On Wednesday 2nd October Specsavers Opticas in Fuengirola held an eye health information day with talks about various ocular diseases including Glaucoma, Cataracts and Macular degeneration. It informed visitors how to identify the signs and seek treatment, before their vision becomes damaged, as well as discussing the process of having an eye test.

This event also marked the launch of a campaign to improve the sight of the world’s poorest people by collecting thousands of glasses to send to developing countries. Specsavers have set the ambitious target of collecting 3,000 pairs of glasses over a three month campaign to help those in Africa and India where people desperately need access to glasses. All residents of Fuengirola and Marbella are being encouraged to bring their old glasses into their nearest store between now and January to be donated to the Lions Club. They are located on Avenida Ramόn Y Cajal 6 Fuengirola (Near the bus station) and Avenida de Ricardo Soriano 12, Local 5A Marbella. 

Common eye diseases 

As part of the event, Judy Borland, Store Director, discussed the following conditions as well as common problems such as headaches, issues with eye lids, how diabetes effects eye sight and much more. 

Cataracts

It is normal for the lens inside the eye to change with age. With most people, the lens gradually becomes less clear and not as much light is able to pass through. This natural loss of clarity leads eventually to the development of dense, opaque areas, or cataracts. Cataracts are almost always present by the time people reach about 70, however, the age at which cataracts develop can be affected by factors such as exposure to sunlight, heredity and health problems such as diabetes. Treatment is by means of surgical removal of the cataract – a procedure with an extremely high success rate. Patients generally experience greatly enhanced colour as well as clarity of vision following cataract surgery. 

Macular Degeneration

As people get older, the retina, which lines the back of the eye, often develops pigmented spots. In a minority of cases, the increase in the number of these spots is associated with a breakdown in the normal function of the retina, particularly around the part of the retina which is called the macula and is associated with central vision. This condition is known as AMD or age-related macular degeneration and over time it can lead to loss of central vision. There are two main types of AMD, called ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. Treatment has shown some benefit in the wet form of AMD if detected early, so it is important to attend for a regular eye examination with the optometrist. For those with the dry form, special types of spectacles with magnifying lenses are available to help with daily activities.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually due to raised pressure in the eye. Untreated, this condition can cause permanent blind spots in the vision. Treatment of the problem in the early stages, usually with eye drops, reduces the possibility of damage. The patient may not be aware of changes in their vision until nerve damage has occurred, so it is important to have regular eye examinations with the optometrist so problems can be detected. Glaucoma is often hereditary, so close relatives of people with glaucoma have a greater risk and therefore need annual check-ups. 

Visit www.specsavers.es for information about eye health, to find your nearest store and book a comprehensive free eye test including digital retinal photography.