Early detection of potential eye problems, by the optician, can prevent greater problems developing and is essential in their correct treatment.

Short sightedness (myopia) Ð means that the person can see things easier close up than far away. It is most commonly due to the eyeball being slightly longer than average.

Long sightedness (hyperemia) Ð means that the person has more difficulty seeing things close up than far away.

Astigmatism Ð means that the curvature of the front clear surface of the eye is curved more steeply on one meridian than another i.e. like a rugby ball.

Presbyopia (old sight) - means that the crystalline lens located within the eye becomes harder and heavier with age and loses its ability to focus on things close up.

Cataract Ð is a condition where the crystalline lens becomes opaque. Early symptoms are increased glare and a reduction in the ability to see at distance. Nowadays cataract surgery is very successful and a clear plastic insert is used to replace the opaque material in the lens.

Glaucoma - is a condition where the pressure inside the eye becomes raised, giving rise to pressure on the nerve fibres, which in turn can be destroyed causing a gradual reduction initially in the peripheral visual field. One eye is usually affected before the other and quite a lot of visual loss can occur before it is detected. It is important to have an eye test regularly, especially if you are over 40.