The lens inside your eye should be crystal clear.  If this lens becomes cloudy or difficult to see through, this is a Cataract. Thankfully, Cataracts can be treated with Cataract surgery where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial implant. Our optometrists can diagnose cataracts with a specialised microscope and refer to a Cataract surgeon if needed. 

The precious retinal tissue allows us to see. If the retina detaches from the eye tissue underneath it can cause vision loss or blindness. Emergency referral to a retinal surgeon is needed immediately to prevent losing vision. If you see the symptoms of “flashes, floaters or cobwebs”, please call the practice immediately to arrange an emergency appointment.

The nerve tissue inside your eye is called the retina and allows us to see. Glaucoma causes this nerve tissue to become damaged, which permanently affects vision. Glaucoma is often caused by high eye pressure, or poor blood flow to the retina. Glaucoma can be treated with prescription eye drops, laser surgery or Glaucoma stent surgery to lower the pressure in your eye. Our optometrists use a number of tests to diagnose and monitor Glaucoma and can refer to a Glaucoma specialist, if laser or surgery is required. 

The macula is the part of the retina we use for our central vision. This special part of the retina unfortunately can become damaged in Macular Degeneration. The gradual degeneration is called “dry” Macular Degeneration. Sometimes, new blood vessel can grow underneath the macula, which can leak or bleed - this is “wet” Macular Degeneration. Macular Degeneration causes blurry and distorted vision which makes reading and seeing fine detail more difficult. “Wet” MD can be treated by a retinal surgeon with eye injections. Our optometrists can help you see as much as possible and refer you to an Ophthalmologist if "wet” MD is diagnosed. 

Diabetes is becoming more common unfortunately. Diabetes can affect your eyes by causing damage to the small blood vessels of the retina. Sometimes Diabetes causes new blood vessels to form, which can bleed and damage the retina affecting your vision. Referral to a retinal surgeon may be required to treat Diabetic Retinopathy to prevent vision loss or blindness. 

Grinding and welding work can cause metal foreign body injuries to the surface of the eye. Removal and treatment of these injuries should be quick and painless, when removed with the correct equipment by our experienced optometrists. 

Infections can occur to the cornea, conjunctiva and eyelids. Bacterial and viral infections of the cornea can be very painful and affect vision permanently. The correct diagnosis by our optometrists is needed so the correct treatment can be prescribed. Poor hygiene or care of contact lenses can also increase the risk of eye infections. 

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. When the cornea starts thinning and becomes steeper, it is called Keratoconus. Keratoconus causes blurred vision, often even with glasses, but custom-designed contact lenses can restore normal vision. Referral to a corneal surgeon can be needed to stabilise Keratoconus from getting worse. If vision becomes poor with contact lenses, a corneal transplant may then be required.