Eye conditions
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, which is the part of the eye responsible for focusing light, and producing a clear and sharp image. Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults 55 and older.
Pterygium
A pterygium is a fleshy tissue that grows in a triangular shape over the cornea (the transparent part or front window of the eyeball). It may grow large enough to interfere with vision.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration occurs when central vision deteriorates, making reading, close work and recognising faces more difficult. The most common forms of the condition are Dry and Wet AMD. Dry AMD results in a gradual loss of central vision, and Wet AMD leads to sudden and significant changes in vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by a number of different eye diseases, which in most cases, produce increased pressure within the eye. A backup of fluid in the eye causes this elevated pressure. Over time, the pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. Through early detection, diagnosis and treatment, you and your doctor can help to preserve your vision.
Blepharitis
This is a chronic eye condition where the margins of the eyelids become inflamed, this is usually caused by bacterial infections in the glands of the eyelids and eyelash follicles. Blepharitis can cause irritation, discomfort, itchiness, and red eyes.
Floaters
Most people will experience floaters, which are small dark shapes in their vision. Floaters are particles within the jelly-like substance (vitreous body) that fills the inside of the eye. Floaters appear in our field of vision because they cast shadows onto the retina.
Flashes & Floaters
Flashes and floaters together can be a normal part of the aging process, as the vitreous body shrinks, the jelly-like substance becomes more liquid-like which can result in the vitreous separating from the retina. This is called Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). If the vitreous body is more firmly attached, as it shrinks it can pull away part of the retina; this can cause slight bleeding, called a retinal tear. When this happens, fluid can escape which can result in a retinal detachment, this is a serious issue that can impair your sight. Surgery is required to reattach the retina.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur when the eyes fail to produce the appropriate quantity or quality of tears to remain moist. The tears protect the surface of the eyes and help to keep vision clear and the eyes comfortable. Possible symptoms include red, itchy or burning eye, the sensation of something stuck in your eye, excessive tearing, difficulty or discomfort wearing contact lenses, and blurry vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can cause the tiny blood vessels in the eye to swell and leak blood, or fluid around the retina. As they heal, scar tissue is formed, leading to damage of the retina. The leakage of fluid can also lead to macular oedema, causing blurred vision. Diabetic Retinopathy can lead to blindness. Early diagnosis of DR is the best way to prevent loss of vision.
Posterior Capsule Opacification
Posterior capsule opacification occurs in around 20% of people following cataract surgery. A clouding of the capsule behind the artificial lens occurs, which can take months to years to develop after surgery. PCO does require laser treatment to remove the clouding, in order to restore vision.
Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammation of any part of the Uvea which is the middle layer of tissue of the eye. Uveitis can affect other areas of the eye that are not part of the Uvea such as the retina, it can be acute or chronic. Treatment for Uveitis is readily available.
Flashes
Small flashes of light seen may be seen with or without the onset of floaters. Flashes are usually caused by the vitreous body pulling on the Retina which occurs as the vitreous body shrinks as part of the aging process.
Chalazions
Chalazions are lumps that develop on the eyelids. These lumps often start out as a small, red, tender, swollen area of the eyelid. Chalazions develop due to blockages and swelling of an oil gland on the eyelid. Warm compresses to the eyelid can sometimes aid chalazions to go away on their own. If they do not go away, your ophthalmologist can excise the area, this is a minor procedure that can be done in our treatment room at the clinic.
Corneal Abrasions/Ulcers
A corneal abrasion is caused by some form of trauma to the eye which has damaged the surface of the eye. A Corneal Ulcer is an open wound on the cornea, usually as a result of a bacterial infection. This should be treated promptly as it can cause loss of vision if left untreated.