Eye Conditions

We specialise in diagnosing and facilitating treatment for various eye diseases and conditions, some of which can lead to vision loss if not addressed. This reality is alarming, considering that eye issues affect millions of Australians.

Early detection is your best defence. If you notice sudden or gradual changes in your vision, eye discomfort or pain, persistent headaches, double vision, frequent squinting, increased sensitivity to light, or difficulty seeing at night, it’s time to come see us at Ian Donald Optometrist.

Macular Degeneration is an eye disease affecting the macula, the central part of the retina, leading to central vision loss. Symptoms include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or recognising faces and seeing straight lines as wavy. As damage is typically irreversible, early detection and prevention are essential.

Cataracts develop in the eye lens, causing cloudiness, leading to blurry vision, difficulty in dim light and sensitivity to glare. Routine eye exams with a biomicroscope can detect cataracts, sometimes years before the onset of symptoms, prompting referral to a specialist for evaluation. Surgical removal of cataracts often successfully improves vision.

Keratoconus involves the gradual thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision and light sensitivity. It usually manifests between ages 10 and 25, impacting both eyes and potentially causing visual impairment without treatment. Management options include glasses, contact lenses and surgery for severe cases.

Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth on the surface of the eye, often caused by prolonged UV light exposure. It appears as a raised, wedge-shaped bump on the conjunctiva and can lead to irritation, redness and visual disturbance. Treatment options include prescription eye drops and, if symptoms worsen, surgery.

Hyperopia or farsightedness is a refractive error where distant objects appear more clearly than nearby ones because the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea is too flat. Symptoms include blurriness, squinting to see close objects and headaches following reading, writing or computer work. Corrective measures for Hyperopia are glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery such as LASIK.

Presbyopia is age-related farsightedness due to the loss of flexibility of the eye lens, making focusing on objects difficult. Onset typically occurs around 40 and progresses with age. Symptoms include difficulty reading small print, eyestrain and headaches. Corrective options are reading glasses, bifocals, multifocal contact lenses or LASIK.