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Inside the Eye & Common Eye
Conditions |
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Inside the Eye...
When you are sitting there in the dark with that bright light shining
in your eye just what can we see? This section will satisfy your
curiosity!
We first posted the Interactive Eye section, which simulates what
it is like to look inside the eye, back in 1996 - at that time we
were probably the first UK optometrist with a web presence! Our
site was featured on Essex Radio and we were even having to explain
the Internet to the presenter!
Over the years these pages have become firm favourites for school
projects, and these are listed on several educational/teacher resource
pages.
The developing eye and what it shows
The eye, is probably the most complex organ in the body with the distinction
of being the only organ that has transparent tissue. This is not only
good news for we 'end-users' who use this transparency to focus light
rays in order to see, but it is also good news for healthcare professionals
as well. It gives a clear window through which the health of the eye
can be inspected. The retina is fed with a rich 'net' of blood vessels
and changes here can be indicative of changes in the rest of the blood
supply which will be better hidden. So the 'furring-up' of blood vessels
due to smoking can be visible here, as can changes from all sorts
of other conditions ranging from blood pressure to diabetes to anaemia.
The eye originally grows from the same tissue as the brain, through which
it remains connected by the optic nerve. The optic nerve can be inspected
inside the eye and it too can be an indicator of a variety of diseases
affecting the eye or elsewhere in the body. The appearance of the optic
nerve disc is important in the diagnosis of glaucoma for instance, and
pressure within the skull, from a brain tumour for example, will distort
the appearance of the disc in a characteristic way.
So, as you can see there is much more to an eye examination than finding
out whether you need glasses. Every adult should attend a routine eye
examination every two years, and children more frequently.
Do browse the explanations of topics we are commonly asked about. Should
you have a question about a topic not covered here then please email us
and we will endeavour to assist.
Common Eye Conditions...
We've provided some information on a few common eye conditions. Feel
free to email us for further information, but of course we are not
able to make a diagnosis over the internet! If you are at all concerned
by your symptoms we would strongly advise you to consult your eyecare
professional. Of course everyone should attend for a routine eye examination
every two years, even if vision seems fine. Remember - you only get
one pair of eyes - look after them.
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