VI Resources
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
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Description: AMD is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. There are two types: dry AMD (more common) and wet AMD (more severe).
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Symptoms: Blurred central vision, difficulty seeing fine details, dark or empty areas in the center of vision, and distorted vision (straight lines appear wavy).
For more information about AMD, visit: https://www.macularsociety.org/
Diabetic Retinopathy
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Description: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina. It can cause vision loss and even blindness if untreated.
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Symptoms: Early stages may have no symptoms, but as it progresses, symptoms include blurred vision, dark spots or floaters, and difficulty with color perception.
For more information about Diabetic Retinopathy, visit: https://retinauk.org.uk/
Charles Bonnet Syndrome
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Description: Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a condition that causes visual hallucinations in individuals who have experienced sight loss. It occurs when the brain, deprived of visual input due to eye conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, begins to "fill in the gaps" with false images, despite the person being aware that the hallucinations are not real.
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Symptoms: The symptom of CBS is visual hallucinations, which can range from simple patterns or shapes to complex scenes, such as people or animals. These hallucinations are typically clear and vivid, but individuals with CBS usually understand that they are not seeing actual objects. The frequency and complexity of the hallucinations vary, and they often occur when the person is in a calm environment, like at home. Importantly, CBS does not involve changes in mental status or cognition.
For more information about Charles Bonnet Syndrome, visit: https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk/
At our focus group on Wednesday 23rd October 2024, we had the pleasure of having Judith Potts from Esme's Umbrella speak about Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Watch the Zoom recording below:
Glaucoma
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Description: Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. It can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.
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Symptoms: In its early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include loss of peripheral (side) vision, blurred vision, and, in acute cases, severe eye pain, nausea, and headaches.
For more information about Glaucoma, visit: https://glaucoma.uk/
Cataracts
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Description: Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, often due to aging, which reduces vision clarity. They are the leading cause of blindness worldwide but are usually treatable.
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Symptoms: Blurry or cloudy vision, faded colors, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and seeing "halos" around lights.
For more information about Cataracts, visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/eye-conditions-az/cataracts/
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP)
Description: Retinitis Pigmentosa is a group of inherited eye diseases that cause gradual damage to the retina, leading to vision loss. It primarily affects the rod cells (for night and peripheral vision) and later the cone cells (for color and central vision).
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Symptoms: Night blindness, loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision), difficulty seeing in low light, and reduced color vision. As the condition progresses, central vision may also decline.
For more information about RP, visit: