Eye Conditions – information and related support services

There are many eye conditions and each of them affects a person’s sight differently. Having accurate information of your eye condition can help you understand and come to terms with what is happening.

Useful information is available through several organisations.

• Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
• Action for Blind People
• Open Sight

There are a number of organisations that provide information, support and advice on specific eye conditions and how to cope with the particular effects of these conditions.

Macular Degeneration

• The Macular Disease Society (registered charity No 1001198)
  www.maculardisease.org

Glaucoma

• The International Glaucoma Association (registered charity No 274681)
  http://www.glaucoma-association.com/

Diabetes related eye conditions

• Diabetes UK (registered charity No 215199)

Retinitis Pigmentosa

• British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society (registered charity No 271729)
  www.brps.org.uk

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS)

• This is a term used to describe a situation experienced by people with a significant sight loss. When the eyes are no longer working as they should the brain attempts to make sense of the messages it’s receiving, resulting in the person seeing images, which they know are not really there – often known as visual hallucinations. The images might be of people, animals, objects or patterns. This can be quite worrying for people if they don’t know why it is happening and often people do not speak out about it because they are concerned about the reactions they will face. Most cases of CBS are temporary and can be helped by talking to a sight loss professional about it. Some people might worry that these images are related to their physical or mental health, which is why it is important to discuss this with your GP or eye doctor at the hospital. A very comprehensive guide to CBS can be found on the RNIB website via http://www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth/eyeconditions/conditionsac/Pages/charles_bonnet.aspx

Please note

The information given in this site is for general guidance only. If you have any questions about your specific situation then please consult your Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or your GP.