top of page
Close-up of person applying eye drops

Useful Information For Healthy Eyes

From Gathercole & Ward in Huntingdon and Ramsey. 
Find out a little bit more about some eye conditions. If you have any concerns, make an appointment or contact us.

Useful eye condition information

Allergic
Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers part of the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva). It is not normally serious, and is sometimes referred to as pink or red eye.

AMD Symptoms and Treatment

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the UK affecting older people. So, it’s important that any sudden changes to your vision are checked by an optometrist urgently.

Bacterial and Viral Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an infection which affects the thin layer of tissue that covers part of the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva). It is not normally serious, and is sometimes referred to as pink or red eye.

Blepharitis Symptoms and Treatment

Blepharitis causes eyelids to become red, swollen and inflamed. It doesn’t normally cause serious damage to the eyes, but it can be very uncomfortable. It tends to be a long-term condition, which means you’re likely to need ongoing treatment. Severe cases do have a risk of causing long-term damage, but fortunately these are quite rare

Flashes & Floaters

Flashes and floaters refer to abnormal visual experiences. Floaters appear as specks, dots, squiggly lines, or cobwebs “floating” in your field of vision. Flashes are sudden bursts of light. While usually harmless, new or severe symptoms should prompt an optician visit,

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, typically clear. It’s like looking through a frosty window. Risk factors include aging, family history, diabetes, and smoking. Regular sight tests help detect cataracts and underlying health conditions.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eyes occur when tears fail to lubricate the eye surface adequately. Causes include insufficient tear production, poor-quality tears, and environmental factors (central heating, air conditioning). Lubricating eye drops and proper hydration can alleviate discomfort.

Top Tips for Healthy Eyes

Please remember to schedule regular eye exams to detect any vision changes and underlying health conditions early. Also, include nutrient-rich foods in your diet and remember to quit smoking to reduce the risk of eye diseases. Don't forget to wear prescribed glasses, take regular screen breaks, protect your eyes from UV light, and combat dry eyes by blinking often and staying hydrated. Healthy eyes contribute to a better quality of life!

Contact
Gathercole & Ward Opticians

Contact Gathercole & Ward Opticians, your local opticians with practices in Huntingdon and Ramsey, for all your frames and lenses. Book your appointment using the link or details below. 

bottom of page