Glaucoma is relatively common eye disorder caused by an elevated level of eye pressure that, if left untreated could cause blindness.

Early detection can help slow down the progression of glaucoma which damages the optic nerve found at the back of the eye.

Glaucoma tends to progress slowly at first, making the condition virtually symptomless which can result in untold damage to the eye. Those with the condition are often unaware of its presence until their vision has already been affected.

At Optilase Northern Ireland, you can book an eye consultation if you have been experiencing problems with your eyesight and wish to identify the possible cause and treatment.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve which is the part of the eye that carries messages to the brain. It is crucial to diagnose glaucoma at the earliest possible stage, as once vision is lost to the condition, it cannot be restored.

Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma and is caused by inadequate drainage channels in the eye, which causes eye pressure to rise which is turn causes irreparable damage to the optic nerve.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma: This less common form of glaucoma results in the iris being pushed against the lens in the eye which prevents drainage of the aqueous humor and leads to a spike in eye pressure.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Glaucoma can develop in anyone, but those over the age of 60 are at a greater risk or if there is a family history of the condition. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes can also increase a person’s risk of developing glaucoma.

An in-depth eye examination which can be carried out at any Optilase clinic across Northern Ireland will be able to determine if glaucoma is present.

During a test for glaucoma, inner eye pressure will be checked by administering a puff of air to the surface of the eye, with the normal pressure range being 12-22mmHG (millimetres of mercury).

The shape and colour of optic nerve will be checked for any signs of glaucoma damage while other tests will measure corneal thickness, the angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea as well as a person’s complete field of vision.

To ensure that your eyes are healthy and free from any signs of glaucoma, arrange an eye consultation at Optilase Northern Ireland. Call 08000 121 565.

Impaired vision can negatively impact on your daily life and prevent you from carrying out simple tasks such as reading or watching television comfortably.

For mild vision problems such as an ever-so-slight blurring of text either up close or in the distance, often the brain can train the eyes to compensate for the defect which allows you to function without the need for glasses.

However, if you have noticed a change in your eyesight and find that you may be squinting or straining to see objects clearly, then you may have a vision defect that must be addressed in order to enhance your vision clarity.

At Optilase Northern Ireland, a wide range of vision errors can be identified during a free consultation available at any of our clinics in Belfast, Newry or Derry/Londonderry.

What is causing my blurred vision?

Blurred vision can be attributed to a whole host of eye problems which is why it is important to get your eyesight and your overall eye health checked at Optilase Northern Ireland, so as to rule out any the presence of any debilitating diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts.

The most common vision defects that cause blurred vision are refractive errors that can be diagnosed during your free consultation at Optilase Northern Ireland.

Myopia: Better known as short sightedness and is one of the most common refractive errors in Northern Ireland. Myopia affects distance vision and is caused by an eyeball that is too long or a cornea that is overly curved.

Hyperopia: Often referred to as long sightedness, the presence of hyperopia in the eye results in clear distance vision but blurred near vision. The two main causes of the condition are an eyeball that is too short or a cornea that is too flat.

Astigmatism: This refractive error can be present in the eye along with myopia or hyperopia and relates to the shape of the cornea, which is a clear layer of tissue at the front of the eye. If a cornea is irregularly shaped (non-spherical) it results in astigmatism.

Eyesight changes after 40

As you get older, the eye begins to show signs of ageing as certain parts are unable to function efficiently which can result in the development of a condition known as presbyopia.

Presbyopia mimics the symptoms of long sightedness which means that near vision is impaired and reading glasses are required in order to see objects up close clearly.

Presbyopia can be easily detected during a free consultation at Optilase Northern Ireland with a variety of treatment options also available.

For more information on any of the aforementioned conditions, or to schedule a free consultation, call 08000 121 565.

Our eyes are sensitive, and there’s nothing more uncomfortable than having a painful irritation or inflammation in your delicate eye.

Many inflammations are a direct cause of a foreign body in the eye, but Uveitis is a less well known eye condition that usually affects people aged 20-60. It is a serious condition that can cause long term vision impairment, which is why it is vital that a person receives a diagnosis as soon as possible and begins treatment.

Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye known as the uvea, which is a vascular, fibrous layer that protects the eye and plays an integral role in nourishing the eye.

The uvea is made up of three main parts of the eye (the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid) and uveitis developed when any one part becomes inflamed.

At Optilase Northern Ireland, an eye consultation will examine the internal parts of the eyes that are invisible to the naked eye but would show evidence of uveitis being present.

Types of uveitis

Anterior uveitis – This common form of the condition affects the iris and the adjacent tissue known as the ciliary body.

Intermediate uveitis – When the area behind the ciliary body becomes inflamed alongside the part of the retina.

Posterior uveitis – This is the more rare form of uveitis that affects the choroid at the back of the eye, which can in turn affect the retina and/or optic nerve.

What are the main causes of uveitis?

• Uveitis can be autoimmune related; whereby the body’s immune system triggered the inflammation.
• An internal infection (bacterial, fungal, viral) located inside the eye
• Eye trauma or any injury sustained by the eye

How uveitis can affect vision

Uveitis can develop quite quickly with a person experiencing redness and eye pain, or else it can manifest quite slowly with little pain or redness. Usually the condition is recognizable by these two main symptoms as well as blurred vision and/or over-sensitivity to light.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may be worthwhile to arrange for an eye expert at Optilase Northern Ireland to examine your eyes in order to diagnose or rule out uveitis.

Uveitis is a treatable condition but in order to reduce the effect it can have on a person’s eyesight it require immediate treatment as left untreated, uveitis can potentially lead to the development of other serious conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts.

To schedule a consultation at any Optilase clinic in Northern Ireland, call 08000 121 565 or use the online booking form.

Night blindness or nyctalopia can result in impaired vision at night time or in low light environments which can dramatically impact on a person’s ability to drive in the evening time or at night.

If you have trouble identifying objects clearly at night or find that it takes your eyes a long time to adjust when you leave bright surroundings and enter darkness (e.g. cinema theatre) you may be suffering from night blindness.

Driving with impaired night vision is particularly dangerous, so if you have noticed a decline in your ability to decipher road signs when driving in the evening or in the dark it is imperative that you cease driving and have your eyesight and your eye health checked.

At Optilase Northern Ireland the extent of your night time eyesight deficiency can be determined during a free consultation at any of our clinics located in Belfast, Newry and Derry/Londonderry.

Light in the eye

When you open your eyes and can see your surroundings it is because light is able to travel through the cornea and lens at the front of the eye and land on the retina at the back of the eye.

In the retina there are specialized cells known as photoreceptors which change light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain to create an image for a person to see.

Rods and cones are the two types of photoreceptors in the retina, with approximately 3 million cones and 100 million rods in each eye.

Rods are responsible for peripheral vision but are only able to create black and white vision so a healthy number of rods are vital in order to see in dim lighting.

Cones are found in the centre of the retina and translate images into colour. They create vision from bright light.

Trouble seeing in low light conditions

To determine the root cause of your vision defect or to determine whether you suffer from night blindness, a free eye consultation at Optilase Northern Ireland can put your mind at ease.

When a person has difficulty see in dim light or at night, it can be because of impaired connections between rods and the nerve cells that are connected to the brain, or it could be caused by a loss in functioning receptors.

An inability to see comfortably in the dark could also be caused the pupil dilating so that it makes a person more nearsighted, which is a condition known as a spherical aberration.

Alternatively, if it takes a long time for vision to become clear in low light environments, it may be the result of a vitamin deficiency or underlying condition. You may be a candidate for laser eye surgery if you have a refractive error that can be treated with reshaping of the cornea.

To arrange your eye consultation at any Optilase Clinic across Northern Ireland, call 08000 121 565.

For many people who require lenses to correct their vision, contact lenses can be the preferred option rather than having to wear awkward and heavy glasses.

As a contact lens wearer, it is important not to get complacent with your routine as your eyes are sensitive to foreign objects and bacteria, and can easily become irritated or infected.

While contact lenses are initially completely sterile, how they are handled before insertion into the eye can affect how they are tolerated by the eye.

If contact lenses are unclean, damaged or an ill-fit for your eyes, they can cause eye redness, general irritation or lead to infection.

Keratitis

This common eye infection of the cornea can be attributed to contact lenses and is often caused by bacteria, fungus or the herpes virus getting into the eye. Keratitis usually results in the cornea which is located at the front of the eye becoming inflamed and can also result in excessive tear production or watery eyes.

Dry Eyes

Adequate tear production is essential so that eyes remain lubricated at all times, but sometimes prolonged use of contact lenses can impact the level of tear production in the eye which causes painful dry eyes.

Conjunctivitis

When the thin membrane found inside the eyelid known as the conjunctiva becomes inflamed and results in severe itching and watering in the eye along with a discharge that tends to dry in the corners of the eye and eyelashes.

Corneal abrasion

If the cornea is scratched or damaged by a person trying to insert or remove a contact lens it can develop into a corneal infection. As the cornea contains many nerves it can be quite painful and cause an overproduction of tears.

In all of the above instances, it is vital that contact lenses are not worn as they could exacerbate any eye infection and/or prevent effective healing.

An alternative to contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses and have noticed an increase in the frequency or occurrence in any of the eye infections or irritations, it may be a case that contact lenses may not be a long term, feasible solution to your vision defect.

In this instance, alternative corrective measures such as Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase Northern Ireland can be considered instead of resorting to wearing glasses.

For more information on alternatives to glasses and contact lenses, arrange a free consultation on 08000 121 565.

Migraines can be the source of misery for thousands of suffers across Northern Ireland, with the intense throbbing that can be felt on one or both sides of the head that often affects the field of vision.

A migraine that involves visual disturbances is referred to as an ocular migraine and is commonly characterized by a person experiencing bright or flashing lights in a zigzag pattern, blind spots, temporary vision loss, and/or an oversensitivity to light.

Classic migraine vs. Ocular migraine

Migraines are a type of neurovascular headaches that are thought to be linked to the functioning of blood vessels in the brain and their impact on nearby nerves.

It is thought that the onset of a migraine could be linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain which can be triggered by a range of factors.

Classic migraines are often accompanied by an ‘aura’ which includes light sensitivity and the appearance of flashing lights in both eyes, whereas ocular migraines tend to involve light sensitivity, flashing lights as well as temporary vision loss in one eye only.

It can be difficult to distinguish if the migraines and associated symptoms are those of a classic or an ocular migraine, which is why it is worthwhile to get your eyesight checked to rule out any irregularities that could be triggering migraines.

What causes migraines?

It is important to realise what triggers a migraine episode in order to limit or prepare for their occurrence.

An experienced optometrist at any Optilase clinic in Northern Ireland can carry out a thorough eye exam which will check the inner and outer parts of the eye to rule out any signs of nerve damage, retinal detachment or the presence of any natural eyesight defects that could cause eye strain.

Eye strain caused by a natural design flaw in one or both eyes may be attributed to inducing migraines as the stress placed on the eye in order to see clearly could trigger a migraine.

Common triggers include:

• Bright lights
• Loud sounds
• Strong odours
• Stress or anxiety
• Weather
• Alcohol/Caffeine
• Artificial additives/sweeteners
• Hormonal imbalances during menstruation
• Familial history of migraines

A thorough eye examination at Optilase Northern Ireland can identify any visual errors present in the eye which could potentially cause migraines.

To find out more, arrange your free consultation today on 08000 121 565.

Cataracts are caused by the clouding of the lens in the eye which is biologically engineered to be entirely see-through so that light can pass uninterrupted to the back of the eye.

While cataracts are often associated with older patients, it is not uncommon for younger patients to experience symptoms that could signal the formation of cataracts.

Cataracts are the world’s leading cause of blindness, but with early detection at Optilase Northern Ireland, the possible effects they can have on a person’s eyesight can be minimized.

What causes cataracts?

Your eyes are windows to the outside world, and are responsible for allowing light through so that the brain is able to see.

In order for this to happen the lens in the eye must be clear and transparent, but over time proteins that make up the lens can break down or clump together causing the lens to become cloudy.

While old age and genetics have primarily been thought to influence the development of cataracts, research has also linked oxygen-free radicals to cataract formation.

Certain lifestyle choices such as smoking and environmental factors such as UV light produce large amounts of oxygen-free radicals in the body, which can contribute to the formation of cataracts.

High levels of these radicals can cause chemical reactions in the body which can disrupt or alter the structures of cells, such as those in the lens of the eye.

When the basic structure and appearance of the lens is altered and cataracts form, it can result in a steady deterioration in eyesight unless adequately treated.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

The most common symptoms of cataracts are glare, colour distortion and double vision, but other signs include difficulty reading or seeing objects in the distance.

Early detection of cataracts is vital with any changes to the lens being distinguishable during a free eye consultation at any Optilase clinic in Northern Ireland.

When the lens becomes cloudy, incoming light is scattered within the eye which affects vision clarity which can be exacerbated when it comes to procession bright lights, such as oncoming beams when driving at night.

If you have been experiencing difficulty with night time driving, double vision, colour distortion or your eyes have become sensitive to glare, it is important to seek a diagnosis from an eye care professional.

I think I have cataracts, what should I do?

Cataracts begin small and may go unnoticed until they eventually begin to affect a person’s eyesight.

At Optilase clinics in Belfast, Newry and Derry/Londonderry you can avail of a free consultation which will include an examination of the eye to determine if you may be suffering from cataracts.

If you have noticed any vision problems that may signal cataracts, seeking diagnosis and any relevant treatment is always advisable before vision changes become more advanced.

To schedule a free eye consultation at Optilase, call 08000 121 565.

If you are considering Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase Northern Ireland, the most important question you will have to ask yourself is whether it is the right surgery for you:

• You are heavily reliant on glasses or contact lenses in order to carry out routine tasks
• You suffer from astigmatism that is difficult to correct with lenses
• You cannot wear contact lenses and therefore are totally reliant on glasses
• You don’t like wearing glasses
• You would like to make a once-off investment in your long-term vision
• You wish to wake up and see the world in perfect focus

What does Laser Eye Surgery do to my eyes?

When you wear glasses or contact lenses you are placing a lens in front of the cornea so that it accurately bends light onto the retina so objects appear clear.

Laser Eye Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses computer-controlled lasers to ablate or remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea so as to permanently alter its shape.

By altering the shape of the cornea light is able to focus onto the retina and objects appear perfectly clear unaided by glasses or contact lenses.

What is involved during the actual Laser Eye Surgery procedure?

Throughout Laser Eye Surgery the patient’s eyes are completely numb and the laser technology used is fitted with eye-tracking software to account for any involuntary movements made during the procedure.

A corneal flap is first created using an extremely precise Femtosecond Laser to expose the inner layer of the cornea which is reshaped during surgery.

An Excimer Laser completes the actual correction by administering cool pulses of ultraviolet light to alter the gradient of the cornea so that light is naturally refracted at the correct angle.

Once complete, the corneal flap is put back in place and immediately adheres to the surface of the cornea through negative pressure exerted by the eye (much like how a contact lens sticks to the eye).

Am I a suitable candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

During your free consultation at one of our Optilase clinics, you will be assessed as to whether you are a candidate for Laser Eye Surgery.

• Over 18
• Have a stable refractive error
• Corneas must be sufficiently thick to undergo surgery
• No history of eye disease or suffer from dry eyes
• No autoimmune disease, heart conditions or diabetes
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not eligible for surgery

Schedule your free consultation at Optilase in Belfast, Newry or Derry by calling 08000 121 565.

Taking time out of your work schedule for an elective procedure like Laser Eye Surgery might not seem ideal, but the life-changing effect of this short and relatively simple procedure has on patients’ lives makes the time off completely worthwhile.

To minimize disruption to our patients work routine, Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase Northern Ireland is carried out on both eyes on the same day in under half an hour.

Advances in laser technology and an improved understanding on how the eye responds to and heals after Laser Eye Surgery, means that most patients are able to return to work 24-hours after the procedure.

How soon will I be able to see after Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser Eye Surgery permanently removes a pre-determined amount of tissue from the cornea of each eye to correct the original error that caused blurred vision.

Changes in vision acuity are immediately apparent after the procedure, so that patients leave Optilase with fully restored vision.

In the hours after Laser Eye Surgery it is not unusual for vision to appear blurred intermittently as your eyes begin to adjust to their new focusing power.

Other normal post-surgery symptoms include sensitivity to light, eye irritation and excessive tearing, but these should abate in the first eight hours after Laser Eye Surgery.

How can I be sure that my Laser Eye Surgery was a success?

After your Laser Eye Surgery you will be prescribed antibacterial eye drops that must be used in order to keep the eyes moist and prevent infection.

Protective goggles must also be worn to shield the eye from any being exposed to drying conditions, dust or involuntary rubbing by the patient.

The day after Laser Eye Surgery, you will attend a follow-up consultation at your Optilase clinic in order to evaluate the success of the procedure and to ensure that the eye is healing correctly.

If you are interested in Laser Eye Surgery, book your free consultation at one of our Optilase clinics in Belfast, Newry or Derry. Call 08000 121 565 for further details.

When it comes to your sport or exercise, your eyesight is a key player and having impaired vision can impact on your performance.

Wearing glasses simply isn’t feasible when it comes to playing sports and contact lenses can be equally frustrating as they can break, fall out or become irritated by dirt.

Thousands of Optilase patients have already chosen to undergo Laser Eye Surgery in order fully commit to their game without the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses.

Which Laser Eye Surgery is best for players?

During your free consultation, you will be advised as to which procedure best suits your needs, taking into account healing time and individual sporting commitments.

LASIK: A small incision is made on the surface of the cornea to create a flap of tissue which is then folded back to allow the corneal reshaping to take place. This flap is then repositioned over the new corneal surface to complete the procedure.

PRK: Rather than creating a corneal flap, an Ethanol solution is applied to loosen the epithelial layer of the cornea which is then pushed aside to allow corrective laser treatment to take place. The loosened outside layer is smoothed back over once the laser procedure is finished.

WaveFront: An incredibly detailed 3-D map of your cornea is created using a WaveScan machine which outlines the various peaks and troughs of the cornea so that a more accurate correction is administered. WaveFront involves the creation of a corneal flap similar to the LASIK procedure.

IntraLase: Representing the latest advances in Laser Eye Surgery, IntraLase uses a Femtosecond Laser to administer pressurized air to the surface of the eye to create the corneal flap. This method allows for incredible results with a lower risk of flap complications.

Other factors to consider with Laser Eye Surgery and sport

• Cold weather can create very drying conditions which can exacerbate dryness in eyes post-surgery. To avoid irritation, it is vital that eye drops are used to keep eyes moist following surgery if you plan on playing sport in cold weather.
• If you play contact sports, the greatest concern is that the corneal flap may become dislodged so it is recommended that you wear protective goggles until the eye is fully healed.
• Because of the drying effect of saunas, steamrooms and swimming pools it is advisable to avoid for at least three weeks and wear goggles at all time for at least eight weeks.

To find out more, book your free Laser Eye Consultation on 08000 121 565 or at
www.optilase.co.uk/book-your-free-consultation/