Eye simulator ruins Mona Lisa's smile to reveal impact of avoidable eye conditions like cataracts

Six million people in the UK are living with eye conditions that could make them go blind but a new eye simulator is raising awareness by demonstrating what it’s like to have conditions like cataracts by distorting landscapes and works of art.

The eye condition simulator has been created by Forbes Solicitors, which deals with clinical negligence, to highlight poor eye health's effect on vision by showing how various eye conditions can hinder the way people see the world around them.

The tool simulates conditions including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy to try to encourage people to act quickly and get eyes checked if they experience any symptoms like floaters.

Floaters impact vision and appear as squiggly lines

Viewers of 10 images can move sliders to reveal how iconic images like Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa can be wrecked by floaters. Floaters appear as squiggly lines or cobweb-like shapes which can occur without reason as a result of aging. Floaters can also be caused by posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) - where the gel inside your eye separates from the retina.

Dark spots linked to diabetes

The simulator ensures a view of the grand canyon is marred by dark spots. Dark spots are a symptom of diabetic retinopathy - a complication of diabetes, caused by blood sugar levels damaging the retina. It can cause blindness if left untreated.

In a statement, the charity Age UK said: “Vision problems can lead to a higher risk of falls, driving accidents, and incorrect use of medications. They can also make day-to-day life harder."

Failing eyesight can have devastating consequences. A cyclist was killed after an 82-year-old driver accidentally knocked him off his bike. Peter Gardner's poor eyesight meant he could only see 10ft in front of him and could 'only read a registration plate at three metres away' – as opposed to the required 20m.

Jim Tassell died after suffering a fatal head injury when Mr Gardener drove into him in Andover last year. As a result, Mr Tassell’s daughter is now campaigning for a change in law to require eyesight tests for drivers over 70 who are seeking to renew their driving licence.

Cataracts can discolour vision

As cataracts become more advanced, a person’s vision can begin to darken with a yellow or brown tinge. Such discolouration can also be a symptom of diabetes, age-related macular degeneration and multiple sclerosis. Surgery is usually offered on the NHS and the misty lens is replaced with a clear plastic lens.

Age UK added: “The best way to make sure your eyes are healthy is to have regular eye checks. Many eye diseases can be treated successfully if they are detected early.”