Disease screening

This extensive eye examination consists of three assessments. Visual acuity Assesses how well a person can see in both short and long distance. If visual acuity assesses is not adequate this may indicate:

• Requirement for glasses or contact lenses
• Possible presence of conditions such as cataract, macular degeneration or optic nerve disease

If any abnormality is found then a follow up by an Optometrist or Eye Specialist may be required. Intraocular pressure Assesses patient?s internal pressure (unrelated to blood pressure)

• If it is normal, no treatment is required
• Elevated eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve resulting in loss of vision, a condition called glaucoma

Retinal photography Performed to check the condition of the retina, in particular the optic disc, the macula (the central part of the retina used for fine vision such as reading) and the vascular system. Optic disc abnormalities may occur in such diseases as:

• Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve and loss of peripheral vision) usually associated with elevated eye pressure but occasionally may occur at normal or low eye pressure
• Multiple sclerosis
• Increased intracranial pressure (which may indicate certain brain disease or tumors)

The macula is checked for degeneration especially related to age. This can result in lost of central vision and is a major cause of legal blindness in the over 50?s age. The vascular system of the retina is examined to detect:

•  Diabetes and its effect on the eyes
•  Hypertension (increased blood pressure)
•  Atherosclerosis (hardening of blood vessels), which can give an indication of heart disease and risk of stroke. Further investigations would be required
•  Blood clots may indicate risk of stroke

Conclusions and recommendations. This typed document, posted to each participant, indicates what the results have shown and suggests if follow up is required for further investigation, evaluation or treatment. An indication is given regarding the type of follow up (if needed)

• Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist)
• Optometrist and/or