Medical Conditions

While it’s easy to take our vision for granted, there are many problems that can occur with both our vision and eye health. Some of these issues could be a result of underlying medical conditions that result in changes to different parts of our eyes.

At every eye exam, we routinely screen for a wide range of changes to the eye structure and function.

Early detection and management could mean better long term ocular health and sight.

Common eye problems

Cataracts:

The lens inside the eye becomes cloudy because of, amongst other things, advanced age, exposure to UV, smoking, diabetes, or steroid medication.

Symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty reading and doing everyday activities, or noticing that colours appear duller. You may think your glasses are dirty but they aren’t.

Surgery can often remove cataracts and correct vision (and is a very commonplace procedure).

Floaters and Flashes:

Floaters are small dark shapes floating across vision and can look like spiderwebs.

Flashes are bright lights occurring intermittently.

Both are common and may or may not require treatment. New floaters or flashes that don’t go away could be a sign of a serious eye condition.

An exam and diagnosis are vital as these could be symptoms of something more serious such as a retinal detachment.  Any sudden onset accompanied by pain and/ or visual disturbance needs urgent attention, especially if following any head injury.

Pterygium:

This is a vascular, fleshy yellow or white growth in the white conjunctiva of the eye. Most commonly found on the nasal side but can appear on the temple side too. The cause is exposure to UV, eg in outdoor workers and surfers.

Symptoms include dry eyes, burning, itching, and watery eyes. In some cases, it may need to be surgically removed.

An optometrist can provide suggestions regarding UV protection and symptomatic relief with eye drops.

Macular Degeneration:

This is a relatively common eye condition in the older community, that may blur the central vision in more advanced cases.

Regular eye exams are important in early detection. While there is no cure, optometrists can suggest supplements and discuss a balanced diet rich in certain nutrients.

Diabetic Retinopathy:

People with longstanding and/ or poorly or uncontrolled diabetes will suffer from this condition that can, in advanced cases, lead to vision loss. The blood vessels of the retina may be compromised leading to bleeds. Good diabetic care is vital, as well as annual eye exams to monitor the retina and refer to an opthalmologist when necessary for laser treatment or surgery.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):

This condition may be from bacteria, viruses or allergies. A diagnosis is important to help with management with appropriate drops. There may be swelling, redness, itchiness and pain, plus light sensitivity.  Eyes will be red and the discharge may be pus, mucous or more watery. It may be contagious, so avoid touching the eyes, wash hands often and do not share towels. 

Glaucoma:

This eye disease can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve inside the eye.

It is common in people aged over 60 years and can run in families. As there are no symptoms at first, regular eye exams are important, as visual loss is slow.

Glaucoma can eventually cause blindness without treatment. Early treatment can prevent damage and protect vision with eye drops, medication, and surgery.

If you’re worried about changes in your vision, please see our list of refractive errors here.