Common eye problems we detect and that are best treated early
Myopia – an eye condition where you cannot see distant objects clearly, more commonly known as short-sightedness.
Hyperopia – an eye condition where you cannot see clearly up close, more commonly known as long-sightedness.
Astigmatism – a common eye condition causing difficulty seeing clearly both near and far distances.
Presbyopia – the condition of reduced reading vision caused by the gradual reduction in flexibility of the lens of the eye. This is an expected change for all in the middle decades, usually commencing between the ages of 40 and 50.
Cataracts – a condition in which the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, like looking through a dirty window. Cataracts are easily seen by the optometrist using a slit lamp microscope and most commonly form after the age of 70. Advanced cataracts can be treated through referral to a cataract surgeon.
Diabetic retinopathy – occurs when the retinal blood vessels begin to leak causing damage to the nerve cells in the retina. Left untreated, this can cause irreversible vision loss, however regular eye examinations, ultra wide retinal photographs, and OCT scans (see advanced technology) will allow for early detection and therefore more effective treatment.
Glaucoma – an irreversible optic nerve disease usually caused by a build-up of pressure within the eye. It results in gradual tunnel vision effect and unfortunately is often not noticed until it is quite advanced. People over 40 and those with a family history of glaucoma are at the highest risk. Regular eye examinations, and OCT scans (advanced technology) will allow for early detection and therefore more effective treatment.
Age-related macular degeneration – also known as ARMD, this condition affects people later in life, often runs in families and can lead to significant distortion or loss of central vision. Effective treatments are available in some cases, with early diagnosis by OCT scan being crucial to the success of these treatments (advanced technology).
Dry eye – the most common and chronic cause of ocular surface irritation. Symptoms can include gritty, burning, red, stinging, and tired eyes. These can be exacerbated by environmental factors, such as air conditions, as well as certain medications, however can be managed by eye drops, gels and ointments as well as other advanced options in our dry eye clinic (dry eye clinic).
