Eye Conditions
When you make an appointment with a Westfund Eye Care Centre optometrist, they’ll examine your eyes to ensure they’re healthy. Occasionally, they may find signs of a possible eye disorder or disease. Some, such as refractive errors, can be easily treated at the centre. Others may not need treatment. But there are a number of eye disorders, diseases or conditions that may require specialist treatment.
Refractive errors
Refractive errors are very common and occur when the eye cannot clearly focus, resulting in blurred vision. Short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) and astigmatism are all refractive errors.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It can cause blurred vision and limit clarity of both near and far vision. It can also cause sensitivity to bright lights and glare. Although typically age-related, cataracts can occur in babies, children or younger adults.
Glaucoma
Known as the ‘sneak thief of sight’, glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage. It’s often caused by increased pressure of the fluid in the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.
Macular degeneration
This is the condition that results from the degeneration of the central part of the retina. It is the most common cause of blindness for people over the age of 60.
Dry eye
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tears can’t provide adequate lubrication and moisture for your eyes.
Eye floaters
Eye floaters are specks that people commonly detect in front of their eyes. They’re actually tiny specs of debris floating through the vitreous fluid of the eyeball.
Other eye conditions
You’ve probably heard of some or all of these eye conditions. Apart from the more commonly known issues, there are other eye conditions, disorders and diseases that may require treatment.