The standard advice given to us by our optician is to get our eyes tested every 2 years, but just how seriously do most of us take this recommendation? Just like having regular dentist appointments, people often become complacent about such health checks, justifying it by saying ‘my vision is fine’ etc. The problem with statements like this is that often your vision changes so slowly, you wouldn’t actually realise it and you could consequently be driving below the legal visual driving requirements. If you can’t be convinced to have your eyes tested every 2 years, let me at least tell you about 3 visual symptoms you should never ignore:

1. Flashing lights / floaters

I have grouped these two symptoms together but they often appear in isolation. Both symptoms could mean that you have a retinal detachment which is a condition that needs medical attention immediately. It is extremely important to see your optician urgently as a retinal detachment is generally easily treated, providing it is picked up straight away.

A visual representation of floaters.

2. Distorted vision

This is an extremely serious visual symptom and should never be ignored. The best way to describe distorted vision is to say that straight lines look ‘wavy’ or ‘wobbly’. So if you close one eye and look at anything with a straight edge such as a door frame, it may appear as I described. This symptom could indicate that you have a type of macular degeneration that needs attention urgently. The sooner it is picked up the better the prognosis for the condition. There are now treatments which can at the very least stop the condition deteriorating further as long as it is treated early.

A visual representation of distorted vision.

3. Sudden reduction in vision

Most people’s vision slowly deteriorates over time and this is one of the main reasons it is recommended to have a regular eye test. However what is more concerning is if you ever notice a sudden reduction in vision. This could relate to any number of eye diseases, all of which could potentially be treated if they are picked up early enough.

In summary your eyes are precious and you should at least get them checked every 2 years. Half an hour of your time every 2 years is surely not too much to ask to ensure your eyes are healthy. In addition to this, if ever you notice any of the above symptoms or any other ‘new’ symptoms; you should always go to your optician immediately. The sooner any problems with your eyes are treated, the better the chance of preserving your vision. The worst thing you can do is to ignore the symptoms and ‘hope for the best’. Your eyes are fragile and once you have lost vision it can be difficult to get it back. Just remember it’s better to be over cautious than under cautious and if you take this mentality your eyes should last you a life time!

There are various resources on the web such as Treatment saver which offer you information on eye health amongst other things. Now go book yourself an eye test!

Gordon Brown recently had his annual eye check up at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, a statement from 10 Downing street said that surgeons discovered two tears to his retina of his remaining good eye.

Mr Brown said “I had been to see my doctors, they looked at my eyes. I did have a lot of operations when i was young, i went through quite a difficult time. They managed to save my eyesight and it is not deteriorating, everything is fine”

Further operations are not required as surgeons have found no deterioration or no significant change to his vision.

To view the original BBC interview click here

Moorfields Eye Hospital treat over 270,000 patients a year across the entire range of ophthalmic specialties. And in partnership with the Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital also lead the world’s most extensive ongoing ophthalmic research program, achieving the highest possible score in all recent assessment ratings.

Retinal Detachments

A detached retina is the separation of the neural layer from the underlying supportive tissue, this may only affect a small area or be very extensive, nonetheless this is a serious and sight-threatening event. If the retina is not reattached soon after detachment, sight may be lost as the retina cannot operate with these layers detached.

Source: All About Vision

As the retina detaches the patient may notice flashes of light when moving their eyes around, they may also experience ‘floaters’ which move with the eye and then settle as the eye rests, this may be due to a Vitreous detachment which often proceeds a retinal detachment. The Vitreous is a transparent gel substance filing the back of the eye ball. Another sign of a retinal detachment is the patient will notice a progressive loss of visual field as a shadow or a curtain descending from the top of the eye or across from the side.

These signs may be progressive, developing slowly as the retina separates from the supportive tissues or this can occur without warning if the retina detaches immediately.

Retinal detachments can cause irreversible loss of vision if not treated immediately. If you experience any of these signs consult your optician right away or if in doubt go straight to A&E (Casualty) for urgent treatment, your odds of recovering loss vision will increase with immediate action.

Treatment for Detached Retina

Retinal tears can be treated with a laser by sealing off leaking blood vessels and destroying new blood vessel growth, however if the area of the detachment is large surgery may be required.

For more information on Retinal detachments, causes, symptoms, signs, and treatments visit these links below:

Detached Retina at All About Vision

Wikipedia

Royal College of Ophthalmologists

Andrew Marr’s interview with Gordon Brown at the BBC