Common Eye Conditions That Ophthalmologists Treat

The eyes are vulnerable to a variety of vision problems that can develop over time. Thankfully, with the right care and expertise, many common eye diseases can be managed or even prevented.

Visiting an ophthalmologist ensures you receive comprehensive eye care from a medical doctor who can diagnose, treat, and perform surgery for all eye diseases and conditions. Let us explore some of the most frequent conditions that ophthalmologists treat and how these specialists help protect one of your most valuable senses.

What Eye Symptoms Can an Ophthalmologist Assess?

Eye conditions can cause changes in your vision, eye comfort or visual function, including the structures immediately around it. These changes may warrant a professional eye assessment when they persist, worsen or begin to interfere with everyday activities. Symptoms to look out for can include:

• Blurred, cloudy or hazy vision
• Difficulty seeing clearly at near or far distances
• Reduced peripheral vision
• Increased sensitivity to light or glare
• Halos around lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Eye pain or persistent discomfort
• New flashes of light or floaters
• Changes to the position or appearance of the eyelids

Eye Conditions and Diseases

These conditions can develop quickly (acute) or slowly and last for a long time (chronic). Some of the most common eye conditions and diseases include:

1. Cataracts

A cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye's natural lens, most often due to ageing. Key symptoms are blurry vision, glare and halos around lights, faded colours, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment, especially when vision impairment begins to affect daily life.

2. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often from increased eye pressure, leading to irreversible vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma develops gradually, while angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency with sudden symptoms like pain, redness and blurred vision. Early stages may have no signs, but untreated glaucoma can cause blindness.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes in which prolonged high blood sugar damages the retina’s tiny blood vessels, potentially threatening vision. This damage can cause leakage, swelling and abnormal vessel growth. While early stages are often asymptomatic, later stages may present with blurred vision, floaters, shadows, or even vision loss.

4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a progressive condition affecting the macula—the central part of the retina—resulting in loss of sharp central vision. It occurs in two forms: dry AMD, which involves the gradual degeneration of macular cells, and wet AMD, characterised by abnormal blood vessel leakage that can cause rapid vision loss. Common symptoms include distorted or blurred central vision, wavy lines, difficulty reading and reduced colour perception.

5. Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes produce too few tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort. It is often multifactorial and can result from reduced tear production due to ageing or autoimmune diseases, increased evaporation from meibomian gland dysfunction, environmental factors or prolonged screen use.

6. Retinal Detachment

This is a serious condition where the retina separates from the eye's underlying tissue, leading to vision loss if not treated rapidly. Symptoms include a curtain-like shadow over vision, blurred or decreased side (peripheral) vision, a sudden increase in floaters, and flashes.

7. Drooping or Sagging Eyelids

Changes to the upper eyelids can occur when the eyelid itself droops or when excess skin begins to hang over the natural eyelid crease. In some people, the change is primarily cosmetic.

However, particularly severe cases can extend into your field of vision and make activities such as reading more difficult. An ophthalmologist can examine the eyelids and determine whether the problem involves excess skin, the position of the eyelid or another underlying condition.

If excess upper eyelid skin is affecting vision or causing significant concerns about eyelid appearance, an ophthalmologist may suggest eyelid surgery to remove excess skin and reshape the eyelid area.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are the most common vision problems caused by an abnormal shape or length of the eye, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. The four main types are:

These refractive errors often lead to blurred vision, headaches, eye strain, and difficulty focusing. They are the most common cause of vision impairment worldwide, but can be effectively corrected with appropriate treatment.

Eye Infections and Inflammation

An eye infection is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and can affect one or both eyes. While some are mild, others can be medical emergencies that threaten vision and may involve almost any part of the eye. Common infections and inflammations include:

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens or irritants. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin layer covering the eye and eyelids). Symptoms include redness, itching, discharge (yellow, green, or clear), crusty eyelashes and a gritty feeling. It is often contagious if viral or bacterial.

2. Uveitis

Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can be caused by infections (like herpes viruses) or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Symptoms include redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision and sometimes floaters.

3. Keratitis and Corneal Ulcers

Keratitis is a corneal inflammation or infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, often linked to improper contact lens use or injury. Symptoms include pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity and sometimes discharge. Corneal ulcers are severe open sores on the cornea from keratitis, requiring quick treatment to prevent vision loss.

When Should You Seek Consultation for Your Eye Health?

Some eye conditions develop gradually, while others may cause changes that become noticeable relatively quickly. An ophthalmologist can assess the cause of these changes and determine whether monitoring or treatment is needed.

Consider consulting an ophthalmologist if you:

• Notice persistent or worsening changes in your vision
• Experience eye pain, discomfort or unusual visual symptoms
• Have an existing eye condition that requires ongoing monitoring
• Find your everyday activities affected by these changes

Prioritising Eye Health with a Specialist

Prioritising eye health with a specialist is crucial for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of various eye conditions such as refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia), eye infections (conjunctivitis, uveitis, keratitis), floaters, flashes, retinal tears, and detachment. Early consultation can prevent progression, preserve vision, and improve your overall quality of life.

Dr Steve Seah takes an individualised approach to eye care, assessing the condition of your eyes, changes in your vision and your visual needs before discussing suitable management options. Where ongoing care is required, regular follow-ups allow treatment plans to be reviewed as your condition changes over time.

For personalised and specialised eye care, book a consultation with Dr Seah. We provide comprehensive services, including diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions, cataract surgery, and glaucoma management. For enquiries, call us at 6565 6888.