Eye Conditions

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can affect one or both eyes, causing discomfort and often some blurring.

The cause of conjunctivitis is commonly bacterial, but can also be viral, allergic or from another source. Mild symptoms include discomfort, red eye and some discharge and can usually be treated with antibiotics. Conjunctivitis can be very contagious, so ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after touching your face and try not to share towels and facecloths.

Any sudden pain, severe redness or inflammation should be checked out by an Optometrist as soon as possible. The cost of the appointment may be covered under the NI-PEARS scheme. Read about our Ocular Emergency Appointments here.

Dry eye is a condition caused by the eyes not producing enough tears, or producing tears of a poor quality, leading to a feeling of often gritty or burning, uncomfortable eyes. Some eyes produce too many tears to compensate and become watery.

For more information and treatment options click here.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is often picked up first during a routine eye examination. Hypertension can lead to bleeding in the back of the eye which often causes irreversible damage to vision. Good control of hypertension via prescribed medication will most often prevent any problems.

Glaucoma is the name of a group of diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve head. In some cases this can be caused by a rise in the pressure of the eye. Glaucoma first affects your peripheral vision leading to tunnel vision and if untreated can result in complete visual loss. Our Optometrists Faith, Maria and Louise have achieved further qualifications in glaucoma – Post Grad Cert Glaucoma. The practice has also been selected by HSCNI to provide Glaucoma monitoring as part of the NI Glaucoma Care Pathway. Read more here

As pain is rare and visual loss very gradual, most sufferers are unaware. The symptoms of glaucoma are difficult to recognise until they are at a very advanced stage. Pressure checks, ocular examination, digital photography monitoring, 3D OCT scanning and visual field tests now mean that a routine eye examination can reveal glaucoma. Glaucoma can be hereditary, therefore if you have a history of glaucoma in your family, we advise that you inform us and we may check you more regularly.

Whilst damaged vision cannot be recovered, a simple regime of daily eye drops can delay glaucoma for the vast majority of people. Sometimes laser treatment or an operation may be required. Early detection and management is essential to prevent serious sight loss. Our experience and state of the art equipment will ensure that you receive the best possible care. Acute glaucoma is less common and tends to come on very quickly. Symptoms include pain, blurred vision, nausea or vomiting and coloured haloes around white lights. If you think you are having an attack of acute glaucoma, you should attend the practice immediately or your local eye casualty. Patients with Glaucoma and those over 40 who have a close relative (parent/sibling/child) with Glaucoma are entitled to free annual Eye Examinations under the NHS.

ARMD (Age related macular degeneration) is a condition usually found in older adults which results in a loss of their central vision because of damage to the central retina (the macula). It occurs in “dry” and “wet” forms and is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 50 years old. Macular degeneration can make it difficult to read and recognise faces and detail, although peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life. Behind the retina is the choroid, which contains the blood supply to the retina. In the dry form of macular degeneration, cellular debris called drusen collects between the retina and the choroid.

Dry ARMD is usually slow to progress; however it should still be monitored regularly to rule out the presence of wet macular degeneration. There is no current treatment for Dry ARMD. In the wet form, which is more severe, blood vessels grow up from the choroid behind the retina, and the retina can become detached. Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Injections are now a common treatment for Wet ARMD.

They work by reducing the growth of the new blood vessels and can provide significantly improved vision for a large proportion of patients. Routine eye tests can help spot the early signs of ARMD. A 3D OCT scan is a particularly useful tool in the detection and monitoring of ARMD. Abnormal scan results can be forwarded electronically to the eye hospital for assessment by an Ophthalmologist (Eye Surgeon).

Many people see floaters in front of their eyes. They are especially noticeable when looking at a plain white background and appear as greyish specks in our vision. The vitreous (the jelly inside the eye) contains small particles which cast a shadow onto the retina at the back of the eye, appearing as dots or floaters. These are either present from birth or are formed when the vitreous starts to age.

If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, especially those accompanied by flashing lights or a curtain effect shadowing your vision, or if you develop floaters following a blow to eye, it may be a sign of a more serious problem such as Retinal Detachment.

If you experience these sudden symptoms please arrange an appointment with us immediately. The cost of the appointment may be covered under the NI-PEARS scheme. Read about our Ocular Emergency appointments here.

Myopia is another name for short sightedness. Sometimes the eye is too long, or the cornea or lens is too strong. A myopic person has clear vision when looking at objects close to them, but distant objects will appear blurred.

It is easily corrected using minus powered prescription glasses or contact lenses.
We now offer Myopia Management for children to prevent the progression of Myopia. Read more here.

Hypermetropia means long sighted and is where the eye is too short, or the cornea or lens does not refract the light enough. A hypermetropic person may have blurred vision when looking at objects close to them, and clearer vision when looking at objects in the distance.

By using a plus powered lens in front of the eye, the image is moved forward and focuses correctly on the retina.

Astigmatism occurs when the surface of the cornea or crystalline lens is not spherical (round). Light from an object does not focus exactly on the retina but at two separate points.

As a result, the eye is unable to focus an object into a sharp image on the retina without the help of glasses or contact lenses.

Presbyopia is where the eye is progressively unable to focus on near objects. It is a perfectly natural change that eventually affects everyone. After the age of 40, the lens in the eye becomes less flexible and close work becomes more difficult.

Presbyopia can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Our expert team will help you select the best option for you.