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.
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
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