NOKopedia A-Z
There are many eye conditions that can be diagnosed and treated by visiting an Optometrist, varying in severity; if you are concerned about any of the conditions below, please get contact us.
Amblyopia
The medical term for poor vision in one, or sometimes both eyes; it means the brain is 'favouring' one eye over another. Amblyopia can be treated when diagnosed young, with a temporary eye patch or glasses - the Junior Ocular Health Examination includes all necessary tests for Amblyopia
Astigmatism
The cornea of your eye is normally round, like a football; when astigmatism is diagnosed, it means your cornea has warped into a rugby ball shape; glasses and contactscan be used to correct sight
Blepharitis
A non-contagious eye condition that occurs when the glands near the eyelashes become blocked or infected; diagnosis and treatment can be recommended at an Ocular Health Examination
Cataracts
Cataracts usually occur in those aged 65+, acting as a cloud over the lens of your eye, making vision blurred or dim; a small operation is usually recommended to correct the condition
Colour Vision Deficiency
Colour vision deficiency, commonly referred to as 'colour blindness' is an inherited condition, where certain colours are seen differently. Although currently untreatable, colour vision deficiency can be managed; recommendations can be provided at a Junior Ocular Health Examination
Conjunctivitis
There are three types of conjuncitivitis, an inflammation of the thin layer that lines the inner eyerlid; infectious, allergic and chemical. Common symptoms include red, watery eyes, watery or pus-like discharge; treatment can be recommended and provided by booking an appointment
Cornea
The Cornea is the curved, transparent front cover of the eye, which protects the iris and lens
Diabetes
Diabetes affects about one in fifty people in the UK, affecting the body's ability to cope with sugar and other carbohydrates. It can affect the eyes in many ways, usually affecting the blood vessels in the eye; regular Ocular Health Examinations can help diagnose diabetes as well as preventing sight loss
Double-Vision
Having double-vision, also referred to as diplopia, can have two possible causes; the eye's optical system may have a defect, such as cataracts, or there may be a squint; both treatable to remove the diplopia
Episcleritis
Episcleritis is an inflammation of the episclera, a thin membrance that is found over the white of the eye; symptoms include redness and mild pain. Antibiotics can be prescribed if the condition is more severe
Farsightedness
Seeing objects at a distance clearly, but having trouble focusing well on objects close up, is known as being farsighted, longsighted and by the terms hypermetropia and hyperopia
Fuchs Dystrophy
Fuchs dystrophy occurs when the protective outer cells of the eye slowly deteriorate; as more of these 'endothelial' cells are lost over the years, the cornea becomes less able to clear water, causing it to swell and to distort vision; there are various treatments that can be recommended by your optometrist
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to eye conditions where the optic nerve is damaged at the point where it leaves the eye, normally due to raised eye pressure or a weakness in the nerve. Glaucoma can go unnoticed unless detected by an optometrist, but can cause lasting vision damage if left untreated; it is most common amongst the over-40s, so the test is included as standard in an Ocular Health Examination
Hyperopia
The medical term for farsightedness; sufferers are referred to as Hyperopes
Iritis
Iritis is inflammation of the coloured portion of the eye, the iris; it can cause pain, light sensitivity and sight loss; treatment is directed at finding and removing the cause of the inflammation
Keratitis
Keratitis is an inflammation or infection of the cornea, the centre of the eye that surrounds the pupil; there can be many causes, such as the herpes simplex virus, foreign objects in the eye, Vitamin A deficiency or allergies. Treatment involves an eye exam for diagnosis and eye medication
Macular Deterioration
The macula is a delicate part of the eye at the centre of the retina, where incoming rays of light are focused into the colour image you see. Sometimes the cells of the macula cells become damaged and stop functioning, usually related to age; in the early stages this appears as blurry or distorted vision; treatments depend on the severity of the deterioration but can include laser treatment
Myopia
Colour vision deficiency, commonly referred to as 'colour blindness' is an inherited
Nystagmus
Nystagmus is an involuntary movement of the eyes, usually diagnosed in early childhood, which can make clear sight difficult. Although nystagmus is currently incurable, there are many treatments that can help sufferers see clearly, such as glasses, therapy, or surgery in very severe cases
Optic Nerve
The term for millions of optical nerve fibers that connect the eyes to the brain
Photophobia
Photophobia is also known as light sensitivity, where bright lights can cause headaches or deep squints in bright lights. If the condition is causing problems, speak to your optometrist about treatments
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
Occurring in 75% of people over 65 as the jelly-like substance inside the eye changes,
PVD can cause 'floating' spots or lights in their vision; working with your optometrist can help with the condition
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the natural loss of flexibility in the lens of your eye, meaning focusing is more difficult; regular Ocular Health Examinations can help you compensate through changing the prescription of your glasses or contact lenses, to maintain clear and comfortable vision
Ptosis
Ptosis (pronounced toe-sis) is the medical term for dropping eyelids that can block vision; surgery is often recommended, depending on the diagnosis at your Ocular Health Examination
Retinal Detachment
The retina, the fine sheet of nerve tissue inside of your eye, is attached to the inner surface of the eye; if there is a tear or hole, then fluid can get underneath and cause 'retinal detachment', causing a shadow or dark spots in your vision. It is usually treated with minor surgery; the sooner the diagnosis, the better
Shortsightedness
Shortsightedness or nearsightedness, also known as myopia,
is a variation in the shape of your eyeball, which causes you to have trouble focusing on objects that are further way
Squint
A squint, medically referred to as strabismus, occurs because of an incorrect balance of the muscles that control the eye; approimately 5-8% of children are affected by a squint or squint-reated condition.
Treatment can include eye drops, spectacles or the use of an eye patch
Stroma
The stroma is the thickest part of the cornea (the outer covering for the front of the eye)
Thyroid Eye Disease
Most common in sufferers of 'Graves' disease', thyroid eye
disease can cause the eye to be 'pushed out' and can cause dry eyes, light/wind sensitivity and double vision. Working with your GP, careful checks can be carried out to prevent Glaucoma and long-term vision loss
Uveitis
When any part of the uvea - three parts of the eye including the iris - become inflammed, Uveitis is diagnosed; treatment can vary
depending on the seriousness of the condition