Eye Conditions and Treatments

A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to impaired vision. In its most advanced form, the pupil may appear white, and cataracts are a major cause of correctable blindness worldwide. Fortunately, with proper treatment, vision can often be restored, significantly improving quality of life.

Diabetes can affect the eye in several ways. It can impair your vision by causing cataracts.  More importantly, diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to severe vision loss if not properly managed.

Glaucoma is a common eye condition, or group of conditions, that can lead to blindness. It is the second most common cause of blindness in New Zealand and around the world. Glaucoma typically involves damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased pressure in the eye. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing severe vision impairment.

There are two kinds of growths over the eye: a pterygium and a pinguecula. Both are benign growths over the cornea and the conjunctiva and are fairly common. However, they should be monitored by an eye care professional, especially if they cause discomfort, affect vision, or show signs of progression.

Macular degeneration is indeed a leading cause of visual loss in individuals over 60 years old. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This condition can lead to difficulties with activities such as reading, driving, recognizing faces, and other tasks that require clear central vision.

Eye trauma can result from a wide range of accidents, including sports injuries, workplace incidents, motor vehicle accidents, and even household mishaps. The eyes are sensitive organs, and even seemingly minor injuries can have serious consequences. It's essential not to delay seeking medical attention if you or someone you know experiences an eye injury.

The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the back of the eye. It helps maintain the shape of the eye and provides support to the retina. The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye and contains cells that are sensitive to light, it is responsible for capturing and processing visual information. Damage or diseases affecting the retina can lead to vision loss or other visual disturbances.

Strabismus, commonly known as squint or crossed eyes, is a condition characterised by misalignment of the eyes, causing them to point in different directions. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may affect one or both eyes. Strabismus most commonly occurs in young children, but it can also develop in adults.