Frequently Asked Questions

• MY DISTANCE VISION IS NOT VERY SHARP, AM I GOING BLIND ?

  We hope not, your eye condition can be as simple as refractive error and can be as serious as glaucoma or any other ocular blinding disease.You need to see an eye specialist preferably a centre with the services of optometrist and ophthalmologist urgently. For more information read more on eye defect

• WHAT IS GLAUCOMA AND HOW CAN IT BE DETECTED ?

  It is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness world wide. It is a multi-factorial disease that affects the nerve that joins the eye to the brain. It is painless and symptom free, so patients are unaware of the disease in early and moderate stages. Early detection through yearly comprehensive eye test with an ophthalmologist is very important as early treatment helps to preserve vision

• WHAT IS PTERYGIUM ?

  It is a triangular or wing-like shaped fibrovascular growth on the thin transparent membrane that covers the eye ball with its tip, encroaching on the center of the eye. If left untreated or poorly managed, it can cause reduction of vision or result in blindness. Risk factors include: - Family history - Exposure to dry, dusty, hot, windy environment. Pterygium can be treated and visual impairment from it is avoidable.

• WHAT IS ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS ?

  Allergic conjunctivitis causes red, watery, itchy or gritty eyes. The condition is not usually painful and does not make eyes sensitive to light. It does not affect vision. The most common cause is an allergy to pollen in the hay fever season. Other causes are less common such as allergies to house dust mite, cosmetics, and problems with contact lenses. Eye drops usually ease symptoms.

• HOW DOES DIABETICS AFFECTS THE EYES ?

  Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common disorder, characterized by sustained high levels of blood sugar in the human body. A complication of the disorder is diabetic retinopathy, which affects the eye and may potentially cause blindness if not detected and treated early. Common risk factors include: 1. The longer the duration of the disease, the higher the risk of eye related complications. 2. It is commoner in Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 1) 3. Poor blood sugar control. 4. Pregnancy may worsen eye complication in a diabetic patient 5. Poorly controlled co-existing hypertension. 6. Co-existing kidney disease 7. Smoking 8. Excessve weight/Obesity 9. High blood lipid levels (Hyperlipidaemia)

• WHAT IS CATARACT?

  Cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye, which obstruct passage of light to the back of the eye thereby imparing vision. It is typically painless if there are no complications and progresses slowly and can potentially cause blindness over time. Cataract blindness is reversible. New glasses, brighter lighting and anti-glare sunglesses can help at first. Surgery is the only option in late stages, which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Common causes of cataract are: 1. Aging 2. Metabolic diseases e.g. Diabetes mellitus 3. Trauma to the eye 4. Intraocular inflammation 5. Drugs e.g. Steroids Common symptoms: - Blurry vision - Colours that seem faded - Not been able to see well at night - Frequent change of eye glasses with little or no improvement in vision