Glaucoma is 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.

A Cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye giving you misty vision (try looking through white tissue-paper to give you an idea). Symptoms are a gradual painless decrease in vision/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 is a disease which causes permanent damage to the macula (the central part of the retina).  Regular eye exams will allow early detection and treatment.  Macular degeneration can be age or toxin related.  Treatment is vitamin supplements.  Good sunglasses (ultra-violet protection) can help slow / prevent this condition.

Pterygium is a growth of degenerative tissue on the sclera (white of the eye) sometimes it can 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 (sunglasses).

Floaters are 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 is 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 is 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.