Common eye conditions and what they mean for eye health

 Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve. The loss of sight is usually gradual and a considerable amount of peripheral (side) vision may be lost before there is an awareness of any problem. 

 A cataract is a clouding of the clear lens in the eye and is one of the leading causes of vision impairment. While cataracts most commonly occur in those who are older, they can develop in younger people as well. Some babies are born with a cataract. 

 Macular degeneration is the name given to a group of chronic, degenerative retinal eye diseases that cause progressive loss of central vision, leaving the peripheral or side vision intact. It affects the ability to read, drive, recognise faces and perform activities that require detailed vision. Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, is the leading cause of legal blindness and severe vision loss in Australia, responsible for 50% of all cases of blindness.

 Over time, high blood glucose levels caused by diabetes can lead to damage of the small, specialised blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. The vessels become weaker and may leak clear fluid and/or become blocked. Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults. 

Dry eye syndrome is a condition where the eye is unable to maintain adequate lubrication, resulting in sore, scratchy eyes and blurred vision. This is often due to the eye not producing enough tears or because tears evaporate too quickly.