Visual Impairment

Question 1

Facts on macular degeneration

Answer 1

Most common eye condition in the UK
Macular disease- Collective term used for several conditions causing damage to the retina
Macular- Central part of the retina used for detailed work
Treatment:
-No cure
-Can be slowed or halted in some cases with medical treatment

Question 2

Facts on Retinitis pigmentosa

Answer 2

Disease of the retina which leads to reduction in vision

Night and peripheral vision are first to be affected, followed by difficulties reading and colour vision

Question 3

Facts on Glaucoma

Answer 3

Condition affecting the optic nerve
40% of the optic nerve can be damaged before vision loss is noticed
Irreversible

Question 4

Facts on Diabetic retinopathy

Answer 4

Most common cause of blindness in adults >65 yrs
Blood vessels supplying the retina are damaged
Can be treated by laser to stop progression but is irreversible

Question 5

Facts on Charles Bonnet syndrome

Answer 5

New fantasy pictures or old pictures stored in the brain are released and experienced as though they were seen
Affects people with serious sight loss e.g. age related macular degeneration, retinal disorders with loss of vision

Question 6

Some random facts to know

Answer 6

1. How many people in the UK are living with sight loss?
   2 million
2. How many are registered as blind or partially sighted?
   360,000
   By 2050 it is predicted the number of people with sight loss will rise to:
   4million
3. NHS expenditure on eye health costs per year is:
   >£2billion
4. What percentage of sight loss is preventable?
   >50%
5. Adults with learning disabilities are 10X more likely to be blind or partially sighted than the general population
6. What percentage of books is available in large print/braille/audio to those with sight loss?
   7%
7. Does smoking affect eyesight and/or sight loss?
   Yes
8. Is the highest proportion of those with sight loss male of female?
   2/3 are women

Question 7

Which eye conditions are the main causes of sight loss in the UK?

Answer 7

Age related macular degeneration
Cataract
Glaucoma
Diabetes
Refractive error

Question 8

List 3 factors that contribute to maintaining good eye health.

Answer 8

Regular eye checks by optician/optometrist
Exercise
Not smoking
Maintaining good weight/BMI
Eating vegetables/oily fish/healthy diet
Wearing sunglasses

Question 9

How often should you have your eyes tested?

Answer 9

At least every 2 years

Every year if a condition is diagnosed or if elderly