KEEP AN EYE ON IT
Hindsight may be 20/20, but you’d be better off having an accurate picture of your eye health sooner rather than later. Optometrist Mariam Baissy from Bay Eye Care explains why silent eye diseases often go unnoticed.
PHOTO SALINA GALVAN
As we age and our eyes change, serious conditions can develop long before we notice anything’s wrong. Helpfully, optometrist Mariam Baissy of Bay Eye Care is here to explain why some eye diseases can go unnoticed and how early detection and preventative measures can protect your vision.
UNO: Mariam, why do eye conditions such as these often go unnoticed until it’s too late? Mariam: Many eye conditions develop gradually and often without obvious symptoms. For example, glaucoma slowly damages the optic nerve, and macular degeneration affects central vision subtly at first. Because early changes are painless and vision loss can be gradual, people may not notice anything until the condition is advanced. If you have a family history, your risk is higher, making regular eye checks especially important, as they can detect these conditions early before noticeable vision loss occurs.
What exactly is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye. It’s called the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it often develops slowly with no early symptoms. Peripheral vision is affected first, so many people don’t realise they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has occurred.
How does ageing increase our risk of conditions like this? As we age, the tissues and structures of the eye naturally change, which can increase susceptibility to disease. For glaucoma, the drainage system of the eye may become less efficient, raising eye pressure. In macular degeneration, cumulative damage to the light-sensitive cells in the macula – responsible for sharp, fine-detail vision – affects central vision. Genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking and high blood pressure also contribute, but ageing remains a major driver.
What are the early warning signs of macular degeneration? Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision, so early signs can include blurry or distorted sight, difficulty reading or straight lines appearing wavy. Glaucoma can advance silently, whereas macular changes, especially central distortion, may stand out more to the person experiencing them.
How much do lifestyle choices really influence the risk of eye disease? Lifestyle habits do matter for eye health. Diets rich in leafy greens, colourful vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids support retinal health. Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for macular degeneration, and high blood pressure and obesity also increase risk. Even though genetics and age still play a major role, protecting eyes from UV light, staying active, and managing overall health can help slow vision- threatening changes.
What can be done for someone who’s diagnosed with glaucoma or macular degeneration? Early diagnosis is key. Glaucoma can be managed with prescription eye drops, laser treatment or surgery to reduce eye pressure and protect vision. For macular degeneration, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements and in some cases injections or laser therapy can slow progression. For those with a strong family history, genetic testing, such as that offered at Bay Eye Care, can help assess risk and guide monitoring. Although these conditions can’t always be fully reversed, treatment can preserve remaining vision and maintain quality of life.