How Can We Help?

Why are my eyes so dry?

Dry eyes occur when the eyes either don’t make enough tears, or the quality of the tears produced is reduced, which means the tears can evaporate rapidly from the surface of the eye, allowing the eye to dry. Often, the reduced tear quality is a result of blockage or inflammation of the oil glands within the lid margin.

To find out more including symptoms, causes and treatment, click here.

What are the causes, symptoms and treatments of cataracts?

Cataracts are extremely common. In fact, the majority of those over 65 have some cataract development. If you have been told you have cataracts, DO NOT be alarmed.

There are many different types of cataract. Not all cataracts cause symptoms. If a cataract causes no symptoms, it can usually be left alone. If symptoms such as blurred vision occur, then cataracts can be treated very successfully with surgery.

To find out more about cataracts, click here.

What is macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the commonest cause of vision loss in people aged over 50 years old. The prevalence (number of new cases each year) increases with age. It is caused by degeneration of the macula, the central and most sensitive part of the retina at the back of the eye.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is the most common dystrophy of the cornea, affecting around one person in a thousand, although some reports indicate prevalence as high as 1 in 500 individuals. It is typically diagnosed in the mid to late teens and attains its most severe state in the twenties and thirties.

To find out more about keratoconus click here.

Text is distorted when I read. What should I do?

Scientific research has shown that the use of coloured filters on spectacles or coloured overlays laid over text can help some children and adults to read better.

The coloured overlays help to reduce the perceptual distortions of text which can sometimes be reported. This enables more fluent reading with less discomfort and fewer headaches.

To find out more about coloured overlays click here.

I'm seeing floaters and flashing lights - what should I do?

Floaters are extremely common, and are sometimes associated with flashing lights in the eye, especially when they first appear. Most floaters are innocuous and there is no need to worry. However, if you have had new onset of floaters, then you need to have your eyes examined by an Optometrist.

To find out more about floaters and flashing lights read more here.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions which damage the optic nerve. All glaucomas have certain key features in common. These are increased pressure inside the eye, 'cupping' of the optic disc, and loss of the peripheral visual field. Any two of these 3 features is usually enough for there to be very strong risk of having glaucoma.

To find out more about glaucoma click here.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelid margins. There are two broad categories of the condition - Anterior Blepharitis and Posterior Blepharitis, and it is a very common condition for people of any age but particularly those over 50.

To find out more read our blog here.

What is refraction error?

Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are different types of eye disorders or refractive errors. In the normal eye, light enters through the front of the eye at the cornea and is directed to a single point at the back of the eye on the retina.

In an eye with a refractive error, the light is not directed to a single point to the back of the eye but in front of the retina. This is known as myopia or nearsightedness. When the light is directed to a point behind the retina, the refractive error is known as hyperopia or farsightedness. The refractive error known as astigmatism occurs when the light is sent to two points behind, in front of or on the retina.

How often should I have my eyes checked?

It can be different for each person but as long as your eyes are healthy, a general comprehensive eye examination is recommended after every one to two years. Contact lens wearers should be checked yearly to ensure that the cornea and anterior part of the eyes stay healthy.

What does my eye exam include?

All comprehensive eye exams are performed by our Optometrists. The exam not only determines your prescription but it also aids the Optometrists in detecting: high blood pressure, diabetes, and retinal and corneal disorders. The exam also includes cataracts and glaucoma screening.

For more information click here.

I don't think I have any problems with my eye sight, do I still need an eye exam?

YES! Our Optometrists will be able to detect early signs of various sight-threatening diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Together with other tests, we can also detect neurological diseases and glaucoma, a potentially blinding disease if left untreated.

Early detection and prevention are crucial to the successful treatment of these diseases. It is recommended for young and healthy individuals to have their eyes examined at least once every two years, if they are not a contact lens wearer, and annually, if they are.

Find out more about our eye examination here.