About your eyes

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is also a very common eye condition which can occur along with myopia, hyperopia, or on its own. Astigmatism occurs when the front of the eye (cornea) is not perfectly spherical (often described as 'rugby ball shaped'). It causes the image of the object you see to be focussed at two different points, and so is blurred. Astigmatism is easily corrected using spectacles or contact lenses.

Cataracts

A cataract is a term used to describe the gradual aging of the lens in the eye. When we are born, the lens is perfectly clear and supple. As we get older, the lens becomes more opaque and less supple. This has the effect of us needing more light in order to see as we age, and objects generally appearing a little hazier.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to properly regulate the amount of glucose in the blood.
Symptoms can be very mild and so can be very difficult to spot.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition where either the eye does not produce enough tears, or that the tears do not lubricate the eyes well enough.

Floaters

Inside your eye is a watery jelly-like fluid called the vitreous. Tiny specks in the vitreous swirl around as you move your eyes.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name for a group of diseases which causes progressive gradual degeneration to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is caused by a number of factors. These can include high internal pressure of the eye, poor blood flow to the eye, and genetic factors.

Hyperopia (far-sightedness)

Hyperopia is a very common eye condition. Objects in the distance appear generally clearer, while closer objects are blurred.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (or AMD) affects the area of the retina that deals with the most detailed vision. It affects people generally over the age of 65, and causes deterioration in central vision.

Myopia (short-sightedness)

Myopia is a very common eye condition.Objects in the distance appear more blurred, while closer objects are clearer.
This is because either the power of the eye is too strong, or that the eye itself is too long.

Vision after 40

Presbyopia is a condition where the eye gradually loses its ability to see objects up close. It is something which happens to everybody from around the age of 40 years old and gradually continues from then on.