Overview

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition affecting the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision used for reading, driving and recognising faces. It most commonly affects people over the age of 60 and is a leading cause of vision loss in developed countries.

There are two forms of AMD. Dry AMD develops gradually as retinal cells deteriorate and deposits known as drusen accumulate beneath the macula. Wet AMD is less common but more serious and occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid vision loss.

Symptoms

• Blurred or distorted central vision
• Difficulty reading or recognising faces
• Straight lines appearing wavy
• Dark or empty areas in the centre of vision

Treatment Options

• Anti-VEGF injections to treat wet AMD
• AREDS vitamin supplements for some patients with dry AMD
• Regular monitoring with OCT retinal imaging
• Lifestyle measures such as smoking cessation and healthy diet

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Overview

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the small blood vessels of the retina. High blood glucose levels cause these vessels to weaken, leak fluid or bleed. Over time abnormal new blood vessels may grow on the retinal surface. Diabetic macular oedema occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula, causing swelling and central vision impairment.

Symptoms

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail
• Floaters or dark spots in vision
• Reduced colour perception

Treatment Options

• Anti-VEGF injections to reduce macular swelling
• Laser treatment to seal leaking vessels or prevent abnormal growth
• Vitrectomy surgery in advanced disease
• Optimising blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol control

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Overview

Retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein that drains blood from the retina becomes blocked. This blockage leads to retinal haemorrhage, fluid leakage and swelling of the retina. It may involve a smaller branch vein (BRVO) or the main retinal vein (CRVO). Macular oedema is the most common cause of vision loss associated with this condition.

Symptoms

• Sudden painless blurred vision
• Reduced central vision
• Distortion or dark areas in vision

Treatment Options

• Anti-VEGF injections to reduce retinal swelling
• Steroid injections or implants
• Laser treatment in selected cases
• Management of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes

Overview

Central serous chorioretinopathy occurs when fluid accumulates beneath the retina, causing a localised detachment of the macula. It often affects adults aged 30–50 and is more common in men. Stress, corticosteroid medications and certain personality traits have been associated with increased risk.

Symptoms

• Blurred central vision
• Distorted vision
• Objects appearing smaller than normal
• Reduced contrast sensitivity

Treatment Options

• Observation in many cases as the condition may resolve naturally
• Photodynamic therapy for persistent fluid
• Laser treatment in selected cases
• Reducing triggers such as steroid medications

Overview

Retinal artery occlusion occurs when blood flow through the retinal artery becomes blocked, usually by an embolus from the carotid artery or heart. Because the retina relies on continuous blood supply, interruption can lead to rapid and severe vision loss. The condition is often considered a stroke affecting the eye.

Symptoms

• Sudden painless vision loss in one eye
• Rapid reduction in visual clarity
• Possible visual field defects

Treatment Options

• Urgent medical assessment and stroke evaluation
• Cardiovascular risk factor management
• Investigation of carotid and cardiac sources of emboli

Overview

Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated pressure within the eye. Over time this damage can lead to progressive vision loss. The most common form is primary open-angle glaucoma, which typically develops slowly and without early symptoms.

Symptoms

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages
• Often no symptoms in early disease

Treatment Options

• Pressure-lowering eye drops
• Laser treatments such as selective laser trabeculoplasty
• Glaucoma surgery to improve drainage of fluid from the eye

Point of Difference

Dr Hunt is an expert in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma. He provides minimally invasive glaucoma drainage devices as an additional procedure that can be combined with cataract surgery to reduce dependence on glaucoma drops. 

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Overview

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, reducing the amount of light reaching the retina. Cataracts commonly develop with ageing but may also occur due to trauma, diabetes or certain medications. As the lens becomes more opaque, vision gradually worsens.

Symptoms

• Blurred or cloudy vision
• Increased glare from lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Faded colours

Treatment Options

• Cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens
• Insertion of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL)
• Day procedure with rapid visual recovery in most patients

Overview

A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue that develops on the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) and may extend onto the cornea. It is often triangular in shape and is commonly associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, wind, dust and dry environments. For this reason it is more frequently seen in people who spend significant time outdoors. In many cases the growth remains small and stable, but in some patients it can slowly enlarge and affect the cornea, potentially interfering with vision.

Symptoms

• Visible fleshy growth on the white of the eye
• Redness or irritation
• Foreign body sensation or discomfort
• Blurred vision if the growth extends onto the cornea
• Dryness or inflammation of the eye

Treatment Options

• Lubricating eye drops to reduce irritation
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops when inflammation occurs
• UV protection using sunglasses and hats
• Surgical removal if the pterygium grows significantly or affects vision

Overview

Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tear film evaporates too quickly, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the ocular surface. The tear film is essential for maintaining clear vision and protecting the eye from irritation and infection. Dry eye is extremely common and can occur due to ageing, prolonged screen use, environmental conditions, contact lens wear, hormonal changes, or certain medications. In some patients it is associated with inflammatory conditions affecting the eyelids or tear glands. The condition may be temporary or chronic and can significantly affect comfort and visual quality if untreated.

Symptoms

• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Grittiness or a feeling of sand in the eye
• Fluctuating or blurred vision
• Redness or eye fatigue
• Watery eyes caused by reflex tearing

Treatment Options

• Artificial tear eye drops or lubricating gels
• Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
• Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops
• Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage
• Lifestyle adjustments such as reducing screen strain and improving environmental humidity

Overview

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common condition that can develop after cataract surgery. During cataract surgery the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, which is positioned within the remaining lens capsule. Over time, residual lens cells can grow on the back portion of this capsule, causing it to become cloudy. This clouding can interfere with the passage of light to the retina, resulting in vision changes similar to those experienced with cataracts.

Symptoms

• Gradually blurred or cloudy vision
• Increased glare or sensitivity to bright lights
• Difficulty reading or seeing clearly
• Reduced contrast or visual clarity

Treatment Options

• YAG laser capsulotomy, a quick and painless laser procedure that creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule
• The procedure is typically performed in clinic and usually restores clear vision rapidly
• No surgical incision is required and recovery is typically immediate.