NHS: Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye (known as the retina). If it isn't treated, it can cause blindness.
It's important for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Everyone with diabetes who is 12 years old or over should have their eyes examined once a year for signs of damage.
NHS: Eye injuries
Eye injuries range from the relatively trivial, such as irritating the eye with shampoo, to the extremely serious, which can cause permanent loss of vision.
Eye injuries can occur in many settings, including at home, at work or when playing sports.
NHS: Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition which can affect sight, usually due to build up of pressure within the eye.
Glaucoma often affects both eyes, usually to varying degrees. One eye may develop glaucoma quicker than the other.
The eye ball contains a fluid called aqueous humour which is constantly produced by the eye, with any excess drained though tubes.
Glaucoma develops when the fluid cannot drain properly and pressure builds up, known as the intraocular pressure.
This can damage the optic nerve (which connects the eye to the brain) and the nerve fibres from the retina (the light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye).
NHS: Squint
A squint is a condition where the eyes point in different directions.
One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards while the other eye looks forward. The medical name for a squint is strabismus.
Hounslow Community Ophthalmology Service
The newly formed Hounslow Community Ophthalmology Service (HCOS) is now working in partnership with Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide a Consultant led community ophthalmology clinics for NHS Hounslow.
RNIB
We’re the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and we’re here for everyone affected by sight loss. Whether you’re losing your sight or you’re blind or partially sighted, our practical and emotional support can help you face the future with confidence.
Whether you need advice on staying in work, using technology to help you do everyday tasks, or simply someone who can offer emotional support to help you come to terms with sight loss.
