malfunctions

• malfunctions of the eye:

  Glaucoma


  Possible causes:

  • Most cases of glaucoma are caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye when fluid from the aqueous humour is unable to drain properly. This increase in pressure damages the optic nerve.
• Glaucoma 


  • Certain things can increase the risk, including:
  • Age - glaucoma becomes more common as you get older.
  • Ethnicity - people of African, Caribbean Or Asian origin are at a higher risk.
  • Family history - you are more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a parent/sibling with the condition.
  • Other medical conditions - conditions such as diabetes make glaucoma more likely.
• Glaucoma 


  Effects:

  • Glaucoma does not usually cause any symptoms to begin with. It tends to develop slowly over many years and affects the edges of vision (peripheral vision) first.
  • Many people don't realise they have glaucoma, and it may only be found during a routine eye test.
  • Symptoms may include blurred vision or seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights.
  • If left untreated the build-up of fluid presses on the optic nerve, destroying it and eventually causing blindness.
• Age-related macular degeneration


  Possible causes:

  • The exact cause is unknown. AMD has been linked to smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of the condition.
• Age-related macular degeneration


  Effects:

  • AMD doesn't cause total blindness, but it can make everyday activities like reading and recognising faces difficult as there is gradual loss of central vision.
  • Without treatment, vision may get worse. This can happen gradually over several years (dry AMD), or quickly over a few weeks or months (wet AMD).
  • Seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked.
  • Objects looking smaller than normal.
  • Colours seeming less bright than they used to.
  • Seeing things that aren't there (hallucinations).
• Cataracts


  Possible causes:

  • Diabetes
  • Exposure to ultra-violet (UV) light in sunlight
  • Taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids or statins, for a long time
  • Smoking and drinking too much alcohol
  • A family history of cataracts
• Cataracts


  Effects:

  • Changes in the lens, usually caused by ageing, result in cloudy patches developing in the lens.
  • Causes blurred, cloudy or misty vision.Colours may look pale or less clear.Everything may have a brown or yellow tinge.
  • May have small patches or areas of less clear vision.
  • Bright lights may be dazzling or uncomfortable to look at.
  • More difficult to see in dim or bright light; light may be uncomfortable to look at.
  • May have double vision.
• Retinopathy


  Possible causes:

  This is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the retina. Even in well-controlled diabetes, over time high blood sugar levels cause blood vessels to narrow and leak, resulting in abnormal blood flow to the retina. This damages the cells in the retina.
• Retinopathy


  Effects:

  • Can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.
• Malfunctions of the ear

  Deafness


  Possible causes:

  • Gradual hearing loss can be due to ageing or to exposure to loudnoises over many years.
  • Conductive hearing loss may be due to a blockage such as earwax or to an infection that can cause a build-up of fluid, or because of a perforated ear drum. It may also result from changes in oestrogen levels in women, in pregnancy, or through genetic disposition.
• Malfunctions of the ear

  Deafness


  Possible causes:

  • Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear or damage to the auditory nerve. Viral infections such as measles, mumps and meningitis are causes. Damage to the inner ear can also be caused by a blow to the head or exposure to a very loud noise such as an explosion.
• deafness


  Effects:

  • Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say.
  • Asking people to repeat themselves.
  • Difficulty hearing on the phone.
  • Finding it hard to keep up with a conversation.
  • Having to turn up the TV or music to a volume higher than other people need.
  • Deafness; complete loss of hearing; requiring a hearing aid or implant.
• Treatments for eye malfunctions

  Glaucoma


  The treatments aim to reduce the pressure in the eye, in order to stop vision getting worse.

  • Daily eye drops administered by the individual themselves. This is the most common form of treatment.
  • Regular appointments to monitor the condition and check that the eye drop treatment is working.
  • Laser treatment to open up blocked drainage tubes or reduce the fluid production in the eye.
  • Surgery to improve the drainage of fluid.
• Treatments for eye malfunctions

  Age-related macular degeneration


  Dry AMD:

  • There is no treatment to cure the condition.
  • Stopping smoking and having a diet with plenty of leafy green vegetables may help slow the progression; also taking dietary supplements.
  • The doctor will refer the individual to support services to help adapt to having sight problems.
• Treatments for eye malfunctions

  Age-related degeneration


  Wet AMD:

  • Regular scans to monitor the condition.
  • Injections into the eye, monthly to begin with, then less frequently but ongoing.
  • Photodynamic therapy uses laser treatment. A light-sensitive dye is injected, then a laser is used that activates the dye to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
• Treatments for eye malfunctions

  Cataracts


  Monitoring and treatment:

  • Regular monitoring eye examinations to check the cataract's development.
  • Stronger glasses and brighter reading lights may help for a while.
  • Surgery will eventually be needed to remove the lens and replace it - This is done one eye at a time to check that it works well.
• Treatments for eye malfunctions

  Retinopathy


  Monitoring:

  • Monitor and control blood sugar levels, also blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Attend diabetic eye-screening appointments.

  Treatment:

  • Injections of medication into the eyes.
  • Laser treatment.
  • An operation to remove scar tissue from the eyes.
• Treatments for hearing loss


  • earwax can be sucked out or softened with ear drops
  • hearing aid
  • implants - devices that are attached to the skull or placed deep inside the ear
  • different ways of communicating may have to be learned, such as sign language or lip reading
• Impacts on lifestyle and care needs of eye and ear malfunctions


  • Side-effects of medication or treatment.
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring appointments to attend.
  • Recovery from surgery for implants or cataracts.
  • Healthy eating, dietary changes.
  • Taking care to avoid injuries due to falls because of not seeing properly
  • avoid trip hazards.
  • May become housebound if sight is lost.
  • Home adaptions to cope with sight loss, adapted computer screen, use of magnifiers, good lighting.
• Impacts on lifestyle and care needs of eye and ear malfunctions


  • Different ways of communicating may have to be learned, such as sign language or lip reading, braille.
  • Loss of independence.
  • Problems with reading, driving - may affect ability to work, may have to change job.
  • Feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate hard while listening if hearing is poor.
  • May lead to loss of employment if the individual cannot do the job anymore, even with adaptions made by the employer, due to hearing or sight loss.
  • Emotional and social effects.
• It must be remembered, however, that receiving appropriate treatment and making lifestyle changes can help individuals remain active by managing their symptoms and minimising the effects of their condition, enabling them to work and live a full and active life.
• There are hearing and sight loss charities that can provide a lot of support for individuals to help them adjust and maintain their independence. For example, the RNIB (Royal National Institute for Blind People) provides courses on living with sight loss and reading services. Action on Hearing Loss provides information on treatments, hearing health and assistive technology.