An eye into common diseases


The eye is a vital organ within the body and enables the completion of many everyday tasks. By taking an insight into the optometry field, Universal Medicine will be exploring some common eye issues which individuals come across.

Cataracts
Firstly, cataracts are something which tends to occur in older individuals. To understand cataracts the stages in producing a clear image through the eye needs to be acknowledge. Primarily, to produce an image, the iris controls the amount of light which enters the pupil which allows the light to move onto the lens. Moreover, the lens will focus the light so it reaches the retina. There are receptors which can carry this information to the brain to form an image. When an individual has cataracts, the lens becomes less clear which means a misty image is produced as the light is not fully focussed onto the retina. Furthermore, this issue could potentially start to heavily affect vision hence it needs to be treated. The scientific reasoning involves the fact that the structure of lens alters hence causing a misty image. As previously discussed, there is a potential stem cell treatment for cataracts.
Symptoms:
  • Difficulty in viewing components in bright/dim light
  • Glare from bright lights could be uncomfortable
  • Faded colours
  • Double vision- this is seeing two images of one object
  • Glasses may feel less effective
 Factors which increase the risk of cataracts:
  • Family history
  • Diabetes
  • Previous eye surgery

Macular degeneration 
A structure within the eye known as the "Macula" is responsible for clear straight-ahead vision. In macular degeneration, it causes the loss of central vision. This means tasks such as reading become difficult and colours may appear less vibrant. Sometimes, younger individuals can be affected but this is usually due to an inherited genetic disorder.
There are two types of macular degeneration:

Dry AMD
  • A build-up of drusen (lipids) causes the damage of macula cells
  • Most common type of macular degeneration
Wet AMD
  • The macula cells are damaged by the abnormal blood vessels beneath it
  • More serious than alternate macular degeneration
  • Can be treated by anti-VEDF medication 
Thank you reading this week's blog. Be sure to share this article and get your comments in. Until then, have a great week!

Written by Adil Rahman

 http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts-age-related/pages/introduction.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Macular-degeneration/Pages/Introduction.aspx


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