Eye Diseases

Eye diseases are relatively rare, although they become more common as we get older. All eye diseases should be regarded as serious – even diseases that appear mild have the potential to cause serious damage if not treated appropriately.

Many serious eye diseases do not have dramatic symptoms. Some people with serious eye diseases don’t realise there is a problem until they’ve suffered irreversible damage.

Everyone should have a checkup from an optometrist or ophthalmologist every two years. Your optometrist may recommend more frequent checks if you’re at higher risk.

If you suspect you have an eye disease, visit your optometrist.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is damage to the macula. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. FAQs on Age-related macular degeneration

For those with diabetes changes may occur and damage the retina at the back of the eye. The risk of developing retinopathy increases with the length of time you have had diabetes. FAQs on diabetic retinopathy

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the clear lens inside the eye. This cloudiness results in poor vision in the same way that a dirty window scatters light. FAQs on Cataract. FAQs on cataract

Glaucoma is a condition in which the nerve cells which transmit information from the eye to the brain become damaged and prevents visual information from getting from the retina in the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is often associated with a build-up of pressure in the eye. FAQs on glaucoma

A pterygium (pronounced ter-idge-ee-um, plural: pterygia) is a triangular-shaped lump of tissue with blood vessels that grows from the conjunctiva (the thin membrane that covers the white of the eye) on to the cornea (the clear central part of the eye). FAQs on pterygium