The Best Care For All Eye Conditions
At Kevin Hackett Optometrist our state-of-the-art technology means we can more accurately identify eye diseases and conditions, often before you experience any noticeable symptoms. Many serious eye diseases only show symptoms once the condition is advanced, by which time irreversible damage could have occurred.
Eye diseases are relatively rare, although they become more common as we get older. All eye diseases should be regarded as serious–even diseases that appear mild have the potential to cause serious damage if not treated appropriately. Prevention is key!
We work with local GPs, ophthalmologists, specialists and community health nurses to provide you with the best health care possible. Some of the eye diseases and conditions that we monitor for are:
Macular Degeneration – a group of degenerative eye diseases which cause progressive damage to the retina, resulting in the loss of central vision. Patients suffering from macular degeneration don’t experience pain, but will experience an inability to see fine detail, drive, read and recognise faces. This will gradually worsen.
Glaucoma – a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the eye to the brain) and cause progressive, irreversible vision loss that may even result in total blindness.
In the more common forms of glaucoma, there is increased pressure in the eye which presses on the optic nerve and causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision. Patients with the early stages of glaucoma generally do not notice this initial, irreversible loss of vision until it has become much more advanced; early detection is key to prevent further vision loss.
http://www.optometry.org.au/your-eyes/your-eye-health/eye-diseases/glaucoma.aspx
Cataracts – a normal part of aging, cataracts are the cloudy areas that form in the clear lens behind the eye. This leads to blurred vision and can cause blindness when left untreated. Cataracts can also cause scattering light (in the same way as does a dirty window), increased glare sensitivity and a reduction in contrast. They are usually the result of age, but can form in younger people and as a result of long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, injury and diseases such as diabetes.
http://www.optometry.org.au/your-eyes/your-eye-health/eye-diseases/cataract.aspx
Diabetic retinopathy – occurs when the tiny blood vessels inside the retina are damaged due to diabetes. The risk increases over time and can seriously affect vision. In some cases, it can even cause blindness.
http://www.optometry.org.au/your-eyes/your-eye-health/eye-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy.aspx
Dry eye – an uncomfortable but very common condition that occurs when your tears don’t provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Treatments for dry eyes may provide you with some relief from these symptoms. These treatments can include lifestyle and diet changes and lubricating eyedrops. You'll likely need to take these measures indefinitely to control the symptoms of dry eyes.
Pterygiums – a non-cancerous growth that covers the white part of your eye and extends onto the cornea. It can occur on one or both eyes and can be slightly raised with visible blood vessels. Whilst pterygiums often have no symptoms, they may become inflamed and cause irritation, burning or a feeling like there’s something foreign in your eye and in some cases can effect vision. The exact cause is unknown, though it is more common in people who have a lot of exposure to sunlight and wind, such as people who work outdoors.
http://www.optometry.org.au/your-eyes/your-eye-health/eye-diseases/pterygium.aspx
Myopia – also known as short-sightedness, myopia causes distant objects to appear blurred, yet your near vision is perfectly clear.
http://www.optometry.org.au/wa/your-eyes/your-eye-health/myopia-faq.aspx
Hyperopia – otherwise known as long-sightedness, hyperopia means you can see perfectly into the distance, but are unable to see items up close. This makes it difficult to read and can cause strain and headaches when reading or doing other close-up activities.
http://www.optometry.org.au/wa/your-eyes/your-eye-health/hyperopia.aspx
Presbyopia – a difficulty to focus on nearby objects known as age-related long-sightedness. This usually becomes noticeable between the ages of forty and fifty; People in this age group often find that they have to hold things further away to see them clearly.
http://www.optometry.org.au/wa/your-eyes/your-eye-health/presbyopia.aspx
Astigmatism – blurred or distorted vision at any distance that is often accompanied by headaches. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is oval, and light is unable to focus.
http://www.optometry.org.au/wa/your-eyes/your-eye-health/astigmatism.aspx
Amblyopia – otherwise known as lazy eye, this occurs when the vision in one eye is reduced due to the brain and eye not working together properly. It most commonly occurs in young eyes and is generally easy to treat. If left untreated it can cause permanent vision problems.
