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OKKO Eye Specialist Centre’s dedicated team of experienced ophthalmologists provide evidence-based care for many eye conditions.
We begin with a comprehensive eye examination using state-of-the-art computerised equipment to measure things like eye pressure and peripheral vision. We may also take images of your eye using digital photography or tomography scans.
A cataract is a clouding of the natural crystalline lens in the eye. This most commonly occurs gradually after 50 years of age due to natural age-related changes. Sometimes, however, cataracts can form at birth (congenital cataract) or grow secondary to trauma or medication use (steroids).
Cataracts can cause blurred vision, increased glare sensitivity, reduced brightness and colour perception, and difficulties with driving at night. As cataract progress, vision can no longer be corrected with spectacles. Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment for Australians over 55.
Fortunately, cataracts can be treated with cataract surgery. During this process, the cloudy crystalline lens is removed via a small incision and a new artificial intraocular lens, known as an IOL, is inserted into the eye. While the thought of eye surgery can be daunting, cataract surgery is a painless procedure and is one of the most commonly-performed surgeries in Australia. It takes less than 30 minutes and most patients can go home the same day.
The macula is a small area located in the central part of the back of the eye (the retina). It is responsible for providing sharp central vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the cells within the macula (known as photoreceptors) and can progressively blur the central vision. AMD is more prevalent as we get older and is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in people aged 50 or older. While AMD does not cause total blindness, its effect on central vision can affect your ability to read or drive.
There are many other diseases which can affect the macula; for example, central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a condition where fluid accumulates under the macula and causes distortion of the central vision.
Your ophthalmologist can assess the health of your macula and determine if any treatment is required.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterised by progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting information from your eye to your brain.
Glaucoma is often referred to as “the sneak thief of sight” because there may be no noticeable changes to vision in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, early detection and treatment of glaucoma is critical to prevent significant vision loss. Once glaucoma damage has occurred, it cannot be reversed. There are many different treatments for glaucoma, including eye drops, laser and surgery, and your ophthalmologist can discuss with you the most appropriate option.
Keratoconus is a condition affecting the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye. In keratoconus, the cornea becomes weakened and irregularly-shaped and this can result in blurred vision, high spectacle prescription and difficulties focussing. Keratoconus often affects younger people (teens to 30s) and is more prevalent in people who rub their eyes a lot, such as those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Keratoconus can gradually progress and cause difficulties with daily activities. Treatment options focus on improving vision quality and slowing down progression, and this includes spectacles, contact lenses, corneal collagen crosslinking which uses UV light to strengthen the cornea, or surgery.
Ocular surface disease is a broad term used to describe conditions affecting the outer surfaces of the eye, including the cornea. It covers common conditions such as dry eye syndrome, blepharitis and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Ocular surface disease can cause uncomfortable and irritated eyes, and occasional blurred vision and glare sensitivity. We provide a range of treatment options for ocular surface disease, depending on the condition and its severity.
Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially vision-threatening complication of diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the fine blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Early stages of diabetic retinopathy may cause no noticeable symptoms, however as the disease progresses, it can lead to bleeding or swelling in the macula that can compromise vision. Regular monitoring and early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease is critical for recovering and maintaining a good level of vision.
Treatment options for diabetic eye disease include optimising diabetic control, laser, eye injections or surgery. Your ophthalmologist can discuss these options further with you.
Healthy eyes and clear vision are vital to independence and quality of life.
Routine eye checks help us identify potentially serious eye conditions in their early stages where they may be addressed more easily.
Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialise in diagnosing, managing and treating eye conditions. OKKO’s highly trained eye specialists focus on helping you see clearly.