A - Z Eye Health



In this section you can find information on a variety of eye conditions, and about how the eye works.

Condition

Information
Anophthalmos - Loss of one eye It is very rare to be born with an eye missing, but an eye can be lost at any time in life due to trauma, infection or disease. For more information regarding Anophthalmos Loss of One Eye, click the link.
Astigmatism Astigmatism means that the front of the eye is not entirely spherical like a soccer ball, but shaped more like a football, (ie. it is not equally curved in all places). This means that the rays of light are bent unequally, therefore giving a distorted or blurred image at all distances. To read more about Astigmatism, click the link.
Blepharitis Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids. Symptoms include irritation, itching, and occasionally a red eye. Read more about Blepharitis by following the link.
Blocked Tear Ducts Up to 20 percent of babies have blockages of one or both tear ducts when they are born, causing watery eyes and sometimes eye infections. The condition may be cured by daily massaging of the side of the nose, which increases the fluid pressure and forces the tear duct to open. For more information follow the link Blocked Tear Ducts
Cataracts If you have been diagnosed as having a cataract, there is no need to worry. Cataracts are not unusual. They frequently occur as part of the eye's ageing process. However, with cataracts it is possible to turn back the clock. For more information on Cataracts, follow the link.
Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the conjunctiva. In ordinary terms, conjunctivitis is simply the most common cause of red or "pink" eye. Read more about Conjunctivitis by clicking the link.
Corneal Abrasions and Erosions A corneal abrasion is an injury to the epithelium. Abrasions are painful. Common causes of corneal abrasions include problems from contact lenses, fingernails, paper cuts, tree or bush limbs or rubbing of the eye. To learn more about Corneal Abrasions and Erosio, click the link.
Cystoid Macula Oedema Cystoid macula oedema, commonly called CME, is a painless disorder which affects the retina, the light-sensitive inner lining of the eye. When this condition is present, clear fluid fills multiple cyst-like (cystoid) formations in the macula, the portion of the retina responsible for central or "straight ahead" vision. To read more, click on the link Cystoid Macula Oedema.
Droopy Eyelids Your eyes, framed by their lids and brows, may well be the first thing people notice about your face. Over time, the eyelids and even the eyebrows can become 'droopy' or 'baggy' as the skin stretches, muscles weaken and fat pockets bulge. To read more about Droopy Eyelids, follow the link.
Eyelid Skin Cancer Skin cancer can occur on the skin of the eyelid or area surrounding the eye. Usually, the cancers appear as painless elevations or nodules. For more information about Eyelid Skin Cancer, follow the link.
Glaucoma Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage your eye's optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia, affecting approximately 3% of the population. Follow the link for more information regarding Glaucoma.
Herpes Simplex of the Eye Herpes simplex is a virus that infects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves. There are two major types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type I is the most common and is responsible for herpes simplex eye disease and the familiar "cold sore" or "fever blister". To learn more about Herpes Simplex of the Eye, follow the link.
Hyperopia - Long Sightedness Hyperopia is caused by one or a combination of the following: flat cornea and short eyeball. To read more about Hyperopia and Long Sightedness, follow the links.
Injuries Orbital trauma is a general term used to describe injuries to the bones surrounding the eye (orbit), the tissues surrounding the eye or the eye itself. For more information about Eye Injuries, click the link.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus, sometimes called conical cornea, is a condition causing poor vision and it affects many young Australians.  This condition varies from extremely mild (with little or no effect on vision) to quite severe with a marked reduction in vision. Read more about Keratoconus by clicking the link.
Lagophthalmos Lagophthalmos is inability to fully close the upper eyelid with diminished ability to blink and impairment of the tear duct pumping system. Normally each blink spreads the tear film over the eye's surface, allowing a continuous layer of moisture. Read more about Lagophthalmos by following the link.
Monovision Reading glasses are a fact of life for most people over 45, but many people find them extremely inconvenient. If this sounds like you, you may be suitable for a form of vision correction called monovision. Learn more about Monovision by following the link.
Myopia - Short Sightedness Myopia is caused by one or a combination of the following: steep cornea, long eyeball or a powerful lens. Consequently, light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. Learn more about Myopia and Short Sightedness by clicking the link.
Nystagmus Nystagmus appears as an involuntary constant movement of the eyes. The eyes appear to 'dance', 'shake' or 'jump' around. Nystagmus usually means that there is a problem with the eyes or the brain. In order to learn more about Nystagmus, follow the link.
Presbyopia Presbyopia occurs in all adults approximately 45 years or older. Presbyopia is a natural ageing process of the lens inside the eye. Read more about Presbyopia by clicking the link.
Pterygium A pterygium is a form of scar tissue with blood vessels, which grows towards the cornea, then into the cornea. It can be a source of irritation and redness, which can flare up from time to time, it can be a cosmetic problem, and occasionally it can lead to visual distortion by altering corneal shape. To learn more about Pterygium, follow the link.
Ptosis Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. The lid may droop slightly or it may completely cover the pupil. The drooping eyelid can obstruct normal vision. When present at birth, ptosis is usually due to poor development of the muscle that lifts the lid. To read more information about Ptosis, follow the link.
Strabismus - Squint or Turned Eye Normally, both eyes work together to look at the same object. The brain then fuses the two pictures into a single three-dimensional image, giving us depth perception. Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. Click the link to learn more about Strabismus Squint or Turned Eye.
Tumours of the Eye Orbital tumours can occur in the bones of the eye socket, the eye ball, eye muscles, optic nerve and fat filling the spaces in between. Tumours from the surrounding sinuses, brain and nasal cavity may also invade the orbit. Orbital tumours affect people of all ages, and are usually benign. To learn more about Tumours of the Eye, click the link.