Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

A long-sighted person can only see clearly looking into the far distance if the muscular focusing system inside the eye is used. With hyperopia, the long sighted eye has to work harder than a normal eye at all distances. Long-sightedness can cause eyestrain, headaches, poor concentration, double vision, or blurred vision when looking up from close work.

Hyperopia is due to the eye being smaller than normal. Clear vision is impossible unless the power of the optical system is increased either by the eye increasing its focusing effort, or by using spectacles or contact lenses.

Presbyopia

As we get older, the lens of the eye thickens and slowly loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on things close up. This loss of focusing ability is called Presbyopia. It is not a disease, but a normal change which affects everyone.
Presbyopia doesn't occur suddenly, and it doesn’t affect distance vision. It is a change which can not be prevented; it begins in adolescence and is most noticeable around the age of 40 t0 45, when vision at our normal reading distance becomes blurry.

The simplest form of correction is to wear a pair of reading glasses for close up work. Unfortunately this will cause blurred vision for long distances. Because of this, many people opt for bi-focal or multi-focal lenses to provide clear vision at both short and long distances.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a very common error of the eyes which causes blurring. It is caused by the shape of the eye, usually due to the cornea surface or occasionally due to the eye lens being tilted. Sometimes astigmatism can be inherited but it often occurs as a normal characteristic of growth.

The blur of astigmatism makes it uncomfortable to look at things, difficult to focus properly and may cause headaches, tiredness and poor concentration.

Glasses or contact lenses are the best way to correct astigmatism. Corrective lenses may be uncomfortable initially, because the distorted blur has become the norm. Some people notice that walls or tables slope, or that objects can appear to be odd shaped. This is mostly short-lived, as your eyes will usually adjust in a few days.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the fluid pressure inside the eye causes progressive damage to parts of the optic nerve. The pressure usually increases when there is inadequate drainage of fluid from inside the eye. A gradual but permanent loss of vision occurs unless the condition is treated.

Glaucoma may occur at any age, but risk increases as we get older. You are more at risk of developing glaucoma if you have:

• A family history of glaucoma
• Myopia - short-sightedness
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure

Early diagnosis is essential as vision already lost cannot be regained.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the lens inside your eye becomes increasingly opaque resulting in 'misty' or 'foggy' vision. For the sufferer it's like looking out of a cloudy bathroom window. Like Glaucoma, cataracts commonly occur with ageing. Almost all people over 65 will have cataracts, however, only a small number will have poor vision as a result.

If you have a cataract you may notice:

• Gradual blurring or dimming of vision
• Haziness around lights (particularly at night time)
• For younger people, their vision may be worse in bright sunlight.

Cataracts can be treated successfully with surgery. The procedure involves removing the cataract (the cloudy lens), and replacing it with an artificial lens (intra-ocular lens). Your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) to confirm whether you will benefit from having surgery.

For further information on these conditions visit our Links page or contact your local Matthews practice to make an appointment.