Your guide to eye conditions

Sight is such an important part of our lives – and something we want to help protect.

Your guide to
eye conditions

Sight is such an important part of our lives – and something we want to help protect.

Like any other medical condition, it’s good for you to be familiar with symptoms of common eye conditions so you know what to look out for, what you can do and when to seek help.

Your eyes can also indicate signs of more problematic issues to do with your general health like diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms of these conditions are not always obvious, so regular eye tests are an essential part of maintaining your health.

The conditions below are all common – and can affect anyone in their lifetime.

Astigmatism

Like short- or long-sightedness, astigmatism is a very common and treatable cause of blurred vision.

Blepharitis

Red and swollen eyelids – particularly around the edges – that can be caused by an infection or a skin condition. It’s not serious but it can lead to further problems.

Cataracts

Cloudy patches in the lens of the eye, causing blurry, misty vision. Usually more common in people over 65.

Chalazion

Sometimes confused with a stye, a chalazion is often a painless swelling or lump that develops in your eyelid. It’s not serious, and will usually disappear on its own.

Cloudy vision

Unlike blurry vision, cloudy vision is when objects appear as if you’re looking through a cloudy piece of glass. It can also result in colour dullness and halos

Computer eye strain

Computers are a big part of our everyday lives, but they can have quite an effect on our eyes. See our tips on how best to manage and reduce computer eye strain.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the membrane that covers the eye and inside of the eyelids, making the eye look red with a burning or itchy feeling.

Corneal Ulcers

A painful sore on the cornea (the clear layer at the front of your eye). It might feel like you have something in your eye and looks like a grey or white spot.

Diabetic retinopathy

A condition caused by diabetes that affects the small blood vessels in the eye, damaging the retina, which is vital for sight.

Double vision

Double vision, or diplopia, happens when you see two versions of the same image. There are two types: monocular and binocular

Dry eye syndrome

Occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears or they evaporate too quickly causing dry, red and irritated eyes.

Eye twitching

An involuntary muscle spasm in the eyelid, usually in one eye. It can be bothersome, but it’s completely harmless and painless, and will going away on its own.

Floaters

The appearance of spots or strands floating across your vision, particularly against a bright background.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve.

Hay fever

A common allergic reaction to pollen at certain times of the year, causing irritated and inflamed eyes.

Macular degeneration

Affects your central vision and your ability to focus on things like driving, faces and reading. There are two types: dry and wet.

Myopia

More commonly known as short sight, people with myopia can see things clearly up close, but things far away are blurred.

Ocular hypertension

Raised eye pressure caused by issues draining the fluid inside the eye. Although symptomless, people with ocular hypertension are more at risk of developing glaucoma, a more serious eye condition.

Ocular migraines

Causes temporary distortion or vision loss in one eye, and is sometimes accompanied by a headache. Also known as a retinal or eye migraine.

Presbyopia

A natural loss of elasticity of the lens from around the age of 40 that affects your ability to focus on things close-up, like reading.

Red eye

It may look alarming, but it’s usually a sign of a minor condition like conjunctivitis. But it may be a more serious issue if you feel any pain.

Retinal detachment

Occurs when the retina, which lines the back of the eye, pulls away from the blood vessels that keep it healthy.

Stye

Although they can be painful, styes are usually nothing to worry about, and will usually clear up on their own after a week or two.

Watering eyes

Occurs if too many tears are produced or if they can’t drain properly causing sore, uncomfortable eyes with blurred vision.

Our stores are fully equipped to help you to manage and treat a range of eye conditions. So if you’re worried about your eye health, or if you recognise any of these symptoms, Specsavers can be your first port of call.

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^*Free exam for AA Members applies to standard eye examinations only, normally valued at $60. Excludes contact lens examination. Limited to one per AA Member every two years. Available to current AA Members upon presentation of AA Membership card.