Ophthalmology

Understanding Glaucoma: Protect Your Sight

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a set of diseases that affect the optic nerve, which relays images from the eye to the brain. The optic nerve is like a cable that carries visual information from the eye to the brain, allowing us to see.

The main types of glaucoma are:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma
• Congenital Glaucoma

These are further divided into categories according to the signs and disease severity.

Open-angle glaucoma, the more prevalent type, develops if the drainage channel in the eye becomes clogged and the pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure) rises. This pressure can slowly damage the optic nerve, thus affecting a person’s vision.

Silent thief

In the early stages of glaucoma, there are no noticeable symptoms. This disease progresses gradually and causes painless damage to the optic nerve. The patient may only notice a loss of vision in the final stage, making it a “silent thief” of sight. If left without treatment, glaucoma is also known to have a permanent effect on vision. Regular eye exams can help detect it at the early stages.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucomatous disease, which is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Prevention is the only strategy for addressing it, so knowing more about the condition is vital.

Symptoms and risk factors

Besides, the problem with glaucoma is that there could be no initial signs showing that you have the disease. With the progression of the disease, your side vision (peripheral vision) starts deteriorating, and it feels like looking through a tunnel, as shown in the picture below.

This means that you may have difficulty seeing objects to the side, above, and below your central field of vision. There are also later stages, which may, in addition, involve central vision, and you may lose complete, untreatable vision loss.

Risk factors

People at higher risk for glaucoma include:

• Those over 60 years old
• Family history of glaucoma.
• Asians and African ethnicity are at higher risk, especially angle closure glaucoma.
• Those who are suffering from high intraocular pressure or have other diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension.
• Poor blood circulation, eye injuries, and people with thin cornea.

Diagnosis and Treatment

This disease can be detected during a comprehensive eye examination, in which the examiner may perform specific tests, and medical history plays a crucial role.

Some of the tests include:

• Tonometry: where the examiner measures the eye pressure, called intraocular pressure.
• Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of the cornea.
• Perimetry: This is the analysis of your visual fields.
• Goniometry: The examiner looks at the drainage angle of your eye to see if it is closed.
• Fundus Examination: Your examiner looks for any damage to the optic nerve.

Although the disease is virtually untreatable, the treatment’s purpose is to save residual vision by controlling the progress of the disease.

Your ophthalmologist can suggest eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery according to the severity of the disease.

Remember, early detection is key. Regular eye check-ups can help safeguard your vision if you are at risk. By staying proactive and informed, you can take control of your eye health and prevent the progression of glaucoma.

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

Red Eye: Risks and Precautionary Measures

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.

This expansion of the blood vessels, known as vasodilation, makes the whitish portion of the eye (the sclera) appear red. In some cases, the irritation may cause individual blood vessels to become more visible. In more severe situations, these blood vessels can rupture, causing blood to leak into the eye, resulting in noticeable redness or a subconjunctival haemorrhage.

Bloodshot eyes indicate several health issues, some of which may be mild. It can indicate some serious ophthalmic diseases or conditions, such as glaucoma, that may require immediate treatment, which is why the red eye should never be ignored.

Common symptoms and causes of red eye

Common symptoms of red eyes include visible redness in the white part of the eye, often accompanied by irritation, dryness, or itching. Other symptoms may include discharge, swelling, and sensitivity to light, depending on the underlying cause.

• Pollution and smoke: Exposure to smoke and pollution irritates the eyes, causing inflammation and redness.
• Dry air, wind, and dust: Dry environments and wind/dust can dehydrate the eyes, leading to irritation and redness.
• Infections (Conjunctivitis & Blepharitis): Infections like conjunctivitis and blepharitis cause swelling, discharge, and red eyes.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions caused by pollen, animal fur, and dust often result in red, itchy eyes.
• Eye strain and fatigue: Excessive screen time or lack of sleep causes eye strain, leading to dilated blood vessels and redness.
• Contact lenses: improperly fitted contact lenses or wearing them too long can irritate the eyes and cause redness.
• Chemical exposure: Harsh chemicals can irritate the eyes, causing inflammation and redness.

When to seek medical attention

You should seek medical attention for red eyes if:

• The redness persists for more than 24-48 hours despite self-care measures or if you experience severe pain, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light.
• There is significant discharge, swelling, or if the red eye follows an eye injury.
• You have underlying eye conditions like glaucoma or uveitis, as untreated issues can lead to serious complications.

Complications of red eyes

Most cases of red eyes are not severe, but conditions that affect vision can impact daily activities. Untreated eye issues, such as infections, angle-closure glaucoma, or injuries, may cause permanent damage, potentially leading to vision loss.

How to prevent bloodshot eyes

Preventing red eyes involves staying hydrated, using lubricating eye drops, and wearing protective eyewear in smoky or dusty environments. Take regular screen breaks, clean contact lenses properly, and get enough sleep to avoid eye strain. Practising good hygiene and minimising exposure to allergens and irritants can also help keep your eyes healthy and free from redness.

Treatment

Cold compresses, cucumber slices, and artificial tears can help soothe red or irritated eyes. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier may also prevent dryness and further discomfort. If the redness persists or worsens or is accompanied by pain or changes in vision, it is crucial to consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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

Strabismus and its Management

Strabismus occurs when the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. It is a common vision issue in young children, affecting about 2 to 4 per cent of the young population worldwide. Early detection of strabismus in children is essential because the first few years are key for developing vision. Strabismus affects both the child’s appearance and their ability to see correctly.

Types of strabismus

There are different types of strabismus based on eye deviation from the primary position (straight-ahead position):

• Esotropia (towards the nose)
• Exotropia (away from the nose)
• Hypertropia (upward)
• Hypotropia (downward)

Binocular single vision

Binocular single vision (BSV) is the ability of both eyes and the brain to work as a team and create one clear image. The brain combines slightly different images of both eyes. This process is called stereopsis.

Stereopsis helps us accurately judge an object’s distance in 3D space, called depth perception. Depth perception is essential to interact with our environment and navigate effectively. As the eyes are misaligned in strabismus, this discoordination prevents binocular single vision. Individuals with strabismus may experience double vision or have difficulty judging distances.

Causes and Risk Factors of Strabismus

Strabismus may occur due to any of these:

• Abnormal functioning of the brain, nerves, or the eye muscles.
• Different health conditions, head trauma, and refractive errors.

Risk factors include:

• A family history of strabismus
• Premature birth
• Developmental disorders like cerebral palsy.

Common Symptoms of Strabismus

Symptoms can vary in severity and may impact daily activities, making it essential to seek treatment if strabismus is suspected:

• Cosmetic appearance: Visible misalignment of one or both eyes
• Double vision: Seeing two images of a single object as the brain struggles to combine the images from each eye.
• Depth perception: Difficulty estimating how far away things are.
• Closing one eye: to avoid double vision.
• Head Tilting or Turning: Tilting or turning the head to compensate for the eye misalignment.
• Difficulty focusing: Problems with focusing on objects because the eyes are not aligned to focus together.
• Eye strain or fatigue: Discomfort, tension, or tiredness from the constant effort required to maintain clear vision.

Treatment options

• Eyeglasses are used to correct refractive errors and help reduce or manage strabismus, especially in accommodative types.
• Eye patching: A patch is applied to the stronger eye to promote vision development in the weaker eye and improve overall eye coordination.
• Prism glasses: Special lenses that bend light to help realign the eyes, commonly used to manage double vision and improve focus.
• Vision therapy: A structured program of eye exercises to improve eye muscle strength, coordination, and binocular vision.
• Botox injections: Botox temporarily weakens overactive eye muscles by helping to align the eyes for a period.
• Surgical intervention: Surgery may be performed to adjust the position or tension of the eye muscles, providing long-term correction for significant misalignment.
• Medication: Medications may be prescribed if strabismus is linked to underlying conditions, such as thyroid disorders or neurological issues.

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 Amblyopia: The Silent Vision Problem

Amblyopia, often called “lazy eye,” is when one eye doesn’t develop normal vision. The brain favours one eye over the other, suppressing the vision in the weaker eye. This condition is common in children, but it can also affect adults. It can be treated effectively if caught early.

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

What is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia occurs when the brain does not fully recognise the images received from the weaker eye and prefers the clearer images from the other eye. The brain starts to ignore the images from the weak eye. As a result, the vision in that eye does not develop as it should, which results in poor visual acuity. This condition can affect both distance and near vision.

Types of Amblyopia

There are several types of amblyopia, each caused by different underlying issues:

• Strabismic Amblyopia: This is the most common type, caused by an imbalance in the eye muscles, leading to strabismus or misalignment of the eyes.
• Refractive Amblyopia: This occurs when one eye has a higher degree of refractive error, such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. An uncorrected refractive error can cause amblyopia, the most common type.
• Deprivation Amblyopia: This type happens when something obstructs normal vision in one eye during early childhood, such as a cataract or other vision impairments.

Causes and Risk Factors

Amblyopia often develops during the critical period of visual development, usually from birth to around seven years old. The following factors increase the risk:

• Strabismus: Misaligned eyes can prevent normal binocular vision, leading to amblyopia.
• Anisometropia: A significant difference in refractive error. If one eye has significantly worse vision than the other, it may lead to amblyopia.
• Eye diseases: Various conditions such as cataracts or ptosis can block vision and cause amblyopia.

Symptoms of Amblyopia

The symptoms of amblyopia can be hard to notice, especially in children who may not complain about their vision. However, parents and caregivers should look for signs such as:

• Squinting or tilting the head: Children may try to compensate for the poor vision in one eye by squinting or tilting their head.
• Difficulty with eye contact: The child might avoid using both eyes together.
• Poor depth perception: Since the brain relies on both eyes working together, depth perception can be impaired.
• Complaints of blurry vision: Children may complain of blurry or unclear vision, though this is often subtle.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Although amblyopia cannot always be prevented, a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist and treatment of underlying conditions can help detect amblyopia at its early stages.

Treatment

The following can be effective treatments:

• Corrective lenses: Glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed to correct refractive errors.
• Patching: Covering the stronger eye with a patch forces the weaker eye to work harder and develop better vision.
• Medication: Your doctor can suggest some eye drops.
• Surgical intervention: In cases of strabismus, surgery may be required to align the eyes.

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

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.

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

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. 

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

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