Areas of Expertise
Dr Adrian Hunt is an experienced, sub-specialty trained and PhD-qualified Sutherland Shire Ophthalmologist with 20+ years of clinical expertise in the medical and surgical management of eye disease. He is an expert in medical retinal disorders, cataract surgery and pterygium surgery.
Medical Conditions Managed
Dr Hunt has significant expertise in the management of medical retina disorders. He runs weekly intravitreal injection and laser photocoagulation therapy clinics from his Miranda rooms.
Overview
A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. This clouding develops gradually and prevents light from passing clearly through the lens to the retina, leading to blurred or reduced vision. Cataracts are most commonly related to ageing, but they may also occur due to eye injury, diabetes, long-term steroid use, or previous eye surgery.
Cataracts are extremely common and are one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. In Australia, many people over the age of 60 will develop some degree of cataract formation. While early cataracts may cause only mild symptoms, progressive lens clouding can significantly affect daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognising faces.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of cataracts may include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Faded or yellowed colours
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Halos around lights
Symptoms typically develop slowly and may worsen over time.
Management
In early stages, vision may be improved with updated glasses, brighter lighting, or magnification for reading. When cataracts begin to significantly interfere with daily life, cataract surgery is the only effective treatment. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful surgical procedures in modern medicine.
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
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
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.
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.
General ophthalmology refers to the broad medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system, covering the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of many common eye conditions.
During a consultation, Dr Hunt will typically perform a detailed eye examination that may include vision testing, slit-lamp examination, retinal examination and specialised imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT).
General ophthalmology plays an important role in detecting eye disease early, managing chronic eye conditions and coordinating care with subspecialists when needed.
Common Conditions Managed:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Oedema
- Dry Eye Disease
- Pterygium
- Posterior Capsular Opacification (after cataract surgery)
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR)
- Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Retinal Artery Occlusion
- Uveitis (eye inflammation)
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
- Styes & Chalazions
Common Symptoms Requiring Ophthalmologist Assessment:
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Sudden vision loss
- Distorted or wavy vision
- Floaters in vision
- Flashes of light
- Red or irritated eyes
- Eye pain or pressure
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail
- Increased glare, particularly at night
- Double vision
- A shadow or curtain in the visual field
Procedures & Therapies Performed
Dr Hunt is an experienced ophthalmic surgeon, having completed well over 1,000+ cataract procedures. He is able to combine cataract surgery with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, which involves the insertion of tiny drainage devices to reduce dependence on glaucoma drops.
Overview
Cataract surgery is a highly effective procedure used to restore vision when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to cataract formation. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This restores the eye’s ability to focus light properly and often results in significant improvement in visual clarity.
Modern cataract surgery is typically performed as a day procedure under local anaesthesia and generally takes around 15–30 minutes. The most commonly used technique is phacoemulsification, where ultrasound energy is used to break up the cataract before it is gently removed through a very small incision.
Intraocular Lens Options
A variety of intraocular lenses are available depending on the patient’s visual needs. These may include:
- Monofocal lenses – provide clear vision at one distance (usually distance vision)
- Toric lenses – designed to correct astigmatism
- Extended depth of focus or multifocal lenses – may reduce dependence on glasses for some patients
Dr Hunt will discuss the most appropriate lens options based on each patient’s individual visual goals and eye health.
Recovery
Vision often improves within days following surgery, although full healing can take several weeks. Most patients return to normal activities quickly, with the use of prescribed eye drops to assist healing and prevent infection.
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
Skin cancers can occur on the eyelids and surrounding facial skin, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight. The most common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and, less commonly, melanoma. Because the eyelids contain delicate structures essential for protecting and lubricating the eye, early diagnosis and careful treatment are important.
Symptoms
- Common signs of eyelid skin cancer may include:
- A persistent lump or sore on the eyelid
- A lesion that bleeds or does not heal
- Thickened, scaly or crusted skin
- Loss of eyelashes near a lesion
- Changes in the shape or colour of a mole or skin spot
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the cancer but often involves surgical removal of the lesion. In many cases, eyelid reconstruction is performed at the same time to restore both function and appearance. Early treatment typically results in excellent outcomes.
Overview
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward toward the eye. This causes the eyelashes and skin of the eyelid to rub against the surface of the eye, leading to irritation and discomfort. It most commonly affects the lower eyelid and often occurs with ageing due to weakening of the eyelid tissues.
Symptoms
Patients with entropion may experience:
- Eye irritation or a gritty sensation
- Redness and watering
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Eyelashes rubbing against the eye
Treatment Options
Temporary relief may be provided with lubricating drops or ointments. However, surgery is usually the most effective treatment, repositioning the eyelid so it sits correctly against the eye and preventing ongoing irritation.
Overview
Ectropion occurs when the eyelid turns outward, away from the eye. This prevents the eyelid from properly protecting and lubricating the eye’s surface. The condition most commonly affects the lower eyelid and is often related to ageing, previous surgery, or facial nerve weakness.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive tearing
- Redness and irritation
- Dry or sensitive eyes
- A visible outward turning of the eyelid
- Increased risk of eye infections
Treatment Options
Mild cases may be managed with lubricating eye drops and ointments. In many patients, surgical correction is recommended to tighten and reposition the eyelid so it protects the eye properly.
Overview
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids. It is commonly performed when drooping eyelid skin interferes with vision or causes a heavy or tired appearance.
Symptoms
Patients who may benefit from upper eyelid blepharoplasty often notice:
- Excess skin resting on the eyelashes
- A heavy or drooping upper eyelid
- Reduced upper visual field
- Difficulty keeping the eyes open when reading or driving
- Eyelid fatigue
Treatment Options
Blepharoplasty is performed as a minor surgical procedure, usually under local anaesthesia. Excess skin is carefully removed and the eyelid contour restored, improving both visual function and eyelid appearance.
Intravitreal injections (eg: anti-VEGF) are commonly performed by Dr Adrian Hunt at his Miranda clinic to deliver medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This allows very high concentrations of medication to reach the retina and macula, where many sight-threatening diseases occur.
Below are the most common conditions treated with intravitreal injections at our clinic:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)
- Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO)
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
- Myopic Choroidal Neovascularisation
- Inflammatory Eye Disease (Uveitis-Related Macular Oedema)
- Cystoid Macular Oedema (Post-Surgical or Inflammatory)
- Radiation Retinopathy
Laser photocoagulation is a well-established retinal treatment used by Dr Adrian Hunt to treat conditions where retinal blood vessels are leaking, abnormal vessels are forming, or the retina is at risk of detaching. The laser works by applying controlled thermal energy to specific areas of the retina, sealing leaking vessels, destroying abnormal vessels, or creating adhesions that stabilise the retina.
Below are the main conditions treated with retinal laser photocoagulation at our clinic:
- Diabetic Retinopathy (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)
- Diabetic Macular Oedema (Selected Cases)
- Retinal Tears and Retinal Holes
- Retinal Detachment (Prevention)
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
- Retinal Artery Macroaneurysm
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (Chronic Cases)
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
We have two procedure rooms in the clinic for minor procedures. Mostly, these are for the delivery of intravitreal injections, however we also see various minor and urgent procedures, including:
- Excision biopsy of small eyelid lesions (cancer biopsy, etc)
- Incision and drainage of chalazions
- Remove of corneal foreign bodies (from grinding or drilling)
We can accommodate urgent appointments at short notice.
Dr Hunt's Research & Academic Work
Dr Hunt is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and conducts research through the Save Sight Institute.
He leads an active and ongoing research program focused on improving real-world outcomes for patients with retinal disease. His work analyses how the latest treatments perform in everyday clinical practice using data from the Fight Retinal Blindness! registry.
Dr Hunt continues to publish regularly in leading international ophthalmology journals and present new findings at major global conferences. This ensures his clinical practice reflects the most current evidence and advances in retinal care.
Get in touch today to request an appointment or to ask a question about a specific procedure.
