Eye care

Our Approach

By using a systematic clinical approach and employing current best clinical practice, our Eye Care clinicians are able to:

Assimilate information obtained from the patient and investigative tests
Diagnose the root cause of their ocular problems
Determine a logical and clinically sound management plan tailored to your specific eye needs

Cataract

A cataract is a clouding (opaqueness) of the normally clear lens of the eye, which can interfere with vision. Cataracts usually develop slowly and at first, you may not notice any symptoms. As the cataract gradually matures, vision symptoms become more apparent. These include:

sensitivity to glare and bright lights;
seeing halos or starbursts around lights;
seeing colors as faded or yellow
blurred, foggy, or hazy vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases where peripheral vision is lost due to damage to the nerve layer at the back of the eye. This condition is usually asymptomatic in the early stages and vision loss is usually gradual. Several factors may be responsible for developing glaucoma and it is important to have your eye health assessed to detect any evidence of this eye condition.

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), also known as macula degeneration is the name given to eye disease that causes progressive loss of central vision, leaving the peripheral or side vision intact. It affects the ability to read, drive, recognize faces, and perform activities that require detailed vision. Macular degeneration is usually related to ageing and most frequently affects people over the age of 50.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eye. It can develop in people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and usually affects both eyes. Diabetic retinopathy affects blood vessels in the retina. This develops slowly usually over many years, so regular eye checks are essential as part of your diabetic management. Keeping good control of your blood sugar levels can help prevent diabetic retinopathy or slow its progression. Treatment options are available to help improve your vision and ocular health.

Hypertensive retinopathy

Hypertensive retinopathy is damage to the retina and retinal blood circulation due to high blood pressure. Most patients with hypertensive retinopathy have no symptoms. However, some may report decreased or blurred vision and headaches. Keeping good control of your blood pressure can help prevent or slow the progression of hypertensive retinopathy.

Dry eye

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tear production and quality can be inadequate for several reasons.

Dry eyes feel uncomfortable and may sting, burn or feel gritty. Dry eyes can be aggravated in different environments (air-conditioners, heaters, extended hours of concentrated tasks, etc.).

Treatments for dry eyes aim to make your eyes feel more comfortable. The duration of treatments varies, based on your individual response and your specific needs.

Signs and symptoms may include:

a stinging, burning or itchy sensation
stringy mucus
sensitivity to light
red eyes
a sensation of having something in your eyes
difficulty wearing contact lenses
difficulty with night driving
watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation due to dry eyes
blurred vision or eye fatigue

Pterygium

A pterygium is a benign growth often shaped like a wedge growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye and may extend over the cornea. It usually doesn’t cause problems but can be removed if it is likely to interfere with your vision.

Pingueculum

This is a fatty degeneration of the conjunctiva overlying the inner or (less commonly) outer part of the white of the eye. It is caused by UV light damage on these tissues.

In many cases, there are no symptoms but the pinguecula may be unsightly. It may become inflamed and red with enlarged blood vessels.

If the pinguecula is causing irritation or redness then treatment options are available.

Children’s vision

Children rarely complain about difficulties with their vision, so routine checks are important. Ideally, the first check should be before kindergarten. Thereafter they are reviewed as regularly as required.

The formative years of a child’s life is crucially influenced by the quality of their vision.

Why should I have my child’s eyes checked?

The most common eye conditions for children are picked up during a proper eye test or screening assessment to ensure the visual system is able to meet the changing demands that come with different stages of life.

What do you test for Eye Care?

vision
eye movements
pupil function
eye co-ordination
colour vision
general eye health

How do I know if I should bring my child for Eye Care?

In addition to recommended general check-ups, you may need to bring your child in if they are exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

headaches or sore eyes, especially if associated with near work
poor concentration
closing one eye
squinting
turned eyes
white pupil reflexes in flash photography
poor coordination
lack of visual engagement
excessive blinking
tilting of head
frequently rubbing eyes

Myopia

Myopia (short-sightedness) is an eye condition whereby a patient is unable to see clearly into the distance whilst still having the ability to see nearby objects clearly. This long-distance vision loss is a consequence of the eyeball elongating, causing a patient’s central vision to become blurry. Myopia is sometimes more than just reduced vision and may be related to poor eye health. It is therefore important to maintain regular check-ups after diagnosis.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia (far-sightedness) is a common vision condition in which you can see distant objects clearly, but objects nearby may be blurry. The degree of your far-sightedness influences your focusing ability.

Far-sightedness is usually present at birth and tends to run in families. Patients with far-sightedness usually complain of eyestrain including burning eyes, aching in or around the eyes, general eye discomfort or a headache after doing close tasks such as reading, writing, computer work or drawing.

You can easily correct this condition with spectacles, contact lenses, or surgery (if appropriate).

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. It’s a natural, often annoying part of ageing and commonly becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s and continues to worsen until around age 65.

Presbyopia develops gradually. You may first notice these signs and symptoms after age 40:

A tendency to hold reading material further away to make the letters clearer
Blurred vision at normal reading distance
Eyestrain or headaches after reading or doing close-up work

You may notice these symptoms are worse if you are tired or are in an area with dim lighting.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common and generally treatable imperfection in the curvature of your eye that causes blurred distance and near vision.

Astigmatism occurs when either the front surface of your eye (cornea) or the lens, inside your eye, has mismatched curves. Instead of having one curve like a round ball, the surface is footy ball shaped.

This causes blurred vision at all distances. Astigmatism is often present at birth and may occur in combination with near-sightedness or far-sightedness.

Signs and symptoms of astigmatism may include:

blurred or distorted vision
eyestrain or discomfort
headaches
difficulty with night vision
squinting