Your guide to eye conditions

Sight is such an important part of our lives – and something we want to help protect.

Your guide to
eye conditions

Sight is such an important part of our lives – and something we want to help protect.

Like any other medical condition, it’s good for you to be familiar with symptoms of common eye conditions so you know what to look out for, what you can do and when to seek help.

Your eyes can also indicate signs of more problematic issues to do with your general health like diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms of these conditions are not always obvious, so regular eye tests are an essential part of maintaining your health.

The conditions below are all common – and can affect anyone in their lifetime.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when part of the image is always out of focus, causing blurred vision.

Blepharitis

Red and swollen eyelids – particularly around the edges – that can be caused by an infection or a skin condition. It’s not serious but it can lead to further problems.

Cataracts

Cloudy patches in the lens of the eye, causing blurry, misty vision. Usually more common in people over 65.

Cloudy vision

Cloudy vision is when objects appear ‘milky’ as if you’re looking through a cloudy piece of glass.

Computer eye strain

Looking at a computer for a long time can strain your eyes or make other problems more noticeable.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the membrane that covers the eye and inside of the eyelids, making the eye look red with a burning or itchy feeling.

Corneal Ulcers

A Corneal ulcer is a sore that develops on the outer surface of your eye.

Diabetic retinopathy

A condition caused by diabetes that affects the small blood vessels in the eye, damaging the retina, which is vital for sight.

Double Vision

People with double vision will see two images of one object at the same time.

Dry eye syndrome

Occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears or they evaporate too quickly causing dry, red and irritated eyes.

Eye twitching

Eye spasms, also known as eye twitching, are very common and can occur to anyone at any time.

Floaters

The appearance of spots or strands floating across your vision, particularly against a bright background.

Glaucoma

A group of diseases affecting the optic nerve often associated with a build up of pressure in the eye. There are two types: chronic and acute.

Hay fever

A common allergic reaction to pollen at certain times of the year, causing irritated and inflamed eyes.

Iritis (Anterior Uveitis)

Iritis, also known as acute anterior uveitis, is an inflammation of the iris.

Itchy eyes

Itchy eyes are very common and although they can be quite uncomfortable, it is usually nothing to worry about.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus occurs when the cornea starts to weaken at its centre and become irregular in shape.

Lazy Eye

A lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is quite a common condition in children.

Long-sightedness

Long-sightedness, also known as hyperopia, affects the ability to see objects nearby.

Macular degeneration

Affects your central vision and your ability to focus on things like driving, faces and reading. There are two types: dry and wet.

Macular hole

A macular hole is when a gap forms in the central retina and changes your central vision.

Macular Oedema

Macular Oedema occurs when a fluid builds-up in the macula and blurs your vision.

Myopia

Short sightedness, known as Myopia, affects the ability to see far away objects in focus.

Optic Neuritis

Optic Neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve causing you problems with your vision.

Photophobia (light sensitivity)

Light sensitivity, also known as Photophobia, is where the eyes are very sensitive to certain levels of light.

Pinguecula

Pinguecula looks like a white or yellow bump on the white of the eye, usually found close to the edge of the cornea.

Presbyopia

A natural loss of elasticity of the lens from around the age of 40 that affects your ability to focus on things close-up, like reading.

Pterygium

A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that develops on the white bit of your eye.

Ptosis (drooping eyelid)

A drooping eyelid, also known as Ptosis, is when the upper eyelid droops or falls.

Red eye

It may look alarming, but it’s usually a sign of a minor condition like conjunctivitis. But it may be a more serious issue if you feel any pain.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is an eye condition where the retina can detach from its position.

Scratched eye (Corneal abrasion)

Scratched eye, also known as a corneal abrasion, is one of the most common eye injuries.

Snow blindness (photokeratitis)

Snow blindness, also known as photokeratitis, occurs when the eye’s cornea becomes sunburned.

Squint (strabismus)

Squint, also known as strabismus, is when a person’s eyes point in different directions.

Stye

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small lump developing on the inside or outside of the lid.

Subconjunctival haemorrhage

Although this condition sounds and looks a bit worrying, it’s a painless and usually harmless condition where one of the blood vessels on the surface of the eye bursts.

Swollen Eyelid

Swollen or puffy eyelids can be caused by a number of things from allergies to injuries.

Tunnel vision

Tunnel vision is when you experience a loss or worsening of your peripheral vision.

Uveitis

Uveitis is when the middle layer of the eye becomes inflamed, causing redness and changes to vision.

Watering eyes

Occurs if too many tears are produced or if they can’t drain properly causing sore, uncomfortable eyes with blurred vision.

Our stores are fully equipped to help you to detect and deal with a range of eye conditions. So if you’re worried about your eye health, or if you recognise any of these symptoms, Specsavers can be your first port of call. If any further treatment is required, you will be referred to a doctor.

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Eye health - Eye conditions