Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye causes changes in peripheral vision initially, before affecting your central vision.  In the early stages, glaucoma has no symptoms but if left undetected, can lead to blindness.

A cataract can occur when the clear lens inside your eye becomes hazy and cloudy.  This is a gradual process which can occur over a period of months or years and is usually a general ageing process.  Some conditions such as Diabetes or injury to the eye can cause cataracts to progress quicker.  Cataracts are painless and cannot usually be seen without the use of optical equipment.  Cataracts will be monitored at your routine appointment, and your Optometrist will discuss referral for this when necessary.

Diabetes is a common, life-long condition which affects 1 in 15 people in the UK, including around 1 million people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.  Diabetes can lead to certain eye conditions, which can have an effect on your eye health and vision.  Attending regularly for an eye examination may help in detecting Diabetes.  Early detection means early diagnosis and treatment.  Annual eye health checks are recommended for all diabetic patients, regardless of whether they attend a local retinal screening clinic or not.

Flashing lights and floaters (spots or strands) in your vision are common and generally harmless.  Very occasionally, these can be a symptom of a retinal problem, which requires examination and treatment as soon as possible. 

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is an age-related eye disease which affects the central portion of the retina - the macula. There are two main subtypes of AMD – dry and wet. Dry AMD is caused by wear and tear of the cells in the macula. Wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels which leak into the delicate layers of the central retina.

Both wet and dry AMD cause distortion (especially distortion of straight lines) or loss of central vision. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your optometrist urgently.

The main risk factors for AMD are increasing age, smoking and UV exposure. Food or dietary supplements containing lutein and xanthin are recommended to promote macular health.