30s and under

Myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism

Once the refractive error stabilises (usually around the early to mid 20′s), there are a number of treatments for people who want to throw away their glasses or contact lens, the most common being LASIK. ASLA (sometimes known as PRK) is a laser technology used for people who have thin corneas. In cases where the the prescription is particularly large, an implantable contact lens or phakic lens might be recommended. 

Eye injury

Sports injuries are common in this age category. All eye injuries should be assessed. Most eye injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate safety spectacles with hobbies and sport. Safety spectacles are mandatory for many occupations.

Diabetic retinopathy

Approximately 30% of young people with type one diabetes will go on to develop diabetic retinopathy within the first 10 years of disease diagnosis (although it is uncommon within 5 years of diagnosis in the younger insulin dependant diabetic). This is a serious condition and must be treated promptly. Annual eye screening is recommended.

Glaucoma

Although glaucoma is most prevalent in people over the age of 40, young people can also develop the disease. Teenage glaucoma can also occur, usually caused by inflammation. 

Conjunctivitis

An inflammation of the conjunctiva, this condition is often known as ‘pink eye’. Treatments range from applying cool compresses to antibiotic drops, depending on the type of conjunctivitis (bacterial, viral and allergic are common types).

Pterygium

Common in warmer areas such as Queensland and with people who spend a lot of time swimming, surfing or skiing, pterygiums are a wing-like growth across the eye, which develops as a result of exposure to sun. Symptoms include persistent redness, dry and itchy eyes and the feeling that there’s a foreign body constantly in the eye. Treatment depends on how advanced the pterygium is, and ranges from eye drops to surgery.