Eye Conditions

During a comprehensive eye examination our optometrists can detect various eye conditions and/or signs which could indicate problems in your general health.

Listed below are a just a few of the more common eye problems or conditions. Please speak to one of our optometrists for further details.

Short-sightedness

Short-sightedness is a vision problem that causes distant objects, for example the blackboard or TV, to appear blurred, while close objects can normally be seen clearly. The medical name for short-sightedness is myopic.

Long-sightedness

Long-sightedness, or far-sightedness, is a sight problem that affects your ability to see close-up objects. People who are long-sighted can usually see better at distance but near objects appear blurred. The medical name for long-sightedness is hyperopic.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is flattened, shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. Light is focused on two points at the back of your eye, rather than just one. This is what causes your vision to become blurred. Most people have some astigmatism which is corrected with spectacles.

Presbyopia – a natural change in sight

Presbyopia is a condition in which the lens of the eye loses its ability to focus, making it more difficult to see objects up close.
The lens needs to change its shape in order to focus on closer objects. This is called the elasticity of the lens. This elasticity is slowly lost with age as the lens stiffens and thickens. The result is a slow decrease in the ability of the eye to focus on near objects. This is a natural change in sight and usually occurs in your mid forties.
Presbyopia can be corrected by lenses which help you to see near objects more easily, single vision reading lenses, bifocals or for more flexibility and convenience varifocal lenses. Speak to our dispensing opticians for further details.

Cataracts

Cataracts are common in over-60s. The lens gradually becomes cloudy, blurring vision and even leading to loss of sight if left untreated. Initially a different prescription may help but eventually surgery will be required to restore vision.
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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions which cause optic nerve damage and can affect your vision. The most common type occurs slowly, affecting your peripheral vision initially. It is often (but not always) associated with a raised pressure within the eye. This is not something you would be aware of, and there are not usually any early symptoms. This is a good reason to have regular checks.
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Macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects a small part of the retina at the back of your eye called the macula. Symptoms vary, but usually the first problem people notice is with their ability to see detail (e.g. reading), you may notice a small blurred area in your vision or see a slight bump or distortion on straight lines.
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Diabetes

Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of ways. The most serious involves leakage from the blood vessels supplying the retina (Diabetic retinopathy). Most diabetics will be on a screening program for this, seperate from the annual Optometrist check. Diabetics are also more prone to cataracts and Glaucoma as well as a greater likelihood of prescription changes.
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Blepharitis

Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelids. Oils and other products normally secreted by the eyelids. Oils and otherproducts normally secreted by the eye and eyelids build up on the lid surface and eyelashes resulting in eye irritation and often redness. It’s a common disorder that can be easily treated & managed but not cured.
Signs & Symptoms
Eye irritation, burning, tearing, foreign body sensations, crusty debris (in the lashes, in the corner of the eyes or on the lids), dryness and red eyelid margins are all signs and symptoms of blepharitis.

We have many different treatments, depending on your preferences, for blepharitis that you can buy over the counter at The Specs Factory.

Dry eye

Dry eye means that your eyes may not be making enough tears, that the tears which are being produced are of poor quality or that tears which are produced evaporate away faster than they should. The normal function of tears is to keep the surface of the eye wet and lubricated so any shortage of tears or reduction in their quality can produce a gritty, burning sensation of the eyes and can also disturb vision.
The symptoms of Dry Eye syndrome may include:

  • Dryness
  • Burning, stinging or itching
  • Gritty feeling
  • Irritation from wind or smoke
  • Blurred or smeary vision
  • Tired eyes
  • Red eyes
  • Excessive watering
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Contact lens discomfort