Eye Conditions

For more information about each condition, download the PDF info sheet.
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Age-related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 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 is the leading cause of legal blindness and severe vision loss in older Australians.

The earlier that macular degeneration is detected the earlier that steps can be undertaken to help slow its progression and save sight through treatment and/or lifestyle modifications.

Intravitreal injections are the most successful treatment for wet AMD. It turns off the leakage of fluid into the retina, and works in more than 95 % of people with macular degeneration. More information about eye injections is given on our Eye Injections Clinic page.

Diabetic Retinopathy

The retina is a layer of special light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends nerve impulses up the optic nerve to the brain. In people with diabetes, tiny blood vessels in the retina may become diseased and damaged. This process is called diabetic retinopathy. It usually affects the retina slowly, over months or years.

The area of the retina that provides the sharpest vision is called the macula. Leaking blood or fluid can cause the macular to swell (macular oedema). This causes blurred vision and is a common result of diabetic retinopathy.

Good control of your blood sugars significantly reduces your risk of developing or progressing retinopathy.

More information about eye injections is given on our Eye Injections Clinic page.

Dermatochalasis (excess eyelid skin)

Dermatochalasis is a condition in which the skin above the upper eyelid is sagging and interfering with function of the upper eyelid. It is very common and usually occurs with aging. If the skin is sagging enough to interfere with vision, surgery may be required. The surgical procedure to repair this condition is called a Blepharoplasty.

Ectropion/Entropion

Ectropion refers to the lower eyelid turning outward abnormally, and Entropion refers to the lower eyelid turning inward abnormally. These abnormal eyelid positions can be caused by several different conditions and usually lead to abnormal tearing, redness and discomfort. The surgical repair depends on the cause.

Download the info sheet: Following lid surgery (Entropion or Ectropion) (PDF 76kb)

Chalazion

A chalazion is a localised inflammatory response involving sebaceous glands of the eyelid that occurs when the gland duct is obstructed. A chalazion may resolve spontaneously or with warm compresses, lid scrubs, and lid massage. When there is no improvement, the chalazion may be incised and drained. This can be done in a procedural room or operating theatre, depending on the age of the patient and type of anaesthesia required.

Download the info sheet: Chalazion (PDF 76kb)
Download the info sheet: Following chalazion surgery (PDF 75kb)

Floaters

If you suffer from floaters then you are familiar with the frustrating visual disturbance caused by these cobweb and cloud-like shadows.

Floaters are small pieces of debris that float in the eye’s vitreous humour (the jelly-like substance in the main chamber of the eye). This debris casts shadows onto the retina (the light-sensitive tissue layer at the back of the eye). If you have floaters, it is these shadows that you see floating across your field of vision. If necessary, these can sometimes be treated with laser.

Lid lesions

Lid lesions are common – lumps and bumps that appear on your lids. Many are benign and require no treatment. However, skin cancer in light-skinned people living in Australia is relatively common. Surgery is required to remove the cancer and repair the resulting missing tissue (“defect”).

If the defect is small, it may be done under simple local anaesthesia. However, if the defect is large, it may require general anaesthesia. Two basic techniques are used: Flaps and Grafts. Your doctor will choose the type of closure most appropriate for your skin defect.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the eye – typically causing a red, sore eye which is sensitive to light.

The eye has three different layers of tissue: the protective outer layer called the sclera, the middle layer called the uvea, and the inner layer called the retina. The iris, ciliary body and choroid form the uvea. Uveitis is an inflammation of any part of the uvea.

Uveitis can affect other areas of the eye, for example,the retina, optic nerve or the lens.

In many cases of uveitis, a specific cause is not found, and it is called “idiopathic” or “autoimmune”. That is, the body’s own immune system reacts against the body itself. In other cases, there may be an association with some other medical disorder, infection or trauma.

Uveitis can be acute (lasting days or weeks) or chronic. Some cases of uveitis can seriously affect vision and the long-term health of the eye. Permanent loss of sight can result, but this is rare.

Types of uveitis

Anterior uveitis or Iritis – the most common form of uvetis - primarily affects the iris, although the ciliary body can also become inflamed.
Intermediate uveitis – affects the area just behind the ciliary body and may extend to the retina.
Posterior uveitis – affects the back of the eye.
Panuveitis – inflammation of the entire uvea.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on the type of uveitis and may include: eye redness, eye discomfort or pain, blurred vision, increased tear production, sensitivity to light, black dots in the field of vision, smaller-than-normal pupil size.

Your medical history and medication list is important here – some drugs cause uveitis, and underlying conditions can be picked up first by an episode of uveitis - make sure you provide a complete and current medical history.

Treatment

If you do not have treatment, your symptoms and condition may continue to worsen. If uveitis is associated with another medical disorder, then that condition is treated too. Except for cases where uveitis is caused by an infection (such as bacteria or a parasite), uveitis may not be curable but is generally treatable. Treatment aims to control the signs and symptoms, and prevent complications. The treatments themselves can have risks and side effects.

Uveitis is usually treated by one medication or a combination of three different medications:

Corticosteroids to reduce eye inflammation
Mydriatic eye drops to dilate the pupil and reduce inflammation
In severe cases, immunosuppressants may be required to reduce inflammation by targeting the immune system

If you have any questions or concerns please contact us with your query.

Surgical Transient Ocular Discomfort Syndrome (STODS)

What is it?
Grittiness, itchiness, intermittent sharp discomfort in the eye following eye surgery. It can last from a few days to a few months.

Which eye surgeries cause it?
It can occur following any surgery where the cornea (the clear "windscreen" of your eye) is incised. These include cataract surgery, ICL surgery, pterygium surgery and surface LASER vision correction (LASIK, transPRK and PRK).

Does it mean something is wrong?
No, it is a normal part of the eye healing after surgery.

Why does it happen?
The cornea has many nerve endings - this makes it very sensitive. This sensitivity is usually its safeguard against injury, so you notice if you get something in your eye or if you injure it. This sensitivity can be very apparent after surgery, as the corneal nerves are telling you that something is up...There are a few reasons for the sensitivity:
When the cornea is incised these nerves are cut too, and as they reform over time there can be sensations associated with this. It is very similar to having a skin wound which can feel a bit "funny" for a time as the nerves grow back. It can take a few months for the sensation to fully settle.

Tears coat the eye and nourish it - we call it "the tear film". Around the time of surgery the tear film can be less stable, so the film does not coat the eye as evenly as it should and this stimulates the nerve endings in the cornea. The tear film instability is thought to occur due to the various necessary agents used - e.g. the fluid to clean the eye and the eye drops used afterwards. Often the tear film will improve once the eye drops are ceased, but it can take a little longer for some people.

Is it just dry eye?
It has similar symptoms to dry eye, but it is related to the incision of the cornea - as above - so it is different in what causes it to occur.
If you have dry eye or tear film instability prior to surgery you are much more likely to experience STODS as your tear film is already compromised. It is a good idea to treat this prior to surgery, with drops and treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).

What can I do about it?
Preservative free lubricants can help with symptomatic relief. You can use these as often as you like.
Your doctor may suggest treatments to stabilise the tear film such as IPL.
Staying hydrated and avoiding air conditioning or windy environments for the first few weeks after surgery will help reduce symptoms too.

If you have severe pain, or pain in the eye like an ache, or your vision is reducing, contact us and we can arrange to see you urgently. If you are unable to see us seek urgent ophthalmic care or attend the nearest emergency department.

Download the info sheet: STODS (PDF 76kb)