Eye care for your health

A pterygium (tur-RIJ-ee-uhm) or ‘surfer’s eye’, is a growth of degenerative tissue on the white of the eye (sclera), usually on the nasal side, that could extend onto the cornea.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. For people who are developing cataracts, looking through the cataract is like looking out a frosty or foggy window.

There are some misconceptions about ‘colour blindness’. For a start, it is not true that ‘colour blind’ people can only see black and white. Almost all colour blind people can see colour combinations, they just have trouble differentiating between them.

All optometrists know what those little squiggly lines are that glide and coast around your field of vision. They are called ‘vitreous floaters’, ‘eye floaters’ or just ‘floaters’.

Presbyopia is the normal loss of near-focusing ability that occurs with age. It is a common eye condition and part of the ageing process. Everyone gets presbyopia as they get older; it is as familiar as grey hair. 

Eye misalignment problems are commonly found in children, usually caused by an inability of the eyes to work together. Each one of our eyes views objects at a slightly different angle. When they are aligned and healthy, the eyes work in sync to provide clear, single vision. This is called ‘binocular vision.’

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is an  eye condition in which near objects are seen more clearly than objects that are far away.

Most people suffering with dry eyes have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (also called ‘tarsal glands’). Meibomian gland dysfunction is caused by a blockage in your eye’s meibomian glands. Meibomian gland function is very important to the health of your eye. 

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition, usually related to ageing, and often called ‘age-related macular degeneration’ or ‘AMD.’

Hyperopia, also called long-sightedness or far-sightedness, is the most common eye condition in Australia. Long-sighted people can see distant objects clearly, but close objects are difficult to see.

Dry eye disease can be temporary or chronic. It is caused by a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye.

Sometimes called ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’, digital eye strain is the name for a group of eye and vision symptoms that are experienced as a result of too much exposure to screens – computers, game consoles, tablets, televisions or phones.

Diabetic retinopathy is commonly known as a complication of diabetes. Anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes has the potential for developing the disease. On average, one in three people with diabetes will develop some form of diabetic eye disease.

The medical name for lazy eye is ‘amblyopia’ (am-blee-OH-pee-uh). It starts from reduced vision, generally in only one eye. The condition is the leading cause of decreased vision among children. It generally develops from birth up to age seven years.