Common Eye Diseases And Vision Problems
Our eye care professionals provide effective treatment and management strategies for a wide range of vision problems in patients of all ages. Whether you're experiencing farsightedness, known as hyperopia, that causes close-up objects such as books or computer screens to appear blurry and out-of-focus, conjunctivitis (pink eye) that can cause itchiness and swelling, or dry eyes that can make your eyes sore and sensitive to light, we can help - and with a lot more, too.
Our optometrists use a range of advanced technology to detect changes to your vision and eye health early, and accurately differentiate between various conditions that may initially appear to have similar symptoms. Whether you require a regular eye exam, have been meaning to have a vision disturbance checked for some time, or are experiencing pain or discomfort in or around your eye, you’re in the right place with us.
Here are just a few of the many eye diseases and vision problems that our optometrists see and treat on a daily basis.
Cataracts
Cataracts are characterised by opaque patches that develop within the lens of the eye. They are prevalent in individuals over the age of 80 and can also occur in people who have been exposed to excessive UV rays, have a history of smoking, or suffer from diabetes. Initially, cataracts may not cause noticeable symptoms, but over time, you may experience a gradual decrease in vision clarity, colour desaturation, or blurred vision that makes it difficult to perform daily activities such as watching television. The good news is that cataracts can be removed effectively with surgery, which can not only restore your vision but also involve the insertion of an artificial lens into your eye. Early detection of cataracts is possible through a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist, allowing for timely intervention to help avoid your vision deteriorating.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the central vision, causing it to become blurry. This occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for our central vision, becomes damaged due to advancing age. AMD is a common cause of vision loss in people over 65 years old and is more prevalent in smokers. While it doesn't cause complete blindness, it can make daily activities, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces, difficult. As AMD may progress slowly without noticeable symptoms at first, it's important to have regular eye exams to detect it early. This will allow your eye care professional to provide appropriate treatment, such as certain vitamins and minerals, injections, or laser treatments, to prevent further vision loss.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes affect people of all ages, making your eyes feel scratchy, sore, stinging and sensitive to light, or as if you have a speck of sand trapped in your eye. Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay wet, or when your tears don’t work correctly, and contributing factors to this can include time spent staring at your phone or computer which reduces our blinking rate, exposure to smoke or dry air, wearing contact lenses, allergies, and even the ageing process. Certain medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and hormone replacement therapy can also cause or exacerbate dry eyes, alongside conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome.
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, it is important to seek treatment from an eye care professional. They may recommend artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or lifestyle modifications such as taking regular breaks from screen time, increasing humidity in your environment, and wearing protective eyewear in windy or dusty conditions. By properly managing dry eyes, you can alleviate discomfort and prevent potential vision problems.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and even blindness by damaging the optic nerve cells at the back of the eye that transmit visual information to the brain. Typically affecting people over 60 years of age, glaucoma is often asymptomatic at first, with up to 50% of sufferers unaware of the condition until detected during an eye exam by an optometrist.
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to a loss of peripheral vision, and eventually complete blindness. While there is no cure, early treatment can often prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision using methods such as eye drops, medication, and surgery. The best way to diagnose glaucoma is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam performed by an experienced optometrist.
Colour Blindness
Colour blindness (colour impairment) occurs when your eyes perceive colours differently from others, often struggling to distinguish between red and green or blue and yellow shades. In some rare cases, those with complete colour blindness are unable to see any colour at all. Although this condition is hereditary and there is no complete cure, most are able to adapt and continue with their daily routine without significant impact. Optometrists can prescribe customised glasses or contact lenses to improve vision and colour detection if desired.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is an eye infection that can cause noticeable inflammation and redness in both the whites of the eye and the inner lining of the eyelid. It can also cause itching, pain, and a sticky discharge that may cause the eyelashes to stick together, especially upon waking in the morning.
Pink eye can be caused by various factors such as allergens like animals or pollen, bacteria, or viruses, and can be highly contagious. To prevent the spread of the infection to others, it’s crucial to practise good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items like towels, sunglasses, or makeup. Fortunately, most cases of pink eye resolve on their own, but some types may require specialised treatment from an optometrist. If the symptoms worsen, affect your vision, or cause pain, it is recommended to consult with an optometrist. It's also important to seek immediate medical attention for babies suspected of having pink eye.
Flashes and Floaters
Flashes appear as bright specks in your vision that resemble light streaks, shooting stars, or camera flashes. Floaters refer to small dark shapes, such as spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobwebs, that drift across your vision. As we age, it's common to experience flashes and floaters intermittently, and they may not require medical attention. If you notice significant new floaters or flashes that appear suddenly and persist, see your optometrist as this could be indicative of a more severe eye condition.
Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes, you may be at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness by damaging the blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy may not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages, which is why early detection through regular eye exams is key. Early treatment can aid in preventing further damage and improving your vision. To help protect your vision, aim to keep your diabetes under control by staying physically active, consuming a healthy diet, and adhering to your diabetic medication regimen. Our optometrists can help you locate treatments for more advanced cases, which may include laser therapy or surgery.
Pterygium (Fleshy Growth)
A pterygium, which is pronounced “te-ridge-e-um”, is a growth of vascular and fleshy tissue that typically has a triangular shape and appears in the corner of the eye. It often develops from prolonged exposure to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) light, which makes it more prevalent in individuals who live in sunny areas or those who frequently spend time outdoors such as farmers, skiers, and fishermen. While it grows slowly over time, it can eventually cover a large part of the eye and cause symptoms such as burning, itching, and watery eyes, which are typical of dry eyes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the pterygium and alleviate these symptoms.
Refractive Errors
A refractive error is a type of vision problem that occurs when the eye’s shape prevents light from focusing directly on the back of the eye, resulting in blurry vision and other problems. This can make it hard to see clearly, it includes issues such as near-sightedness, long-sightedness, and lazy eye.
For many people, the changes to their vision occur so gradually over time, that they often don’t notice it happening - and so don’t realise that they need optical care or that their eyesight isn’t as good as it could be. This is why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important to maintain your vision and pick up on issues as soon as they arise.
There are five common types of refractive errors:
• Nearsightedness (myopia) - makes far-away objects look blurry
• Farsightedness (hyperopia) - makes nearby objects look blurry
• Astigmatism - can make both far-away and nearby objects look blurry or distorted
• Mature vision (presbyopia) - affects those in their early to mid-40s and older, making it difficult to see things up close
• Amblyopia (lazy eye) - occurs in infancy or early childhood, and usually affects one eye. Symptoms can include a wandering eye or eyes that may not appear to work together
Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment occurs when the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye, known as the retina, is pulled away from its usual position. Symptoms may not be apparent, but sudden changes in vision, such as new floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain in your field of vision, may be present. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency, and immediate attention from an optometrist or the emergency room is crucial if you experience any symptoms.
UV Damage
The cells in our eyes can be easily damaged by UV radiation from the sun, screens, or indoor lighting, similar to our skin. This can cause harm to the retina and lens, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, or blurry vision. While mild cases may heal on their own, repeated exposure can increase the risk of eye and eyelid cancers, cataracts, and other conditions. It is recommended to have an eye exam and order UV-blocking or blue light sunglasses from your optometrist to prevent such damage. Custom-built options are available for both adults and children.
No matter your concern, we’re here to help. To book your comprehensive eye exam with one of our experienced team members, contact one of your local Optical Warehouse clinics across Queensland here.
