Cataracts are small, cloudy patches that form in the eye’s clear natural (crystalline) lens and obstruct your vision. It occurs when proteins in the lens break down and clump together. While cataracts may initially have little impact on your vision, they can develop as you age and start to interfere with your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities if left untreated. The only cure for a cataract comes through a surgical procedure. Cataracts can interfere with both the level of vision and quality of vision. Some people might experience difficulty with driving, for example, or find that they struggle to read even with their glasses or contact lenses.
Cataracts can develop at different rates. In many patients they develop slowly, however this is not always the case. If over time, you find yourself experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is advisable that you make an appointment with your Optometrist.
If a cataract is detected your Optometrist will be able to refer you to ACES for treatment, if required.
The development of cataracts can cause a range of symptoms to include blurred, cloudy or reduced quality of vision. These symptoms can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as driving and reading.
If you feel like cataracts are having an impact on your daily life, and are preventing or reducing your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, it might be time to consider cataract surgery. If you have received a referral to ACES from the NHS, we can have your cataracts treated from as quickly as just 4 weeks.
Cataract surgery is a straightforward and quick procedure that removes your cloudy lens from within your eye and replaces it with a new synthetic lens, often referred to as an intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens will significantly improve your vision, making it both clearer and brighter. As the procedure generally takes between 15 to 20 minutes to perform and is carried out under local anaesthetic, which is administered using eye drops, you should be able to return home on the same day.
After cataract surgery, you can start to notice an improvement in your vision anywhere between just 24 hours to 2 weeks after treatment, with full recovery usually taking about 2 to 6 weeks. In the initial days after surgery, you might experience some mild discomfort, which can include grittiness, watering, and blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, they should start to subside after a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol.
During your recovery period, it is important that you comply with the instructions of the clinical team that have performed your procedure. Eye drops will need to be administered as instructed by your clinician, as these are vital in promoting the healing process and preventing infection and inflammation.
Cataract surgery is the most common operation performed in the UK, and has a high success rate in improving your eyesight. While cataract surgery carries risks like all other surgical procedures, the incidence of a serious complication developing as a result of the procedure is very low. Though developments in modern medicine, many symptoms today, in the event they present, can be treated easily and overcome through the use of eye medications.
If you suspect that you might have cataracts and feel that they are drastically reducing your quality of vision and consequent quality of life, you should make an appointment with your Optometrist or GP. They will be able to make arrangements for your treatment and can provide you with a referral to ACES, where we can have your cataracts treated from as quickly as just 4 weeks.
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of related eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain. Usually a result of the clogging of the eye’s drainage system, causing a build-up of fluid that elevates pressure inside the eye, it can lead, as the condition develops, to an irreversible loss of vision if it’s not diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Glaucoma usually affects both eyes, but as pressure generally increases in one eye first, it does not necessarily develop in both eyes at the same time.
With most types of glaucoma, symptoms are often not obvious until the later stages of development, when noticeable vision loss occurs. Open-angle and chronic glaucoma, for example, develop very slowly which can make it difficult to notice symptoms when it’s in its early stages. Both conditions can damage your peripheral vision (side vision) and then through progression your central vision, so it’s important that it’s diagnosed and treated as early as possible. As these types of glaucoma can be picked up during a routine eye test, it’s crucial that you get your eyes checked at least every two years, if not every year.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is a different form of glaucoma than those described above, is a condition that develops rapidly and often has very severe symptoms. These can include extreme pain in the eye or forehead, headaches, redness of the eye, decreased vision or blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should go to your nearest eye casualty unit or A&E immediately.
A further type of glaucoma, known as secondary glaucoma, can occur as a result of an existing eye injury or eye condition such as uveitis, symptoms generally tend to develop slowly. As your peripheral vision is affected first, this can often go unnoticed for a long period of time as one eye can compensate for the other.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk of developing glaucoma, it’s crucial that your condition is monitored regularly. While it is not possible to reverse any vision loss, treatment can prevent your vision from deteriorating further. When suffering from glaucoma, a majority of patients will benefit from a daily application of eye drops, while some might need a non-invasive laser procedure and a minority may need another form of glaucoma surgery to reduce the pressure building in the eye. Treatment plans will be specific to the individual patient.
Eye drops can help to reduce pressure in the eye by either decreasing the amount of fluid that is produced or allowing for better drainage from the eye (dependent on the type of glaucoma). They will usually need to be administered between 1 to 4 times a day, even if you don’t notice any problems with your vision. By attending regular check-ups with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, pressure in the eye can be monitored to ensure the drops are working.
If glaucoma is picked up during an eye test or if you suffer from acute glaucoma, you should be referred to an ophthalmologist for further tests. They will confirm your diagnosis and make arrangements for your treatment. You can take the time to decide where you would like to be treated, and your GP or optician can then make arrangements for your referral.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the macula, an area of the retina that provides us with the sharp central vision needed for reading, watching TV and driving. Often first affecting people in their 60s, one of the most common symptoms of AMD is noticing that straight lines appear wavy or that there are patches of central vision that appear to be missing. AMD can eventually lead to loss of central vision in one or in both eyes but it does not affect peripheral / side vision.
AMD is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Approximately one in ten people aged 65 or older show some signs of AMD. AMD can be classified as either Early or Late. The condition can also be referred to as either Dry or Wet AMD. Early AMD is always Dry AMD. Dry AMD develops gradually over time and is caused by a build-up of waste materials known as drusen behind the macula. There is no treatment for this type of AMD.
A minority of people with Early / Dry AMD will go on to develop Late AMD. Late AMD can be referred to as either Wet or Dry AMD with Wet being the most common form. In Wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow behind the macula and leak fluid which causes the macula to disconnect from its normal blood supply and in turn causes a sudden loss of vision in the affected eye.
AMD affects central vision causing this to become blurred or distorted. Some people notice reading vision has become difficult even whilst wearing their glasses. Over time, this can affect your ability to perform daily tasks such as reading, recognising faces, driving, or watching TV. Other symptoms of AMD can include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek advice from your Optometrist straight away. Early diagnosis is important to halt or slow the progression of the condition.
There is no active treatment for dry macular degeneration, but evidence is slowly accumulating to suggest that certain lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of AMD or slow its progression. These include regular physical activity, stopping smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and choosing a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
Some types of wet AMD can be treated at an early stage through intravitreal injections (injections into the eye) provided the condition is caught early enough. When the injections are given on a regular basis, these can stop the abnormal blood vessels from growing, leaking and bleeding under the retina. These injections will generally need to be administered several times a year, depending on the patient’s response. About one in every three patients notice an improvement in vision, whilst the condition can be stabilised in over half of those affected.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from age-related macular degeneration, you should seek advice from your Optometrist or GP who will be able to make a recommendation on the treatment required. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital as it can help stop your vision from deteriorating further. You can speak with your Optometrist or GP about a referral to ACES. If you have already received a referral to ACES, we can conduct further diagnostic tests and advise on the best course of action for treatment.
Blepharitis is a common condition which can cause the eyelids to become red, irritated and inflamed and can cause dry eye. It is known as a chronic condition meaning that when you have it, you are likely to experience recurrences of the condition throughout your life. There are two types of blepharitis which can either occur together or on their own. Anterior blepharitis affects the front of the eyelids near the eyelashes. This type of blepharitis is generally caused by staphylococcus bacteria.
Posterior blepharitis affects the Meibomian glands that are located along the inside of the eyelids, behind the eyelashes. In posterior blepharitis, the Meibomian glands become blocked and are unable to supply the eye with oils needed to maintain a healthy tear film. This type of blepharitis may also be referred to as Meibomian gland dysfunction.
Contact lens wearers and those with skin conditions such as rosacea or psoriasis are at risk of developing blepharitis. As we get older, we are more at risk of developing blepharitis. The condition is more common in people aged over 50 however it can be diagnosed at any age.
The severity and time-course of blepharitis can vary, and symptoms may be intermittent or constant. The majority of people with blepharitis experience symptoms which can include:
In some cases blepharitis can cause more severe symptoms, such as blurry vision or a loss of eyelashes. If you experience any of these symptoms, you can seek advice from your GP or Optometrist who will be able to provide you with a referral to ACES. At ACES our specialist clinicians can complete a comprehensive eye examination to confirm diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate clinical management plan to meet your needs.
As blepharitis is typically a chronic (i.e. long-term) condition, it is not possible to offer a treatment that guarantees it will not return. However, there are a number of ways in which symptoms can be managed to keep the condition under control. Warm compresses are usually recommended as these heat and in turn soften the oil that is blocking the meibomian glands. Warm compresses also loosen crusts that may have gathered on the eyelashes. It important to follow this with an effective lid cleaning regime. One of our specialist clinicians at ACES will be able to advise on the most effective regime to meet your needs. Sometimes, a short course of antibiotics are recommended. Eyedrops that lubricate the eye can also be recommended since these can provide relief from the symptoms of blepharitis.
If you believe you may have blepharitis, you should seek advice from your GP or Optometrist who can refer you to ACES to meet with one of our specialist Clinicians. At ACES we can complete a comprehensive eye examination to confirm diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate clinical management plan to meet your needs.
It is common for people to notice dark spots or strands in their vision from time to time. These can be referred to as floaters. You are more likely to notice floaters as you get older or if you are short sighted. Whilst floaters are generally harmless, it is important to seek urgent advice from your GP or Optometrist if you notice a sudden increase in the number or size of floaters or if you notice these are accompanied with flashes of light or a shadow in your vision. Occasionally, this can be a sign of the back of the eye – known as the retina – detaching. A retinal detachment is a sight threatening condition and as such urgent medical assistance is required if these symptoms are noticed.
People with floaters describe black spots or something that looks like a strand of hair or cobweb floating in their vision. What the person is actually seeing is tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the jelly like fluid that fills the eye known as the vitreous. The clumps of cells in the vitreous cast a shadow across the back of the eye causing the black spot or strand of hair appearance. Floaters will move around the eye when you move your eyes and may be more noticeable when looking at white walls or a blue sky.
Floaters are not usually a cause for concern, and there is generally no need to see your Optometrist or GP if you have had them for a long time and they are not getting any worse.
If any of the following symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek advice immediately from your Optometrist. It is important you advice as soon as you can. If you are unable to speak with your Optometrist, you should seek advice from your local eye casualty department;
As floaters are not generally sight-threatening, treatment usually isn’t necessary. Over time, your brain learns to ignore the floaters so that you no longer notice them in your vision.
If you feel the floaters in your vision cannot be tolerated, you should seek advice from your Optometrist or GP who will be able to provide you with a referral to ACES, where our Specialist Clinicians can complete a comprehensive eye examination and recommend an appropriate clinical management plan.
Dry eye is a common condition that can occur when tear production and drainage are not in balance, either because the eye isn’t capable of producing enough good quality tears or because tears evaporate too quickly on the front surface of the eye. This can result in a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture, in turn causing inflammation and irritation, as tears are needed to keep the front surface of the eye healthy and comfortable. There are several causes of dry eye which can be age-related or as a result of medical conditions or the use of certain medicines.
Dry eyes are generally a part of the natural ageing process, with a majority of people over the age of 65 experiencing some symptoms. Symptoms can include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should consult your Optometrist or GP who can provide you with a referral to ACES. At ACES our specialist clinicians can perform a comprehensive eye examination and recommend a clinical management plan tailored to meet your needs.
The majority of lumps and bumps found on the eyelid are benign and harmless, and will usually disappear naturally on their own. The most common types of eyelid lumps and bumps include styes, chalazions, xanthelesma and skin tags. In some cases, referral to an oculoplastic and lacrimal surgeon can be requested when the lump or bump does not resolve spontaneously or if there is cause for concern.
If you identify any of the following changes, you should consult your Optometrist or GP;
Continued growth of the lump or bump
Your Optometrist or GP will examine the eyelid lump to advise if it has any suspicious features and if you need to be referred to a specialist such as ACES.
At ACES our specialist clinicians can perform a comprehensive eye examination and recommend a clinical management plan tailored to meet your needs.
Misdirected eyelashes, also referred to as trichiasis, is a condition that occurs when eyelashes are abnormally positioned and grow inward toward the eye. This often causes discomfort and irritation, as lashes can rub against the cornea and the inner surface of your eyelids. The condition can develop as the lower eyelid turns in from ageing (known as entropion), but can also be genetic or a result of trauma to the eyelid, eye infections, or chronic blepharitis.
Removal of misdirected eyelashes may be required, as they can increase the risk of eye infections and can cause significant complications such as loss of vision. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is advised that you consult your Optometrist or GP.
Your Optometrist or GP can provide you with a referral to ACES, where our specialist clinicians can perform a comprehensive eye examination and recommend a clinical management plan tailored to meet your needs.
A drooping eyelid, known as a ptosis, describes the sagging of the upper eyelid over the eye. It is possible for either one or both eyes to be affected by a ptosis which can develop as a result of trauma to the eye or as part of the normal ageing process. Some general health conditions can also cause ptosis.
Depending on its severity, a ptosis can significantly reduce vision.
In most cases, a ptosis is easily manageable and treatment may not be necessary. If you find that the drooping of the eyelid starts to impede your vision or if you feel unhappy with the effect this has on your appearance, a surgical procedure may be recommended to resolve the issue.
Your Optometrist or GP can provide you with a referral to ACES, where our specialist clinicians can perform a comprehensive eye examination and recommend a clinical management plan tailored to meet your needs.
An eyelid that turns outwards, instead of being in contact with the eye is known as ectropion. This condition occurs when one or both of the lower eyelids turn or sag outward and away from the eye. This will leave the inner eyelid and front surface of the eye exposed which disrupts the proper drainage of tears. If you suffer from ectropion, you are likely to experience watery eyes, redness, pain or irritation. Ectropion can appear as a result of the natural ageing process as the tissues and muscles of the eyelids become weak. In some cases, ectropion can be caused by trauma to the eye or problems with your general health.
If you notice that your eyes are constantly watering and feel irritated, or if your lower eyelid seems to be sagging or drooping, it is advised that you consult your Optometrist or GP.
Your Optometrist or GP can provide you with a referral to ACES, where our specialist clinicians can perform a comprehensive eye examination and recommend a clinical management plan tailored to meet your needs.
