GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
OVERVIEW
At AllAboutEyes, we offer a broad range of general ophthalmology services for most eye disorders. Our ophthalmologists conduct comprehensive eye examinations to establish a patient-centred treatment plan, which may include visual aids, medication or surgery.
General ophthalmic conditions include:
- CORNEAL DISEASE
this is a condition that causes clouding, distortion, scarring and eventual blindness. There are different types of corneal disease, such as keratoconus, corneal scarring from trauma or chronic allergic ocular surface disease and Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. - OCULAR INFECTIONS
this condition develops when bacteria, fungi or viruses invade the eye. An eye infection may be serious and require immediate medical attention. Eye infections can be potentially blinding if left untreated. - DIABETIC EYE DISEASE
this is a group of eye problems that affect people who have diabetes. Conditions include diabetic macular oedema, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and neovascular glaucoma. Diabetic eye disease is a serious condition that, if left untreated, damages the eyes, resulting in poor vision or even blindness. - HYPERTENSIVE EYE DISEASE
this occurs when hypertension (high blood pressure) leads to vascular damage in the retina of the eye. The condition is also known as hypertensive retinopathy. - HIV IN THE EYE
HIV can affect the eyes directly (HIV retinopathy, anterior uveitis) or indirectly by allowing for other infections (opportunistic infections such as TB, Herpes and Cytomegalovirus) to infect the eye. - THYROID EYE DISEASE
this condition occurs in people who have thyroid disease. Patients with both an overactive and underactive thyroid can get thyroid eye disease. Patients experience symptoms such as dry eyes, watery eyes, double vision, incomplete closure of eyes, bulging forward of the eyes and vision impairment. Although rare, blindness can occur due to thyroid eye disease, and all patients with thyroid disease should see an ophthalmologist at regular intervals.
- GLAUCOMA
A group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve and can result in blindness. Optic nerve damage in glaucoma is most frequently caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is painless and slowly progressive, with vision loss often only presenting in the very advanced stages of the disease. The disease can also be inherited, and thus screening in families known to have glaucoma is essential. - EYE ALLERGIES
Allergic ocular surface disease occurs when there is an immune response in the eyes against commonly occurring environmental particles such as dust, pollen, cat and dog hair. This leads to irritation of the eyes, causing itching, tearing and redness. Some allergies can be chronic, severe and progressive, leading to changes in the shape of the cornea, corneal scarring, damage to the eyelids from chronic eye rubbing and visual impairment. Eye allergies can be very serious and should be treated urgently.
Our ophthalmologists will examine each patient to make an informed diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In some cases, surgery may be the most effective line of treatment. We will discuss all options and offer expert advice in this regard.
FAQ
1When should one get their eyes examined?
You should have an eye test every one to two years.
2Is it enough to just visit my optometrist for eye problems?
If you wear spectacles, you should see your optometrist at least once every two years. Optometrists work hand in hand with ophthalmologists and will refer you to an ophthalmologist if their assessment determines that you have an eye problem that requires medical or surgical attention and not just spectacle correction. Other eye problems beyond poor vision often require a broader medical assessment, specialised tests and scans and medication or surgery. These eye conditions will require that you are seen by an ophthalmologist.
3Will glasses and contact lenses be one of the treatments in general ophthalmology?
Yes, glasses and contact lenses may be recommended depending on your condition and its severity.