Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often linked to higher pressure inside the eye. Because it usually develops slowly and without early warning signs, many people don’t realise they have glaucoma until their vision is already affected. Left untreated, it can cause tunnel vision and, in advanced cases, permanent sight loss.

The good news is that with regular eye exams, glaucoma can often be detected early, before you notice any changes. This makes ongoing check-ups one of the most powerful tools in protecting your eyesight.

Who is at risk? Glaucoma can affect anyone, but your risk is higher if you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, live with diabetes, or are of African or Asian descent. Symptoms may include gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision, difficulty seeing at night, or, in rare cases of angle-closure glaucoma, sudden eye pain, headaches, and blurred vision.

At Bright Eyes Optics, we use advanced technology and thorough testing to check for the earliest signs of glaucoma. Even if you feel your vision is fine, regular eye exams are the best way to safeguard your sight and give you peace of mind.

Macular degeneration, often called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a common eye condition that affects the macula—the part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. When the macula deteriorates, you may notice blurred or distorted vision, dark spots in the centre of your sight, or increasing difficulty with everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces.

There are two main forms of AMD:

• Dry AMD – the most common type, which develops gradually over time.

• Wet AMD – less common, but more aggressive, and can cause sudden vision changes due to abnormal blood vessel growth.

While there isn’t a cure, early diagnosis and ongoing care can slow the progression of AMD and help preserve your vision.

How we can help: At Bright Eyes Optics, we use advanced retinal imaging to detect AMD in its earliest stages, even before symptoms appear. If AMD is found, our team will create a personalised management plan, which may include: Nutritional and lifestyle advice, protective eyewear to reduce UV damage, ongoing monitoring of your eye health, and referrals to ophthalmologists.

Prevention and long-term care: Age is the biggest risk factor, but your lifestyle choices play a role too. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s, staying active, not smoking, and protecting your eyes from UV light can all support macular health. Regular eye exams remain the best way to catch any changes early and protect your sight.

If you’re over 50, have a family history of AMD, or have started noticing changes in your central vision, don’t wait, book a comprehensive eye exam with our caring team today. Together, we’ll help you protect your independence, confidence, and connection to the world around you.

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of your eye becomes cloudy, making your vision feel like you’re looking through a foggy or frosted window. This clouding can make it harder to read, recognise faces, drive at night, or see details clearly.

Cataracts usually develop slowly, and in the early stages you may not notice much change. Over time, however, they can affect more of your lens and start to interfere with your daily activities.

Common signs of cataracts include:

• Blurred, cloudy, or dim vision

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

• Needing brighter light for reading or close work

• Seeing “halos” around lights

• Frequent changes in glasses prescription

• Faded or yellowed colours

• Double vision in one eye

Managing and treating cataracts
In the early stages, stronger lighting and updated glasses may help you see more comfortably. As cataracts progress, surgery may be recommended. Cataract surgery is a safe and highly effective procedure that replaces the clouded lens with a clear artificial one, restoring sharp vision for most patients.

At Bright Eyes Optics, we provide thorough assessments to detect cataracts early and guide you through your options. Whether it’s updating your glasses or referring you for surgery, we’re here to support your vision every step of the way.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to changes in vision and, in severe cases, permanent sight loss.

Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases the longer you’ve had diabetes and if blood sugars aren’t well controlled.

What you may notice
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause any symptoms at all. As it progresses, you might experience:

• Floaters (spots or dark strings in your vision)

• Blurred or changing vision

• Dark or empty patches in your sight

• Gradual or sudden vision loss

Protecting your vision
Managing your diabetes carefully is the best way to reduce your risk. Even if your vision feels fine, it’s important to have a yearly eye exam so we can check for changes you may not notice yourself. Detecting retinopathy early makes treatment more effective and helps protect your sight.

Special considerations
Pregnancy can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes and are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, your healthcare team may recommend more frequent eye exams during this time.

At Bright Eyes Optics, we provide comprehensive retinal assessments using advanced imaging technology. If we detect changes related to diabetic retinopathy, we’ll guide you on the best steps forward, from monitoring to referral for specialist treatment when needed.

Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) becomes thinner and bulges into a cone shape. This irregular shape can cause blurred or distorted vision, glare, and sensitivity to light. It usually starts in the late teens or early adulthood and may progress over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurry or distorted vision

• Sensitivity to light and glare (especially at night)

• Frequent changes in glasses prescription

How it’s treated
In the early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may help. As keratoconus progresses, special contact lenses, like rigid or scleral lenses, are often needed. In advanced cases, a corneal transplant may be required.

Strabismus, often called a “squint” or “crossed eyes,” is a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned and may point in different directions. One or both eyes can turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). The misalignment may be constant or only appear at certain times. Strabismus can affect both children and adults.

Symptoms:

Because the eyes are misaligned, each eye may send a different image to the brain. This can cause:

• Double vision if the brain processes both images.

• Suppression of one image if the brain ignores the misaligned eye, which can lead to amblyopia (“lazy eye”).

• Reduced depth perception and difficulty judging distances.

• Limited side vision (peripheral vision).

In addition to vision problems, strabismus can also affect self-confidence and social interactions due to changes in eye appearance or difficulty making eye contact.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Strabismus often occurs because the brain has difficulty coordinating the eye muscles, though sometimes the muscles or nerves themselves may not function properly. Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or neurological issues, can also play a role.

Risk factors include:

• Family history

• Premature birth

• Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus

• Brain injury, stroke, or tumour

• Certain eye conditions, such as cataracts

Treatment:

Strabismus rarely resolves on its own, but it can be treated. Early treatment is important, especially in children, as it gives the best chance for developing normal binocular (two-eyed) vision.

Dry eye is a common, chronic condition that affects around one in three Australian adults, and about half of people over the age of 50.

Normally, a thin film of tears keeps the eyes moist and comfortable, while tiny oil glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands) prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. Dry eye occurs when there aren’t enough tears, or when they evaporate too fast. A leading cause is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the oil glands become blocked or produce poor-quality oils.

Symptoms:

Dry eye can affect day-to-day activities like reading, computer use, driving, or watching TV. Symptoms can vary widely and may include:

• Grittiness or the feeling of something in the eye

• Burning, stinging, or itching

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Excessive watering (a reflex response to irritation)

• Light sensitivity

In more severe cases, dry eye may cause inflammation, disturbed sleep, and even affect mental wellbeing. If left untreated, it can occasionally lead to corneal damage or, very rarely, loss of vision.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Dry eye can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap with other conditions, such as allergies. A thorough eye examination allows us to identify the underlying cause.

While there is no permanent cure, treatments can greatly reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. Options may include:

• Artificial tears or lubricating drops

• Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene

• Prescription eye drops

• Lifestyle advice to reduce symptoms

What Are Floaters?

Floaters look like small specks, dots, lines, or cobwebs that drift across your vision. They aren’t actually on the surface of your eye, they are tiny clumps of gel or cells within the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of your eye. What you see are the shadows these clumps cast on the retina.

Floaters are most noticeable when looking at a plain background, like a blank wall or a blue sky. They often become more common with age, as the vitreous naturally changes and may pull away from the back of the eye (posterior vitreous detachment). Most floaters are harmless and tend to fade or become less noticeable over time.

You’re more likely to develop floaters if you:

• Are nearsighted (short-sighted)

• Have had cataract surgery

• Have had inflammation inside the eye

What Are Flashes?

Flashes look like brief streaks of light, flashing spots, or “lightning” in your vision. They occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina. Flashes may appear on and off for weeks or months and become more common with age.

Sometimes flashes are related to migraines. These often appear as shimmering, zig-zag lines or “heat waves,” lasting up to 20 minutes. They may occur with or without a headache (ophthalmic migraine).

When to Seek Help

Most floaters are not a cause for concern. However, sudden changes can be a warning sign of a more serious problem, such as a retinal tear or detachment. Contact an eye care professional immediately if you experience:

• A sudden increase in floaters

• Frequent or intense flashes

• A shadow in your side vision

• A dark curtain moving across your vision

Retinal tears and detachments are medical emergencies that need urgent treatment to protect your sight.