Loss of peripheral vision - vision outside the very centre of our gaze - may be a sign of glaucoma, where pressure in the eye builds up as fluid isn't draining away properly, damaging the optic nerve. 'Warning signs include a red shiny nodular-type lesion, and any changes to the usual shape of the eyelid such as swelling or lumps,' says Dr Harrison. Unlike the upper lids, which are protected by the brow bone, these areas are more exposed to harmful rays. Old screensavers swirl rainbow skin#'A common skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma often occurs on the lower eyelid and inner corner of the eyelids,' says Dr Andrew Harrison, director of the oculoplastic and orbital surgery at the University of Minnesota. There is no treatment, but it's hoped identifying the genes involved could help find one. Rods are responsible for night vision and usually it's these that are affected first. The retina is made up of cells called rods and cones - named because of their shape. 'This occurs when the photoreceptors - cells that detect light - in the retina die off because of a genetic fault,' says Dr Felipe Dhawahir-Scala, consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Not being able to see as well in dim light can be a sign of the inherited eye disorder retinitis pigmentosa, which affects around one in 3,000 people over the age of 45. Loss of peripheral vision may be a sign of glaucoma Matthew Athey, of the Royal National Institute of Blind People, says: 'It's important to recognise symptoms - which also include hazy vision and blind spots - and see an expert quickly, as AMD can take your sight in as little as three months.' The macula is responsible for colour vision, so colours starting to look dull can be a sign of degeneration, too. It is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. The condition occurs when blood vessels connected to the macula - a part of the retina that makes vision more detailed - become damaged. It's most common in people over 60, so is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration. Wavy lines can indicate macular degeneration. There's no treatment for oculomotor damage, but painkillers can be given and it usually improves or heals after six weeks. If it can't constrict, too much light can enter the eye and damage the retina - the light-sensitive layer in the back of the eye that sends signals to the brain helping you make sense of an image. This nerve controls eye movement, including the pupil, which contracts and expands depending on how much light there is, functioning a bit like the shutter on a camera. It could also indicate damage to the oculomotor nerve from impact or infection, though this is rare. These will usually heal on their own in a couple of days, and antibiotic eyedrops can help. One common culprit is corneal abrasions, caused by debris such as dust or sand scratching the surface of the cornea - the clear film that covers the front of the eye. Light sensitivity can also be a sign that too much light is being allowed to enter the eye as a result of damage. Here the eye may also feel sticky, itchy or sore - there's no cure but it should clear up within two weeks. It could be a sign of an infection such as conjunctivitis. WANTING TO DIM THE LIGHTSįeeling a bit bleary-eyed when you switch the bedroom light on in the morning or squinting in very bright sunlight is perfectly normal.īut persistent pain in the eye when looking at light that makes you want to squint or close your eyes should always be investigated by an eyecare professional, says Craig McArthur, an optometrist based at Peter Irvins Eye Care in Scotland. They will examine the retina using an ophthalmoscope to check that it isn't being damaged and that retinal detachment isn't likely.Ī retina must be reattached with surgery - otherwise it can lead to sight loss. While vitreous detachment is a natural part of ageing and isn't a problem itself, it's important to see an expert if you experience a continued pulling sensation, as this may be a sign that the retina itself is coming away from the eye. Flashes resembling lightning in the corner of the eye can indicate vitreous detachment
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |