Eye Disorders Explained

Glaucoma

A disease where the pressure within the eye is increased, and can damage parts of the eye and if left untreated can cause blindness. There are not always symptoms for glaucoma, so it is advisable to have your eyes checked at least every 24 months. Your optometrist will measure the pressure of your eye during your regular eye examination. Treatment usually consists of special drops to control pressure however in advanced cases laser surgery may be necessary.

Cataract

A clouding of the lens inside the eye giving you misty vision. Imagine looking through white tissue-paper to give you an idea. Symptoms are a gradual painless decrease in vision clarity and increased sensitivity to glare and sometimes double vision. Treatment is removal of the lens and insertion of an artificial lens also known as an intra-ocular lens.

Macular Degeneration

A disease which causes permanent damage to the macula, the central part of the retina. Regular eye exams are recommended for early detection and treatment. Macular degeneration can be age or toxin related. Treatment is vitamin supplements, and vitamin injections directly to the eye. Wearing sunglasses in bright light, and good nutrition can help slow and or prevent this condition.

Pterygium

A growth of degenerative tissue on the sclera (white part of the eyeball) which can sometimes grow onto the cornea. It is usually on the nasal side of the eyeball. It is caused by irritation and long term exposure to UV light, wind glare or dust. Treatment is removal by surgery, eye drops, protective eye wear.

Floaters

Semi-transparent specks of natural materials which float in your visual field. They can look like you have worms or spiders floating in your eye (best seen when looking at a bright plain background) They can be caused by remnants of an artery (the hyaloid) which is present in your eye before birth, injury or eye disease. A sudden onset of floaters can indicate a serious retinal condition. Your optometrist will determine what steps if any need to be taken.

Blepharitis

An inflammation around the edges of the eyelids. Symptoms are sore, red irritated eye lids, crusted eye lashes and foreign body discomfort. Treatment is improved lid hygiene. Lid Care is used to clean the lids and lashes and ocular lubricants for dryness and sometimes antibiotic eye-drops. This infection is associated with conjunctivitis which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva also known as pink eye.

Diabetic Retinopathy

A condition of the retina which occurs when diabetes damages retinal blood vessels causing haemorrhages on the retina. 30% of all diabetics already have retinal damage. Treatment is laser coagulation of the damaged blood vessels and works well if detected early.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Occurs when your eyes are no longer able to naturally produce moisture (tears). The causes can be age, environment or medication. The symptoms are easily treated. We recommend a thorough evaluation by your optometrist, then the symptoms can be treated. Symptoms: Stinging or burning, Irritation, Redness, Dry sensation.

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