Eye Diseases
This section provides general information about common eye problems. 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 members eyes you should contact us for an eye examination. murwillumbah Optometrist is able to bulk bill eye examinations for you (when eligible).
Behavioural Optometry:
The function of our eyes is to collect information. In order to do this efficiently we need to be able to see well in the distance and at near. We must be able to change focus efficiently from distance and near and back again.
We also must have good eye movements so we can get our eyes pointed at what we are obtaining information from and then be able to track this object. One in three children has problems in one or more of these areas that could impact on their learning.
Find out more about Behavioural Optometry >>
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.
Find out more about Cataracts >>
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.
Find out more about Conjunctivitis >>
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.
Find out more about Diabetes >>
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.
Find out more about Dry Eye >>
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.
Find out more about Floaters & Spots >>
Glaucoma:
Is a condition in which the nerve cells which transmit information from the eye to the brain become damaged. This prevents visual information from getting from the retina in the eye to the brain.
Find out more about Glaucoma >>
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.
Find out more about Keratoconus >>
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.
Find out more about Macula Degeneration (ARMD) >>
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.
Find out more about Pterygium >>
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.
Find out more about Retinopathy >>
Virtreous Detachment:
This a common degenerative change which occurs in one or both eyes of most people after middle age. It is not usually caused by trauma of any kind.
