Eye Diseases
This section provides general information about common eye diseases. The information is © of the Optometry Association of Australia.
This section is NOT provided for “self diagnosis” and it is recommended that if you are concerned about your or a family member’s eyes you should contact us for an eye examination. Dubbo Optometrist is able to bulk bill eye examinations for you (when eligible).
Cataracts
Are a cloudy areas that form in the lens of the eye. The lens is normally clear. Poor vision results because the cloudiness interferes with light entering the eye. The opacities in the lens scatter the light, causing hazy vision.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eye. This condition appears in many forms and affects people of all ages.
Diabetes
About 700,000 Australians, or 4% of the population, have diabetes. Of these, more than 70% will develop some changes in their eyes within 15 years of diagnosis.
Dry Eye
The tears your eyes normally produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition.
Floaters / Spots
Spots (often called floaters) are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the eye that become noticeable when they fall within the line of sight.
Keratoconus
The eye’s lens and cornea focus light into an image on the retina, just as a camera lens focuses light on to a film. In a hyperopic (longsighted) eye, the light is focused behind the retina and so the image is blurred.
Glaucoma
While many older people maintain good eyesight well into their 80s and beyond, others may have their vision affected by some type of visual impairment. As part of the normal aging process some changes occur that can weaken your eyes.
Macula Degeneration (ARMD)
Is damage or breakdown of the macula. The macula is a very small part of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue of the eye.
Pterygium
(pronounced te-ri-gi-um, plural: Pterygia) Is a triangular-shaped lump of tissue which grows from the conjunctiva (the thin membrane which covers the white of the eye) on to the cornea.
Retinopathy
Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, but the disease’s affect on the retina is the main threat to vision.
Vitreous Detachment
Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, but the disease’s affect on the retina is the main threat to vision.