Understanding Common Eye Health Conditions: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Around 2 million people in the UK live with some form of sight loss, and approximately 250 people develop vision problems every day. Many eye conditions progress gradually, often linked to ageing, genetics, or environmental factors. However, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further deterioration and, in many cases, restore or significantly improve vision.

This guide explores the most common eye conditions in the UK, their causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Common Eye Conditions & Their Impact

Cataracts

A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. It is one of the leading causes of vision impairment in older adults.

• Causes: Ageing, genetics, excessive UV exposure, smoking, and diabetes.
• Symptoms: Blurry or cloudy vision, faded colour perception, glare sensitivity.
• Treatment: Cataract surgery is a routine procedure with a 95% success rate in restoring vision (NHS).

Prevention Tip: Wear UV-protective sunglasses and maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (e.g., leafy greens, nuts, and fish).

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. It affects peripheral vision first, meaning symptoms may go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

• Causes: High intraocular pressure, genetics, age (common over 40), and other eye conditions.
• Symptoms: Gradual loss of peripheral vision, blurred vision, eye pain (in acute cases).
• Treatment: Eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery to reduce pressure and prevent further vision loss.

Prevention Tip: Regular eye tests are crucial, as glaucoma has no early symptoms but can be detected through routine screenings.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the central part of vision, making reading, driving, and recognising faces difficult. It is a leading cause of blindness in people over 50 in the UK.

Types:

Dry AMD – Progresses slowly, causing gradual vision loss.
Wet AMD – Progresses rapidly due to abnormal blood vessel growth.

• Causes: Ageing, smoking, high blood pressure, and poor diet.
• Symptoms: Distorted vision, dark patches in central vision, difficulty reading.
• Treatment: Anti-VEGF injections (for wet AMD), dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments.

Prevention Tip: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and seeds) and leafy greens can help slow progression.

Diabetic Retinopathy

A complication of diabetes, this condition damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to progressive vision loss.

• Causes: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and long-term diabetes.
• Symptoms: Blurred vision, floaters, dark spots, and sudden vision loss.
• Treatment: Managing diabetes effectively, laser therapy, and injections to prevent further damage.

Prevention Tip: Annual diabetic eye screenings are essential for early detection.

Dry Eye Syndrome

This condition occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly, causing irritation and discomfort.

• Causes: Ageing, prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, environmental factors, and medications.
• Symptoms: Grittiness, itchiness, burning sensation, and light sensitivity.
• Treatment: Lubricating eye drops, omega-3 supplements, and adjusting screen habits.

Prevention Tip: Follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”)

Inflammation of the conjunctiva (eye membrane) due to infections, irritants, or allergies.

Types:

Bacterial conjunctivitis – Thick discharge, redness.
Viral conjunctivitis – Watery, itchy eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis – Itchy, swollen, and watery eyes.

Treatment: Most cases clear up within 7-14 days, but antibiotic drops can be prescribed for bacterial infections.

Prevention Tip: Wash hands regularly to avoid spreading infections.

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelids, often due to blocked oil glands, causing crusting and irritation.

• Symptoms: Red, swollen eyelids, itchy or burning sensation, crusty eyelashes.
• Treatment: Warm compresses, eyelid cleansing, and medicated eye drops.

Prevention Tip: Maintain good eyelid hygiene by gently washing with warm water and baby shampoo.

Refractive Errors (Short-sightedness, Long-sightedness, Astigmatism, Presbyopia)

These are common vision problems caused by the shape of the eye affecting how light is focused.

• Causes: Genetics, ageing, eye shape variations.
• Symptoms: Blurry vision at certain distances.
• Treatment: Glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.

Prevention Tip: Get regular eye exams to monitor vision changes and ensure you have the correct prescription.

Retinal Detachment (Medical Emergency!)

A serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Immediate medical attention is needed to prevent permanent sight loss.

• Causes: Eye injury, extreme myopia, previous eye surgery.
• Symptoms: Sudden flashes of light, floaters, shadowed vision.
• Treatment: Urgent surgery is required to reattach the retina.

What to Do: If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency eye care immediately!

What Causes Eye Conditions?

Several factors contribute to eye diseases, including:

• Genetics – Some conditions, like glaucoma and AMD, run in families.
• Infections – Bacterial and viral infections can lead to eye conditions like conjunctivitis.
• Environmental factors – UV exposure, extreme temperatures, and pollution can affect eye health.
• Underlying conditions – Diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of certain eye diseases.

When Should You See an Optician?

🔹 Blurry or distorted vision that doesn’t improve
🔹 Frequent headaches or eye strain
🔹 Sudden changes in vision (flashes, floaters, shadows)
🔹 Persistent eye pain or discomfort

A regular eye test is vital, even if you don’t wear glasses. The NHS recommends an eye test every two years, or more often if you have existing conditions.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Vision for the Future

Your eyesight is one of your most valuable senses, and many eye conditions are preventable or treatable with early intervention.

• Book an eye test if you notice any changes in your vision.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle; eat well, exercise, and avoid smoking.
• Wear sunglasses to protect against UV damage.
• Take breaks from screens to reduce digital eye strain.

Need to book an eye test? Visit your local optician or check the NHS website for free eye test eligibility.