The following are brief explanations of some of the more common eye disorders.
They do not replace a comprehensive eye examination and if you think you may have one of these please see your optometrist for advice.
Common Eye Disorders
Normal Focus
Myopia (short-sightedness): Blurry distance vision, near vision usually okay
Myopic Focus
Myopic Correction
Hyperopia (long-sightedness): Difficulty seeing clearly and comfortably up close.
Hyperopic Focus
Hyperopic Correction
Astigmatism: Focussing error that causes blur in one direction, the eye is shaped more like a football than a soccer ball.
Presbyopia: Begins from about age 40 with small print being clearer if held further away.
The Eye
Cataract: Clouding of the lens inside the eye results in gradual loss if vision. Very common after age 60 and treatment may include surgery.
Cataract
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARM): Damage or breakdown of the macula that becomes more common with age. Loss of central vision or trouble reading, even with glasses on.
Dry ARM
Wet ARM
Glaucoma: Degenerative disease of the optic nerve that can result in tunnel vision or blindness.
Glaucoma Optic Nerve Head
Pterygium: Fleshy growth on the front of the eye that is caused by UV exposure and sometimes also dusty environments.
Pterygium
