Understanding your eye health helps you protect your vision. Learn the signs, symptoms and when to seek care.
Myopia is the most common vision problem worldwide and is increasing rapidly — especially among children and young adults. People with myopia see near objects clearly but struggle with distant objects such as a classroom board, road signs, or a TV screen.
Cause: The eyeball is slightly too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Corrected with prescription lenses (concave / minus power).
People with hyperopia can often see distant objects reasonably well but struggle with near tasks such as reading, writing, and using a phone. In children, hyperopia can cause the eye to work very hard, leading to headaches and eye fatigue.
Cause: The eyeball is too short or the cornea is not curved enough. Corrected with convex / plus power lenses.
Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curve of the cornea or lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It is very common and can occur alongside myopia or hyperopia. It is easily corrected with prescription glasses or toric contact lenses.
Presbyopia is a natural, age-related condition that affects almost everyone after age 40. The eye's lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on near objects. It is the reason many adults find themselves holding books or phones at arm's length.
Correction: Reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive (varifocal) lenses.
Extended use of digital screens — phones, tablets, computers — causes a cluster of symptoms known as digital eye strain. It is increasingly common, particularly among students and office workers. Blue light filtering lenses can significantly reduce symptoms.
Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly — one eye may turn inward, outward, upward or downward. It is most commonly diagnosed in children but can develop at any age. Early treatment is important to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye).
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually as a result of elevated intraocular pressure. It is called the "silent thief of sight" because it typically causes no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide — but early detection can prevent vision loss.
Who is at risk? People over 60, those with a family history, people with diabetes or hypertension, and those of African descent (who are statistically at significantly higher risk). Annual screening is strongly recommended.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurred, hazy vision. It is the leading cause of blindness globally and is most common in people over 60, though it can occur earlier due to injury, medications, diabetes, or UV exposure. Cataracts are treated with surgery, which has a very high success rate.
Prevention: UV-protective sunglasses, managing diabetes, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy, and it is a leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. Anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is at risk and should have an annual eye examination, even if their vision seems normal.
Critical: If you have diabetes, book an annual eye screening — even if your vision seems fine. Early detection saves sight.
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly. It is very common and can be caused by age, air conditioning, screen use, certain medications, hormonal changes, or environmental factors. Treatment ranges from lubricating eye drops to lifestyle changes and prescription therapies.
Age-related macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina (the macula), which is responsible for sharp, central vision needed for reading, driving and recognising faces. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. While there is no cure, early detection can significantly slow progression.
Seek urgent care if you experience: sudden vision loss, a sudden increase in floaters or flashing lights, severe eye pain, a curtain or shadow appearing in your vision, or eye redness with pain and nausea. These can indicate sight-threatening emergencies.
Book an Urgent AppointmentMany serious eye conditions — including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy — show no early symptoms. An annual eye test is the most important thing you can do to protect your vision.
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