Learn About Eye Conditions
Living with sight loss or changes in vision can be challenging, but knowing more about your eye condition is the first step toward managing it. Here you will find clear, accessible information on some of the most common eye conditions, their symptoms, and the support available.
Whether you have recently been diagnosed, are supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more, we are here to help you navigate the information and find the advice, services, and reassurance you need.
Supporting a child or young person? Use the child resources button below to find trusted organisations that help children with visual impairment.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
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).
Symptoms: Blurred central vision, difficulty seeing fine details, dark or empty areas in the centre of vision, and distorted vision (straight lines appear wavy).
Support in Halifax: If you are affected by AMD, you can meet others locally through the Halifax Macular Society Support Group, which offers information, encouragement, and the chance to share experiences with people who understand. Details can be found on the Macular Society website
Diabetic Retinopathy
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.
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 (CBS)
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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).
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: https://retinauk.org.uk/
Keratoconus
Description: Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to distorted and blurred vision. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be linked to genetics, environmental factors, or chronic eye rubbing.
Symptoms: Blurry or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light and glare, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions, difficulty seeing at night, and eye strain. In advanced stages, scarring of the cornea can further impair vision.
At our focus group on Wednesday 23rd April 2025, we had the pleasure of having Anne and David from Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association speak about Keratoconus. Watch the Zoom recording below:
Ushers Syndrome
Description: Usher syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects both hearing and vision. It is characterised by congenital hearing loss and progressive vision loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa, a degeneration of the retina. The condition varies in type and severity but typically leads to hearing impairment from birth or early childhood and gradual vision loss over time. Usher syndrome significantly impacts daily life, affecting communication, mobility, and independence.
Symptoms: Hearing loss present from birth or early childhood, difficulty seeing in low light or at night, narrowing of peripheral vision, and sometimes balance problems. Vision loss usually worsens progressively and can lead to dual sensory impairment, requiring additional support.
At our focus group on Wednesday 23rd July 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting representatives from Deafblind UK who spoke about Usher syndrome. They covered the different types of the condition, how it progresses, and the practical support available to help people with dual sensory loss live independently and confidently. Watch the Zoom recording below: