Medical Conditions

Our eye care professionals here at Kevin Paisley are highly experienced in working with a range of different medical eye conditions to get you the very best results for your eye health and vision, both now and in the long-term.

One part of what we do that often isn’t discussed is using world-class detection assessments that allows us to pick up on subtle signs and changes that are indicative of an eye problem long before the damage has gotten to a point where you’re noticing significant disturbances in your line of sight, or other physical changes.

If you’re concerned about your eye health or vision, we’re your go-to trusted team with years of experience, constant upskilling and training to ensure that we’re bringing you the very best in eye care. Some common medical eye conditions we work with and treat include:

Cataracts

A cataract refers to a cloudy region that develops in the lens of the eye, which is a common cause of vision impairment, particularly among people aged over 80 years, as well as those with a history of exposure to harmful UV rays, smokers, and people with diabetes.

In the earlier stages of cataracts, you may not have any noticeable symptoms, but gradually, you may notice a decrease in colour vividness, blurry or hazy vision, and difficulty carrying out daily tasks like reading. Cataract surgery is a common and often successful procedure in removing cataracts and correcting vision, which may involve implanting an artificial lens. Optometrists can detect the early signs of cataracts by conducting a comprehensive eye examination, and refer you to an ophthalmologist to discuss your range of options including surgery.

Eye Floaters

Floaters are tiny dark shapes that move across your field of vision, taking the form of spots, threads, squiggly lines, or even cobwebs. Floaters can be accompanied by flashes in your field of vision - bright lights that may resemble light streaks, camera flashes, or shooting stars. While many people experience occasional flashes and floaters, particularly as they age, they often don't require treatment. However, in some cases, they may indicate a more severe eye condition. If you observe new floaters that appear suddenly, persist, or worsen, it's crucial to consult your optometrist.

Pterygium

A pterygium is a triangular-shaped, vascular and fleshy growth of tissue that occurs in the corner of the eye. It typically develops due to exposure to excessive ultraviolet (UV) light and is commonly found in individuals residing in sunny areas or those who spend prolonged periods outdoors, such as farmers, skiers, and fishermen. Though it grows gradually, it can eventually spread across a substantial portion of the eye, resulting in vision impairment and symptoms of dry eye, such as burning, itching, or watery eyes. In some cases, surgical removal may be necessary to eliminate the pterygium.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that can cause central vision to become blurred. This condition occurs when the ageing process damages the macula, which is the central area of the retina responsible for clear vision.

Macular degeneration is often age-related, being a common cause of vision loss in people over 65 years of age. While it doesn't often result in complete blindness, it can cause damage to central vision, making it difficult to recognize faces, read or drive. Macular degeneration tends to progress slowly over time, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams to detect subtle changes as early as possible.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a progressively worsening eye problem that can develop in people with diabetes. It affects the blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As it worsens, it can lead to vision disturbances, vision loss, and in some cases even blindness in people with diabetes.

As diabetic retinopathy may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms in the early stages, it is crucial for individuals with diabetes to receive a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Early detection and intervention can prevent damage and improve vision. Managing diabetes by maintaining physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and adhering to diabetic medication can prevent or delay vision loss. In advanced cases, laser treatment or surgery may be necessary.

Conjunctivitis

Often referred to as pink eye, conjunctivitis causes redness and swelling in the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eye, along with itchiness, pain, and a sticky discharge that may cause eyelashes to clump together. It can be caused by allergens such as animals or pollen, bacteria, or viruses.

While conjunctivitis is a common condition, it is highly contagious, particularly around schools and preschools, being a very common “daycare bug” in toddlers. It can be prevented from spreading to others by frequent hand washing and avoiding sharing items like sunglasses, towels, or makeup. While some types of pink eye resolve on their own without treatment, others require antibiotic eye drops, creams, or other treatment from eye care professionals.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that can damage the optic nerve in the back of your eye, gradually worsening over time and ultimately leading to vision loss and in some cases, blindness. It is more common in people over the age of 60 and often has no symptoms in the early stages, which means that many people are unaware that they have it.

While there is currently no complete cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment with eye drops, medication, or surgery can often prevent further damage and protect your vision. A comprehensive dilated eye exam with an experienced optometrist is the best way to detect glaucoma.

Refractive Errors

A refractive error refers to a condition that affects your vision and occurs when the shape of your eye causes light to focus incorrectly on your retina, resulting in blurry or distorted vision. This can lead to conditions such as myopia (near sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and amblyopia (lazy eye), which can impact your ability to see clearly both up close and far away.

Learn more about the different types of refractive errors that our optometry team treats here.