindness. Approximately 90% of vision impairment can be prevented or treated.

This document provides an overview of some of the most common eye disorders.

Refractive Errors

The image of an object focuses on the back of the eye, called the retina. Due to some irregularities in the shape of the refractive surfaces of the eyes, it is difficult for the eyes to focus the image on the retina. Hence, the object appears blurred or distorted, which is called refractive error.

There are four types of refractive errors:

  • Myopia: This is the difficulty of seeing farther objects.
  • Hyperopia: Closer objects appear blurry.
  • Astigmatism: A common refractive error occurs due to the irregularity in one or more refractive surfaces of the eye, where the object in focus appears distorted or blurred.
  • Presbyopia: Occurs due to a normal aging process where the ability to focus on the closer object is lost.

Myopia and hyperopia may occur due to a change in the eye’s axial length or the curvature of the refractive surfaces of the eye. There are several different factors responsible for these refractive errors.

Glaucoma

It is a serious condition in which the pressure inside the eye increases. If untreated, it can cause vision loss by damaging the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss. There may be no early symptoms, but regular eye checkups can help early detection. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The macula is a tiny spot on the retina responsible for sharp central vision. AMD is a condition that affects the macula, resulting in loss of central sharp vision. It is common in older age.

AMD is primarily linked to aging. Other risk factors include family history, hypertension, smoking, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet lights.

Cataract

Globally, Cataract is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness. The eye lens is made up of proteins. With age, the proteins in the lens break down, causing the lens to become cloudy, called cataracts. It can lead to blurred vision, increased sensitivity to bright light, and glare. Aging is the leading cause. Other factors like general health and malnutrition can provoke it.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye condition. High blood sugar levels can damage the retina’s blood vessels, causing mild to severe vision loss. There are four stages of the DR. Early stages may have no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, you may notice blurred vision, floaters, or black spots in the visual field. Eventually, it can lead to blindness.

Strabismus

Misalignment of the two eyes is called strabismus or cross eyes. When you focus on something, one of the two eyes may turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward(hypotropia), while the other eye looks straight at the object. Someone with cross eyes may feel double vision or a defect in depth perception.

Asthenopia

It refers to a group of symptoms that may occur due to weakness of the eye muscle or vision. Your eyes become fatigued when you perform a visual activity or focus on a task for a longer duration, like reading, using digital devices, or driving. These symptoms are usually temporary and improve with rest.

Some of the asthenopia symptoms include eye pain, headache, blurred vision, light sensation, burning and heavy eyes, and watering. You may feel one or more of these symptoms while working.

Red Eyes

There are several blood vessels located on the different surfaces of the eyes. Red eyes or bloodshot eyes occur when these vessels become dilated or irritated, causing a reddish appearance to the eyes. Bloodshot eyes indicate several different health issues, some of which may be mild. It can indicate some serious ophthalmic diseases or conditions requiring immediate treatment.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eyes)

Amblyopia is the condition when one eye does not develop normal vision. The brain and both eyes work as a team to focus on an object, resulting in a clear image of an object perceived by the brain. When one eye fails to develop good vision compared to the other eye, the brain learns to suppress its images, and this is called lazy eye.

Amblyopia results from several underlying causes like strabismus, anisometropic refractive error, cataracts, and genetic issues.

Amblyopia has a 2-3% prevalence in children worldwide. A child’s vision develops in the first few years of his life, so early detection and treatment of the underlying cause can improve the vision. If untreated, it can lead to permanent decreased vision in the affected eye.

Dry Eyes

Tears nourish the outer surface of the eyes and protect them from dust, smoke, and wind. Dry eye is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough water for lubrication, causing burning, foreign body sensation, blurred vision, red eyes, and light sensitivity. Dry eye has a 5% to 50% prevalence worldwide, which may increase in people aged 50 and above.

Dry eyes occur for several reasons, including environmental conditions, excessive use of digital devices, low humidity, and some medications. It is a treatable condition in most of the cases.

LumiLab guides, webpages, and articles discussing optometry and ophthalmology are intended only for educational and informative purposes and do not serve as medical or professional advice.

The information presented, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, optician, or other health care professional if you have questions about your eye health or vision.

Stock images by Freepik – http://www.freepik.com

Download this Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

Understanding Presbyopia: Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

Posted on by Lee Wilson, Access Consultant, Universal Design Consultant
female ophthalmologist examining vision in clinic

Understanding Presbyopia

Our bodies undergo many changes with the growing age, some of them are visible changes in the body due to the aging process.

One such change is the gradual loss of near vision, a condition known as presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural and unavoidable part of the aging process. If you are over 40 and starting to notice that reading books, checking your phone, or doing close-up work is becoming more difficult, presbyopia might be the reason.

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is when the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects diminishes over time. This typically starts affecting people around the age of 40, though the exact age can vary. Presbyopia occurs because of changes in muscle elasticity, unlike other refractive errors, where myopia or hyperopia mainly occurs due to curvature changes in the refractive surfaces of the eye.

Why Does Presbyopia Happen?

The lens of the eye is flexible, allowing it to change shape and adjust the focus so we can see objects clearly at different distances. As we get older, the muscles around the lens weaken, and it loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on things up close. You may begin to hold reading materials farther away or struggle to see small print clearly.

Common Symptoms of Presbyopia

Presbyopia can affect each person differently, but there are a few hallmark signs that indicate you might be experiencing it:

  • Difficulty reading, you might find yourself holding reading material further away or straining to read text that you used to read easily.
  • Eye strain or fatigue and discomfort, especially after reading or performing close-up tasks for a while.
  • Text or objects held at arm’s length may appear blurry.
  • Frequent changes in prescription
  • Asthenopic symptoms: Straining your eyes to focus on near objects for extended periods can lead to headaches and other asthenopic symptoms.

Presbyopia and Technology

Today, many people use digital devices for reading, working, and socialising. The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets, and computers has been a concern for some, though there is no direct evidence that it causes presbyopia. However, spending long hours in front of a screen can cause eye strain, which may worsen the symptoms of presbyopia.

How Is Presbyopia Diagnosed?

Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will check your vision both near and far by using certain tests that involve reading small print or focusing on objects at different distances. If you are 40 or above, regular eye exams are important to detect any changes in your vision.

Treatment

Presbyopia, a natural part of aging, cannot be prevented but can be managed effectively. Treatment depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and eye health and include:

  • Glasses: Reading glasses or bifocal/multifocal glasses help with close-up tasks.
  • Contact lenses: Multifocal contact lenses allow you to see clearly at both near and far distances.
  • Surgery: Options like laser surgery or intraocular lenses can be implanted to restore near vision.

Lifestyle Changes and Tips

In addition to corrective lenses or surgery, some habits and lifestyle changes can help alleviate the symptoms of presbyopia:

  • Proper lighting: Bright light can reduce the strain on your eyes.
  • Regular breaks: Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a 20-second break by looking at something 20 feet away to reduce strain.
  • Healthy diet: A nutrient-rich diet can be helpful.

LumiLab guides, webpages, and articles discussing optometry and ophthalmology are intended only for educational and informative purposes and do not serve as medical or professional advice.

The information presented, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your physician, optician, or other health care professional if you have questions about your eye health or vision.

Download this Ophthalmology & Optometry Information Guide

Why we Need Accessible Buildings in Australia

Posted on by Lee Wilson, Access Consultant, Universal Design Consultant
Stairway with a stainless steel handrail on each side, with a red wall and grey carpet

Accessible buildings are particularly important in Australia, as the country has a large and diverse population with a wide range of abilities. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 18% of the Australian population has a disability, and this number is expected to increase as the population ages.

Accessible buildings in Australia are required to meet certain standards and guidelines set out in the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010. These standards aim to ensure that buildings are accessible and usable by people with disabilities, and they apply to new buildings and renovations to existing buildings. The standards cover a wide range of issues, including entrance and exit design, circulation routes, toilets and washrooms, and emergency evacuation procedures.

In addition to meeting these standards, accessible buildings in Australia also benefit people with disabilities, their families, and the wider community.

First and foremost, accessible buildings allow people with disabilities to fully participate in society and have equal access to the same opportunities as everyone else. This includes attending school and work and accessing healthcare, recreational, and cultural facilities. Accessible buildings also enable people with disabilities to live independently and be self-sufficient by providing them with the necessary resources and facilities to complete everyday tasks.

Accessible buildings also help to ensure that people with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect by providing them with the necessary accommodations to fully participate in their community. This includes providing accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators, as well as features such as braille signage and audio-visual alarms for those with visual or hearing impairments. Providing a luminance contrast between key features of a building will also help people navigate a safer built environment.

In addition to the benefits for people with disabilities, accessible buildings can also have wider social and economic benefits. For example, accessible buildings can make it easier for people with disabilities to participate in the workforce, which can help to increase productivity and economic growth. Accessible buildings can also help to increase the number of tourists and visitors to a particular area, as many tourists with disabilities will seek out accessible accommodation and facilities.

Accessible buildings are an important aspect of creating a more inclusive and equitable society in Australia. They allow people with disabilities to participate fully in their community and have equal access to the same opportunities as everyone else while providing wider social and economic benefits.

Please contact our office to discuss how we can help provide accessible built environments and reduce the potential for slips, trips and falls.