01
Myopia (short-sightedness)
Distant objects such as road signs, the television or faces across a room look blurred, while close work like reading or using a phone stays clear. It happens when the eye is slightly too long, or the cornea too steeply curved, so light focuses just in front of the retina rather than on it. Myopia usually starts in childhood or the teenage years and often progresses until early adulthood, so regular checks matter. Squinting, headaches and sitting close to screens are common signs in children. It is corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and for children there are now specialist lenses that can help slow its progression.
02
Hypermetropia (long-sightedness)
Close objects can look blurred, and reading, computer work or sewing may cause eye strain, tiredness or headaches. It happens when the eye is slightly too short, so light focuses behind the retina. Younger eyes can often compensate by working harder to focus, which means it can go unnoticed for years — sometimes the only clue is tired eyes at the end of the day or a child losing concentration in class. As we get older that focusing reserve reduces, and distance vision can be affected too. Glasses or contact lenses relieve the strain and make both near and far vision comfortable again.
03
Astigmatism
Astigmatism means the cornea or lens is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football, so light focuses at more than one point. The result is blurred or slightly distorted vision at all distances, and it can make lights at night appear to streak or glare. It is extremely common, is often present from birth and frequently occurs alongside short- or long-sightedness. Uncorrected, it can cause eye strain, squinting and headaches, especially during screen work or driving. It is measured precisely during an eye examination and easily corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses or, for some people, laser surgery.
04
Presbyopia
From around our mid-40s, the eye's natural lens gradually becomes less flexible and loses its ability to change focus for close objects. You may notice yourself holding a menu or phone further away, needing brighter light to read, or getting tired eyes after close work. It is a normal part of ageing and affects everyone eventually, including people who have never needed glasses before. It continues to change until around our 60s, so your prescription may need updating every few years. Reading glasses, varifocals, office lenses or multifocal contact lenses all restore comfortable near vision, and we can advise which suits your lifestyle best.
05
Dry eye
Dry eye happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Eyes can feel gritty, burning, scratchy or tired, vision may fluctuate during the day, and — surprisingly — they may even water a lot as the eye tries to compensate. Screen use (we blink less when concentrating), central heating, air conditioning, wind, contact lenses, hormonal changes, some medications and age can all contribute. It is very common, particularly over the age of 50. Lubricating drops, warm compresses, lid care, taking regular screen breaks and staying hydrated usually bring real relief, and we can assess the cause and recommend the right treatment.
06
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, where the lashes grow. It causes sore, red, itchy or crusty eyelids, often worse in the morning, and can make eyes feel gritty or burn. It is often linked to bacteria on the lid, blocked oil glands or skin conditions such as rosacea and dandruff, and it is closely connected to dry eye. Although it isn't usually serious and isn't contagious, it tends to be long-term and can flare up from time to time. The key to managing it is a simple daily routine of warm compresses, gentle lid massage and cleaning, which keeps symptoms well under control for most people.
07
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin, clear membrane covering the white of the eye and inside of the eyelids. Eyes become red, watery, sticky or itchy, and the lids may stick together on waking. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses — which are contagious, so avoid sharing towels and wash your hands often — or by allergies such as hay fever, which usually affect both eyes and cause intense itching. Most infective cases clear on their own within one to two weeks, and allergic cases respond well to antihistamine drops. However, pain, sensitivity to light or reduced vision are not typical and should be checked promptly.
08
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris. Vision gradually becomes misty or hazy, colours can look faded or yellowed, and glare from headlights or sunlight becomes more troublesome — many people first notice difficulty driving at night. Cataracts develop slowly with age, and are more likely with diabetes, smoking, long-term steroid use and high sun exposure. In the early stages an updated prescription and better lighting can help. When cataracts begin to affect daily life, a routine and very successful operation replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one, and we can arrange referral.
09
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of conditions in which the optic nerve, which carries signals from the eye to the brain, becomes damaged — often linked to raised pressure inside the eye. The most common type develops slowly and painlessly, gradually reducing side vision, so most people have no symptoms until significant sight is lost. That damage cannot be reversed, which is why early detection is so important. Risk is higher with age, a family history of glaucoma, short-sightedness, diabetes and in people of African or Caribbean heritage. Regular eye examinations, including pressure checks and optic nerve imaging, allow it to be found early and treated, usually with daily eye drops.
10
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the small central part of the retina responsible for fine detail, reading and recognising faces. Central vision becomes blurred, distorted or develops a dark patch, while side vision is usually kept. 'Dry' AMD is the most common form and progresses slowly over years. 'Wet' AMD is less common but can develop quickly, and early treatment with injections can help preserve sight. Risk increases with age, smoking and family history; a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and not smoking can help protect your eyes. Sudden distortion — straight lines looking wavy — should be checked urgently.
11
Diabetic eye disease
Over time, diabetes can damage the small blood vessels of the retina, causing them to leak or become blocked — a condition called diabetic retinopathy. It can also lead to swelling at the macula and an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma. In the early stages there are usually no symptoms at all, so problems can develop unnoticed. Blood sugar levels can also cause vision to fluctuate from day to day. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol well controlled greatly reduces the risk. Everyone with diabetes should attend regular retinal screening and eye examinations, as early changes can be treated before sight is affected.
12
Flashes and floaters
Floaters are small specks, threads or cobwebs that drift across your vision, most noticeable against a bright sky or white wall. They are usually caused by natural changes in the gel inside the eye as we age, and are generally harmless — most people learn to ignore them. Flashes are brief streaks of light, often at the edge of vision, caused by the gel tugging on the retina. Occasionally this can lead to a retinal tear or detachment, which needs prompt treatment to protect sight. A sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision need same-day attention.
If you notice sudden loss of vision, a painful red eye, or a sudden shower of floaters or flashes, contact us or NHS 24 on 111 straight away.
