General Ophthalmology

What is it?

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a developmental disorder where one eye has reduced vision that is not corrected by glasses or contact lenses, often due to improper visual development during childhood. This can lead to a lack of coordination between the eyes and the brain’s visual processing.

How to manage or treat it?

Amblyopia is managed and treated through several approaches which are aimed at improving vision in the affected eye. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for effective treatment, as the best outcomes are typically achieved when amblyopia is treated during childhood.

These can include:

• Corrective Lenses: Prescribing glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors in both eyes, which can help improve vision.
• Patching Therapy: Covering the stronger eye with an eye patch for several hours a day to force the brain to use the weaker eye, promoting its visual development.
• Atropine Drops: Using atropine eye drops in the stronger eye to temporarily blur its vision, encouraging the use of the weaker eye.
• Vision Therapy: Engaging in specialised exercises and activities designed to improve eye coordination and visual processing skills.
• Surgery: In cases of strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) contributing to amblyopia, surgical intervention may be considered to correct eye alignment.
• Regular Monitoring: Frequent follow-up visits with an eye care professional to assess progress and adjust treatment as necessary.

What is it?

Aniridia is a rare congenital condition characterised by the absence or incomplete formation of the iris, the coloured part of the eye. This condition can lead to various vision problems, such as sensitivity to light (photophobia), decreased visual acuity, and an increased risk of other eye issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal abnormalities.

How to manage or treat it?

Ophthalmologists manage and treat aniridia by addressing its associated symptoms and complications through various approaches as detailed below. In addition, regular follow-up and ongoing care is essential to manage any arising issues.

• Vision Correction: Prescribing glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors, which may include bifocals or specialised lenses to address sensitivity to light.
• Light Sensitivity Management: Recommending tinted glasses or sunglasses to reduce photophobia and improve comfort in bright environments.
• Monitoring for Complications: Regular eye examinations to check for common complications associated with aniridia, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal issues, allowing for early intervention if needed.
• Surgical Interventions: Performing surgeries to address complications, such as cataract removal or glaucoma management, if they arise.

What is it?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error of the eye caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, which leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Instead of being perfectly spherical, the cornea or lens may have a more oval shape, causing light rays to focus on multiple points either in front of or behind the retina.

How to manage or treat it?

Astigmatism is managed and treated primarily through the following approaches.

• Corrective Lenses: Prescription glasses or contact lenses specifically designed to counteract the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens are the most common treatment.
• Laser Vision Correction: Otherwise known as refractive surgery, options such as SMILE, LASIK or PRK, can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism, providing a more permanent solution for eligible candidates.
• Orthokeratology: This involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.
• Management of Associated Conditions: If astigmatism is linked to other eye issues (like keratoconus), further specialised treatment may be required.

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of astigmatism, the patient’s age, lifestyle, their visual goals, and overall eye health.

What is it?

Eye bags, also known as fat prolapse, refer to the swelling or puffiness that occurs under the eyes due to the herniation of fat pads and the weakening of the tissues surrounding the eyes. This condition can result from aging, genetics, fluid retention, lack of sleep, or lifestyle factors such as diet and stress, leading to a tired or aged appearance. Eye bags are often accompanied by dark circles and can be temporary or persistent.

How to manage or treat it?

The treatment for eye bags can vary based on their severity and underlying causes and may include a combination of the below treatments for optimal results.

• Lifestyle Changes: Improving sleep habits, reducing salt intake, staying hydrated, and managing allergies can help reduce puffiness.
• Topical Treatments: Eye creams containing ingredients like caffeine, retinol, or peptides may help reduce swelling and improve skin appearance.
• Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to the eyes can temporarily reduce swelling and provide relief.
• Injectable Treatments: Dermal fillers or botox can be used to smooth the area and reduce the appearance of bags.
• Surgical Options: For more persistent or severe cases, surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can remove excess fat and skin, providing a more permanent solution.

What is it?

Blepharitis is a common eyelid inflammation condition that can sometimes be associated with bacterial eye infection. Symptoms include dry eyes or certain types of skin conditions such as ‘acne rosacea’ and can occur in two basic forms:

• Anterior Blepharitis affects the exterior of the eye where the eyelashes are attached.
• Posterior Blepharitis linked to dysfunction of glands within the eyelids that secrete oils to help lubricate the eye.

How to manage or treat it?

The most effective way to manage this condition is by applying heat or a warm compress to the eyelids, which helps to clear the oils from any blocked glands. Ideally, this should be done once or twice daily. Supportive treatment to those that are susceptible to blepharitis includes maintaining eyelid hygiene.

Additional therapy includes using non-preserved lubricating eye drops in a regular basis.

In persistent cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed by a doctor and only used when necessary.

What is it?

Blepharospasm is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary, spasmodic contractions of the eyelid muscles, leading to excessive blinking or eyelid closure. This condition can cause discomfort and may affect vision. It can be triggered by factors such as stress, bright lights, or fatigue.

How to manage or treat it?

Blepharospasm is typically treated through a combination of the following approaches:

• Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox): This is the most common and effective treatment. Botulinum toxin is injected into the eyelid muscles to reduce spasms.
• Other Medications: Oral medications such as anticholinergics or muscle relaxants may help some patients manage symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Techniques like relaxation exercises or biofeedback may assist in reducing stress and improving control over muscle contractions.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Managing triggers such as stress, fatigue, and bright lights can also be helpful.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options may be considered if other treatments are ineffective.

What is it?

A chalazion is a small lump in the eyelid. It is like a stye, which is an infection of the edge of the eyelid caused by bacteria. However, a chalazion is away from the edge and is usually not caused by bacteria.

How to manage or treat it?

Sometimes a chalazion will go away without treatment. However, you may need to apply warm compresses to the closed eyelid for at least 3 to 5 minutes at a time, 2 to 4 times a day, for several days to resolve a chalazion. The moist heat helps to reduce inflammation and will help to dissolve and remove the plug that is blocking the oil gland. If compresses do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe steroids in the form of eyedrops or shots into the lump. Other treatment may include antibiotics in the form of eyedrops, ointment, or tablets. If the chalazion is still present after several weeks, an ophthalmologist may need to remove the lump during minor surgery. The surgery is generally safe and effective and is usually done with local anaesthesia.

What is it?

Conjunctivitis refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, resulting in pink discolouration. The condition can also result in itching or irritation, discharge from the eye and light sensitivity. The causes of conjunctivitis are varied and include bacterial or viral infection, the presence of a foreign body in the eye or allergies.

How to manage or treat it?

Conjunctivitis can be highly infectious and as such proper management of the condition is vital. The treatment of conjunctivitis is dependent on the cause, and may involve antibacterial, antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops.

What are they?

A corneal ulcer is an open sore or lesion on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It can result from various causes, including infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal), injury, or underlying conditions such as dry eye or contact lens wear. Symptoms may include redness, pain, blurred vision, increased tearing, and sensitivity to light.

How to manage or treat it?

Corneal ulcers require prompt medical attention, as they can lead to serious complications, including vision loss. Treatment typically involves antibiotics or antifungal medications, depending on the cause, and sometimes eye drops to reduce inflammation or promote healing.

What is it?

Colour blindness, or colour vision deficiency, is a condition where an individual has difficulty distinguishing between certain colours. The most common types involve trouble differentiating between reds and greens or blues and yellows.

Colour blindness typically results from genetic factors affecting the cones in the retina, which are responsible for detecting colour. It can also be caused by other factors, such as certain diseases, medications, or aging.

How to manage or treat it?

While there’s no cure for colour blindness, many people learn to adapt and may use tools like colour-correcting glasses or apps to help identify colours in daily life.

What is it?

Double vision, or diplopia, is a condition where a person perceives two images of a single object. These images may appear side by side, on top of each other, or both. Diplopia can occur in one eye (monocular diplopia) or both eyes (binocular diplopia). The condition can result from various causes, including:

• Eye muscle disorders: Such as strabismus or thyroid eye disease.
• Neurological conditions: Such as multiple sclerosis or stroke.
• Injuries: Trauma to the eye or head.
• Refractive errors: Issues with how light is focused in the eye.

Symptoms may include visual discomfort, difficulty with depth perception, and headaches.

How to manage or treat it?

Based on the individual’s specific situation and needs an ophthalmologist will tailor a treatment plan to manage double vision (diplopia) through a variety of approaches, depending on the underlying cause. These are provided below.

• Comprehensive Eye Examination: This includes tests to assess eye movement, alignment, and visual acuity to determine the cause of diplopia.
• Prescription Glasses: Prism glasses may be prescribed to help align images and reduce double vision, particularly in cases of binocular diplopia.
• Eye Patching: Covering one eye temporarily can help alleviate symptoms, especially if one eye is significantly weaker or misaligned.
• Medications: If diplopia is caused by an underlying condition (like inflammation or infection), medications such as steroids may be used to address that condition.
• Vision Therapy: Some patients may benefit from exercises designed to improve coordination between the eyes and enhance visual processing.
• Surgery: In cases where muscle imbalance or anatomical issues cause diplopia, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the eyes.
• Management of Underlying Conditions: Treating conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease that can contribute to diplopia is also important.

What is it?

Dry eye syndrome is a condition where the eye lacks sufficient tears to maintain comfort and health and becomes more common and chronic with age. Persistent grittiness, irritated, tired or watery eyes can indicate dry eye syndrome. Untreated dry eye syndrome can lead to several complications, including eye discomfort, fluctuations in vision, and potential damage to the cornea.

How to treat or manage it?

The below strategies can assist in managing dry eye syndrome:

• Blinking more often
• Using eyedrops, gels or ointments to help lubricate surface of eyes
• Understanding any other medications taken and their potential side effects
• Plugs that can be inserted into the tear ducts to help prevent loss of tears

What is it?

An eye injury is any damage or trauma to the eye or surrounding structures, which can result from various causes such as unexpected impact to the area, foreign bodies, or chemical exposure, and may lead to symptoms like pain, redness, swelling, blurred vision, or even vision loss.

How to manage or treat it?

Treatment and management of the injury will depend on the injury itself which will be advised by your ophthalmologist at your appointment.

What is it?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a serious condition resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol, leading to physical, behavioural, and cognitive impairments in the affected child. It is characterised by distinct facial features, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system dysfunction, which can result in developmental delays, learning disabilities, and a range of other behavioural issues.

How to manage or treat it?

Ophthalmologists treat the eye-related manifestations of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) by addressing specific visual problems that may arise. Through the strategies provided below, ophthalmologists can help manage visual impairments associated with FAS and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

• Vision Assessment: Comprehensive eye examinations to identify any refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, which are common in children with FAS.
• Corrective Lenses: Prescribing glasses or contact lenses to correct vision problems and improve visual acuity.
• Management of Strabismus: Treating eye misalignment (strabismus) through glasses, vision therapy, or surgery if necessary.
• Addressing Eye Movements: Providing vision therapy to improve eye tracking, coordination, and overall visual processing skills, which can be affected in children with FAS.
• Monitoring for Complications: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor any changes in vision or eye health, as individuals with FAS may be at higher risk for certain ocular conditions.
• Collaboration with Other Specialists: Working with paediatricians, neurologists, and developmental specialists to provide a comprehensive approach to the child’s overall health and development.

What is it?

A foreign body in the eye refers to any object or substance that becomes lodged in the eye, which can include particles like dust, metal, wood, or glass, and may cause irritation, pain, redness, tearing, and potential damage to the eye’s surface or deeper structures.

How to manage or treat it?

The management and treatment of a foreign body in the eye depend on the type, size, and location of the object, as well as any associated symptoms. Common approaches include:

• Immediate Care: Avoid rubbing the eye and flush it gently with clean water or saline to help remove small particles.
• Ophthalmic Evaluation: professional assessment of the injury, especially if the object is not easily removed or if there is significant pain or vision changes.
• Removal: An ophthalmic professional may use specialised instruments to safely remove the foreign body, particularly if it is embedded in the cornea or deeper structures.
• Medication: Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection, and anti-inflammatory drops can help reduce irritation and swelling.
• Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment may be necessary to monitor for complications, such as infection or scarring.

Genetic eye disorders are conditions affecting the eyes that are caused by inherited genetic mutations or abnormalities, which can impact vision, eye structure, or overall eye health. These disorders can be passed down through families and include a wide range of conditions. Some of the more common are detailed below.

• Retinitis Pigmentosa: A degenerative disease that affects the retina, leading to vision loss over time.
• Colour Blindness: A condition affecting the perception of colours due to abnormalities in the photopigments of the retina.
• Congenital Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth, which can affect vision if not treated.
• Usher Syndrome: A condition that affects both hearing and vision, often leading to retinitis pigmentosa and hearing loss.
• Aniridia: The absence of the iris, leading to various vision problems.
• Glaucoma: Some forms are hereditary, leading to increased intraocular pressure and potential vision loss.

Management and treatment will vary based on the specific disorder and its severity, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving working with an ophthalmologist with specific expertise as well as other medical experts and counsellors.

What is it?

Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to hyperthyroidism, causing the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. It can impact eye health by causing Graves’ ophthalmopathy, or thyroid eye disease, characterised by inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and surrounding tissues, resulting in symptoms such as bulging eyes (proptosis), double vision, eye pain, and light sensitivity, which can impair vision and quality of life

How to manage or treat it?

Graves’ Disease and its associated eye symptoms are treated through a combination of approaches as detailed below. An individualised treatment plan is relevant, as symptoms and severity can vary significantly among patients.

• Medications: Antithyroid medications to reduce thyroid hormone production, and steroids to manage inflammation and swelling in the eyes.
• Radioactive iodine therapy: This may be used to destroy overactive thyroid cells, helping to control hyperthyroidism.
• Surgery: In cases of severe eye involvement, procedures such as orbital decompression surgery can relieve pressure on the optic nerve and improve appearance, while eyelid surgery may correct severe ptosis or eyelid retraction.
• Eye care: Artificial tears, ointments, or other supportive treatments to relieve dryness and discomfort.
• Regular monitoring: Follow-up with an endocrinologist and ophthalmologist is essential to manage thyroid levels and monitor eye health.

What is it?

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects can be seen more clearly than nearby objects, occurring when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina.

How to manage or treat it?

Hyperopia is managed and treated primarily through corrective lenses, such as prescription glasses or contact lenses, which help focus light directly onto the retina. Refractive surgery, otherwise known as laser vision correction options, such as SMILE (recently available), LASIK or PRK, can also permanently reshape the cornea to correct vision.

What is it?

Ischemic optic neuropathy is a condition where the optic nerve suffers damage due to insufficient blood flow, leading to sudden vision loss, often in one eye, and is associated with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or giant cell arteritis.

How to manage or treat it?

Ischemic optic neuropathy is managed by addressing the underlying cause to prevent further vision loss. Treatment may include steroids, especially if caused by giant cell arteritis, to reduce inflammation and protect the optic nerve. Managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol is essential to improve blood flow and prevent reoccurrence. In some cases, aspirin or blood-thinning medications are used to reduce the risk of additional vascular events. Unfortunately, there is no direct treatment to restore lost vision, but early diagnosis and medical management can help prevent further damage. Regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist and other specialists is important in the management of this condition.

What is it?

Keratitis is the inflammation or infection of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye. This is often caused by bacteria, viruses, or injury, and can lead to symptoms such as eye redness, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and, in severe cases, vision loss if not treated promptly.

How to manage or treat it?

Keratitis is treated based on its cause. Bacterial keratitis is managed with antibiotic eye drops, while antiviral or antifungal medications are used for viral or fungal infections. In cases caused by injury or contact lens use, removing the irritant and maintaining proper eye hygiene is essential. Steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, but only under medical supervision. Severe cases that don’t respond to medications may require surgical intervention, such as corneal transplantation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by an ophthalmologist is crucial to prevent complications like scarring or permanent vision loss.

What is it?

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, and a characteristic skin rash. It can affect eye health by causing conditions like conjunctivitis, uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), or optic neuritis, leading to vision problems, eye pain, light sensitivity, and in severe cases, vision loss if not treated promptly.

How to manage or treat it?

Lyme Disease is typically treated with antibiotics to eradicate the infection and prevent complications. For eye-related issues like uveitis or optic neuritis, steroids or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, alongside antibiotics. In severe cases affecting vision, intravenous antibiotics might be necessary. Regular monitoring by an infectious disease specialist and an ophthalmologist is important to manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage to the eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective management and reducing the risk of eye complications.

What is it?

Ophthalmic Melanoma, also known as ocular melanoma, is a rare type of cancer that develops in the pigment-producing cells of the eye, most commonly in the uvea (which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid), and can lead to vision loss or spread to other parts of the body if untreated.

How to manage or treat it?

Ophthalmic Melanoma is managed and treated based on the tumour’s size, location, and severity. Treatment options may include radiation therapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal of the tumour. Regular monitoring and follow-up with an ophthalmologist or oncologist are essential to track progression and manage any complications.

What is it?

A migraine is a type of severe headache characterised by intense, pulsating pain often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound, and, in some cases, visual disturbances known as aura.

Migraines can be related to ophthalmic issues through ocular migraines or retinal migraines, which cause temporary visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blind spots, or even temporary vision loss in one eye. These symptoms occur due to changes in blood flow or nerve activity in the eye or visual cortex and may or may not be accompanied by a headache.

How to manage or treat it?

Ocular and retinal migraines are managed by addressing triggers, reducing stress, and avoiding factors like certain foods, bright lights, or excessive screen time. Treatment may include medications for pain relief, or preventative medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or calcium channel blockers to reduce the frequency of migraines. In some cases, lifestyle changes like proper hydration, regular sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet can also help. For severe or frequent episodes, an ophthalmologist or neurologist may recommend further testing and tailored treatments to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

What is it?

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly, caused by an elongation of the eyeball or excessive curvature of the cornea that prevents light from focusing directly on the retina.

How to manage or treat it?

Myopia is treated and managed primarily through corrective lenses, such as prescription glasses or contact lenses, which help focus light properly onto the retina. Additionally, refractive surgery, otherwise known as laser vision correction, options like SMILE, LASIK or PRK can permanently reshape the cornea to correct vision. For children and adolescents, orthokeratology (special contact lenses worn overnight) and atropine eye drops may be used to slow the progression of myopia.

What is it?

Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by weakness and rapid fatigue of the voluntary muscles, caused by an interruption in communication between nerves and muscles. This can significantly affect eye health by causing symptoms such as ptosis (drooping of one or both eyelids) and diplopia (double vision) due to weakness in the eye muscles, which can impair vision and affect daily activities.

How to manage or treat it?

An ophthalmologist treats eye-related symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis by managing ptosis and diplopia through several approaches, including prescribing eye patches or prisms to help align vision, recommending specific exercises to strengthen eye muscles, and monitoring for any changes in eye health or condition. In some cases, they may work alongside neurologists to coordinate care, which can include medications to improve neuromuscular transmission, immunosuppressive therapies to reduce antibody production, or surgical options such as eyelid surgery to correct severe ptosis.

What is it?

Neuropathy Trauma refers to nerve damage resulting from an injury or trauma, which can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area, depending on the type and severity of the injury.

How to manage or treat it?

An ophthalmologist treats Neuropathy Trauma, particularly when it affects the visual system, through a comprehensive approach that may include:

• Diagnosis: Conducting a thorough eye examination to assess visual acuity, eye movements, and the overall health of the eye. This may involve imaging studies or referrals to specialists if neurological involvement is suspected.
• Management of Symptoms: Depending on the nature of the neuropathy, treatment may focus on managing symptoms such as pain or vision disturbances. This could include medications for pain relief, such as anticonvulsants or analgesics.
• Vision Rehabilitation: If vision has been affected, the ophthalmologist may recommend vision therapy or rehabilitation programs to help patients adapt to changes in their visual capabilities.
• Surgery: In some cases, if there is structural damage or if the neuropathy is due to compression of the optic nerve, surgical intervention might be necessary to relieve pressure or repair damage.
• Collaboration with Other Specialists: An ophthalmologist may work closely with neurologists or other specialists to address underlying causes of neuropathy and provide a comprehensive treatment plan.

What is it?

Nystagmus is a condition characterised by involuntary, rapid eye movements, which can be horizontal, vertical, or rotational, and may result in difficulties with vision, balance, and coordination.

How to manage or treat it?

Nystagmus is managed ongoing based on its underlying cause and severity, with treatment options including vision therapy to improve eye control, corrective lenses to enhance visual acuity, and medications to reduce symptoms. In some cases, surgical interventions may be considered to help improve eye alignment and stability. Supportive measures, like occupational therapy and lifestyle adaptations, can also assist individuals in coping with vision-related challenges.

What is it?

Optic Neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve, often resulting in sudden vision loss, pain with eye movement, and reduced colour perception, and is commonly associated with multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune conditions.

How to manage or treat it?

Optic Neuritis is typically managed with steroids to reduce inflammation and speed recovery of vision. Pain management may involve other medications, and patients are often monitored for any underlying conditions like multiple sclerosis. While most individuals experience significant improvement in vision, follow-up with an ophthalmologist or neurologist is essential for ongoing assessment and management.

What is it?

Pterygium is a fleshy overgrowth which grows like a reddish swelling towards the cornea. It is common among those that have excessive sun and wind exposure. It causes redness, irritation and watering.

If untreated, a pterygium may grow across the cornea affecting vision. In this situation, surgical treatment may be required.

How to treat or manage it?

To prevent the development or worsening of a pterygium, it is important to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) sunlight exposure. This can be achieved by wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection and wearing a wide-brimmed hat as preventive measures.

If irritation is only mild, lubricating drops help initially but if it continues to grow and causes redness, irritation and pain, it can be surgically excised.

What is it?

Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid, which can affect one or both eyes, and may be caused by muscle weakness, nerve damage, or other underlying conditions, potentially impairing vision.

How to manage or treat it?

Ptosis is treated based on its severity and cause, often with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty or ptosis repair) to tighten the muscles that lift the eyelid. In mild cases or when surgery isn’t an option, special glasses with a crutch may help lift the eyelid, while underlying conditions like muscle or nerve disorders are addressed through appropriate medical treatments. Regular monitoring is important, especially if Ptosis affects vision or worsens over time.

What is it?

Retinopathy of Prematurity is an eye disorder that occurs in premature infants, where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, potentially leading to retinal detachment and vision loss if not treated promptly. Regular monitoring of premature infants by an ophthalmologist is critical for early detection and timely treatment.

How to manage or treat it?

Retinopathy of prematurity is treated through methods such as laser therapy or cryotherapy to stop abnormal blood vessel growth and prevent retinal detachment. In more advanced cases, treatments like intravitreal injections or surgical interventions, such as scleral buckling or vitrectomy, may be necessary to preserve vision.

What is it?

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a group of inherited, degenerative eye disorders that cause the gradual loss of vision due to the progressive deterioration of the retina’s photoreceptor cells, often leading to night blindness and tunnel vision.

How to manage or treat it?

Retinitis Pigmentosa has no cure, but regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist is essential for managing the condition. Its progression is managed with strategies like vitamin A supplements, protective eyewear to reduce light exposure, low-vision aids, and, in some cases, treatments like retinal implants or gene therapy to preserve or partially restore vision.

What is it?

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles can affect eye health when the virus involves the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, leading to a condition called herpes zoster ophthalmicus, which can cause eye pain, redness, swelling, light sensitivity, and potentially serious complications like corneal scarring, glaucoma, or vision loss if left untreated.

How to manage or treat it?

Prompt treatment by an ophthalmologist is essential to protect vision and prevent long-term damage. Treatment includes antiviral medications to reduce the virus’s activity and shorten the duration of symptoms. Steroid eye drops or ointments may be prescribed to control inflammation. In severe cases, additional treatments like eye lubricants, antibiotics, or intraocular pressure-lowering medications are used to prevent complications like scarring, infection, or glaucoma.

What is it?

This is a trauma injury to the eye or surrounding eye structures and can occur during any athletic activities or while at work. This can result in injuries such as like contusions, abrasions, lacerations, or more severe injuries such as retinal detachments, fractures of the eye socket, or blindness.

How to manage or treat it?

Depending on what type of injury has been sustained, its severity, and the resulting symptoms, an ophthalmologist will work with the patient to treat the injury.

What is it?

A Stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid, typically caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland or hair follicle.

How to manage or treat it?

Sometimes a Stye will go away without treatment. However, usually, you will need to put warm compresses on the area, 2 to 4 times a day, to help the stye drain. The moist heat helps to reduce inflammation and to remove the plug that is blocking the oil gland. If compresses do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or steroid ointments or if the stye will not resolve using these strategies an ophthalmologist may drain the stye surgically under local anaesthesia.

What is it?

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other, causing one or both eyes to turn in, out, up, or down, and can lead to issues like double vision or impaired depth perception.

How to manage or treat it?

Strabismus is treated through options like corrective glasses, prism lenses, vision therapy exercises, or eye muscle surgery to improve eye alignment and coordination. Early treatment in children can prevent long-term vision problems like amblyopia (lazy eye).

What is it?

Your eye is filled with a type of jelly and this is usually clear. As the jelly in the eye shrinks with age it can pull away from the retina which lines the inside of the eye. Mostly the jelly pulls away and there is no problem. Rarely however, the jelly is quite adherent to the retina and it causes a tear in the retina which could precipitate a retinal detachment leading to severe vision loss.

How to manage or treat it?

Your eye doctor will need to check your eye for the signs of retinal tear and will provide advice on treatment unique to your eye health.

What is it?

Thyroid Eye Disease also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the muscles and tissues around the eyes, leading to inflammation, swelling, and bulging eyes (proptosis). It is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves’ Disease, and can cause symptoms like dry eyes, double vision, and in severe cases, vision impairment.

How to manage or treat it?

Regular monitoring by an endocrinologist and ophthalmologist is critical to track disease progression and adjust treatment as needed. Management of thyroid eye disease focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and protecting vision. Initial treatment may include artificial tears for dry eyes, steroids to control inflammation, and medications to manage thyroid hormone levels. In moderate to severe cases, immunosuppressive medications can reduce swelling and tissue damage. Orbital decompression surgery may be necessary for severe proptosis or optic nerve compression. Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and wearing sunglasses, help manage symptoms.

What is it?

Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can cause pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.

How do you manage or treat it?

Uveitis is treated depending on its cause and severity, with the goal of reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and preventing tissue damage.

Steroid eye drops, oral medications, or injections are commonly used to control inflammation. If an infection causes uveitis, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed.

In more severe cases, immunosuppressive drugs are used, especially when the condition is chronic or unresponsive to steroids.

Dilating eye drops are often given to prevent the pupil from sticking to the lens and to reduce pain.

What is it?

A wrinkle is a small crease or fold in the skin, often caused by aging, movement, or compression. Wrinkles are common around the eye as this is an expressive part of the face that moves and creases often.

How to manage or treat it?

To smooth or lessen the appearance of wrinkles methods like moisturisers, retinoids, laser therapy, chemical peels, and injectable fillers and Botox can be used.