News

Wet, Dry, AMD? What is Age related Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is a condition that usually affects older adults and results in the loss of vision in the centre of the visual field. The macula is a small, central part of the retina, located at the back of the eye, responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Here are key points about macular degeneration Age-Related As the name suggests, macular degeneration is often associated with aging. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over the age of 50. Two Types There are two main types of macular degeneration—Dry (atrophic) and Wet (neovascular). The dry form is more common and involves the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula.

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What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common eye condition characterised by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, this clouding leads to a gradual loss of vision. The lens is typically clear, allowing light to pass through and focus onto the retina at the back of the eye. However, when cataracts develop, the lens becomes cloudy, scattering light and causing blurred or hazy vision. Here are key points about cataracts Causes Cataracts often develop as a result of the natural aging process, however they can also be caused by other factors such as prolonged exposure to UV light, certain medical conditions including diabetes, eye trauma, or certain medications. Symptoms Symptoms of cataracts include blurred or dimmed vision, difficulty seeing in low light conditions,

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What is Myopia Control?

Myopia Control for Children. Myopic = Short Sighted = Difficulty seeing in the Distance. What is Myopia Control? Put simply, the aim is to stop your child becoming more short sighted. If a child of 5 has a prescription of -1.00, the likelihood is they will end up nearer -9.00 as an adult. This can lead to a whole host of problems not least being completely dependent on glasses. Myopia Control is clinically proven to reduce the progression of short-sightedness. Once myopia has progressed, it cannot be reversed. Its important to act early to ensure any progression is minimal. Here at Simpson Optometrists we now have specialist clinical software which enables us to forecast your child’s myopic progression as they

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Why does my child need an eye test?

Early Detection of Vision Issues: Children’s eyes are still developing, and vision problems may not always be apparent. Regular eye tests can catch issues early, helping to address and correct any potential problems before they impact a child’s learning and development. Developmental Milestones, Coordination & Motor Skills: Good vision plays a significant role in a child’s overall development. Clear vision is essential for developing hand-eye coordination, depth perception, spatial awareness and recognising faces. Addressing vision issues early can positively impact a child’s development. Academic Success: Good vision is crucial for success in school. Children with uncorrected vision problems may struggle with reading, writing, and other academic tasks. An eye test can identify refractive errors (such as near-sightedness or farsightedness) or

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A Feast For Your Eyes

A feast for your eyes – top foods for healthy eyes A healthy diet is something many of us strive to achieve. As well as improving your general health, good nutrition also has a direct impact on your eye health. Studies show that by eating fruit, veg, oily fish, eggs and nuts, you can improve the health of your eyes. Carrots and Sweet Potato: Both contain beta carotene which is transformed into vitamin A in the body and protects the eye from infection. Spinach: Leafy greens such as spinach & kale, are packed full of vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are said to reduce the risk of light-induced oxidative damage that could lead to macular degeneration. Broccoli: Contains vitamin B12. A lack

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Glaucoma: The Plumbing Problem Inside Your Eye.

For over 40 years we (Simpson Optometrist) have implemented several tests to detect Glaucoma, as early as possible. Breaking it down so that we can help our patients understand it better, I have often explained Glaucoma as a type of ‘plumbing problem’ inside the eye. Much more critical than your average pipe-burst situation; Glaucoma, if left undetected, can have a severe affect on your eyesight. So what is Glaucoma?  In a nutshell it it a build-up of pressure inside the eye. It is caused by an amount of fluid that feeds the structures inside the eye. There is either too much fluid or in fact the fluid is not draining away properly. These two factors can then result in increased

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