11 Wellington St, Woolwich, London SE18 6PQTel: 020 8854 1491
178 Westcombe Hill, Blackheath Standard, London, SE3 7DH
Tel: 020 8858 1858
Eye Conditions & Frequently Asked Questions
What is Short Sight?
This is “MYOPIA” which means that Distance vision will be blurry, however Near will be clear.
What is Long Sight?
This is “HYPERMETROPIA”. Distance will generally be clear, close up becomes blurred.
What is Astigmatism?
This refers to the curve at the front of the eye on the Cornea. The majority of patients have some form of Astigmatism. It is commonly described as having the front of your eye shaped more like a rugby ball than a football.
NHS - Astigmatism link
Why do people need reading glasses as they get older?
The Crystalline Lens in the eye is responsible for focusing. It achieves this by stretching and flexing to allow the eye to retain focus on Distance to Near. However, with increasing age, the lens looses its flexibility to change shape and the ability to change focus and adapt from Distance to Near decreases. This is why spectacles are required for close work.
Cataracts
This is opacity in the Lens of the eye. The opacities cause the light, which enters the eye to scatter in all directions; the vision becomes blurred and also causes colours to appear duller. It’s often described as looking through a dirty net curtain. Cataracts can also cause the spectacle power to change frequently.
It also makes it difficult for your Optometrist to see into your eye to check for other eye conditions.
If you have any concerns regarding Cataract please discuss with them with your Optometrist.
In the Greenwich Borough there is a Direct Cataract Referral scheme which allows patients to be examined and treated at their local Hospital on a fairly quick basis. Your Optometrist will discuss this and assess your cataract and vision to decide if you can be referred by this route.
For futher information on Cataracts visit: NHS - Cataract link
Glaucoma
This is a very complex eye disease, which can be hereditary. Characteristically it causes a narrowing of the peripheral visual field and patients affected may have Tunnel vision.
As Glaucoma can be inherited, patients over the age of 40years who have a close family relative with Glaucoma are entitled to a free NHS eye exam annually.
Further information on Glaucoma see: NHS - Glaucoma link
And for information on the Glaucoma Charity see: Glaucoma Association link
Macular Degeneration
This typically affects people, as they get older. The central part of the retina (the macula), which is responsible for your central vision, fine detail and colour, becomes distorted and cloudy and may become patchy in areas. The peripheral vision remains unaffected. The symptoms may vary between patients, but some of the most common are:
- Gradual loss of the ability to see central objects clearly
- Distorted vision – where staright lines appear crooked or wavy
- Dark or empty spaces appearing in the central part of the vision
For more information see: NHS - Macular Degeneration link
The Macula Society is a registered charity which has plenty of useful information for patients and their families please visit tohttp://www.maculardisease.org/ to find out more
Diabetes
Diabetes is a blood disorder, which can have significant effects on the eye and vision, from causing power changes in spectacles to permanent sight loss. Due to the severity of possible eye disease, all Diabetic patients are entitled to a free NHS eye exam annually and are invited to attend for free Diabetic Screening. This involves taking images of the retina using a special camera. The images are then examined by qualified screeners at the practice and then sent to the local Hospitals, where they are re-examined and if any changes are seen, relevant treatment is provided.
We carry out local Diabetic Screening at both practices, but only for patients whose Doctor’s surgeries are located in the Borough of Greenwich. All appointments are made through the local Primary Care Trust NOT through the practices.
Please call 020 8776 3854 to make your annual appointment for Diabetic Screening.
For more info Diabtes see http://www.diabetes.org.uk/
NHS Entitlements
Those in the following categories are entitled to an NHS eye examination without charge and may be entitled to receive a voucher which will provide help toward the cost of any spectacles or contact lenses prescribed.
- Children under 16years, or under 19 still in full-time education
- All those aged 60years and over
- People in receipt of Income Support or Tax Credits
- Those in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance
- Diabetics
- Glaucoma sufferers
- Those aged 40 and over and are the parent/brother/sister/child of a person with glaucoma
Complex Lenses
Your Optometrist will inform you after your test if you are entitled to Complex Lenses
Please bring your National Insurance Number with you to your eye exam.