Eye Conditions
At Andrew Mizzi Optometrist, we have invested in the latest eye health screening technology for our patients. As a therapeutically endorsed optometrist with over 30 years’ clinical experience, Andrew can assess and treat a range of eye health conditions without the need for you to visit your local GP.
Eye Infections
and Eye Injuries
There are several bacterial, viral and fungal infections that affect the eye. Symptoms can be broad-ranging but generally include redness, pain, discharge from the eye, swelling and blurry vision. Eye injuries such as a poke in the eye whilst gardening or the sensation of having a foreign particle in your eye require assessment by an optometrist. It is very important to obtain immediate attention for eye infections and eye injuries in order to obtain the correct therapeutic treatment. Andrew Mizzi Optometrist is your first port of call for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of eye infections and eye injuries.
Dry Eye Syndrome
An uncomfortable and often debilitating eye condition, Dry Eye Syndrome is caused by a lack of lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Symptoms include burning or sore eyes, a scratchy sensation in the eyes, and oddly enough, runny or watery eyes. What causes dry eye? A variety of factors including environmental ones - air conditioning during summer and winter, prolonged screen time on computers and digital devices, exposure to allergens – through to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome, see Andrew for correct diagnosis and treatment options to restore eye lubrication and provide relief for your eyes.
Cataract
Cataract is a leading cause of vision impairment and whilst it is usually associated with older people, a cataract can occur at any age. Aside from the ageing process, cataracts can be caused through an eye injury or as a complication of diabetes. A cataract forms within the lens of the eye, making the lens cloudy to look through – a bit like a foggy window.
Initially as a cataract forms, there may be few symptoms but as it advances, your vision may become blurry and you may be extra sensitive to light and glare. Cataracts can progress quite slowly; however regular eye examinations are important to monitor changes and to maximise your vision. The good news is that cataract is a treatable condition through relatively simple surgical procedures performed by an ophthalmologist specialising in cataract surgery. Following your eye examination, Andrew will be able to refer you to an ophthalmologist for further assessment of your cataract.
Diabetic Eye Disease
As the prevalence of diabetes continues to increase in Australia, so does the risk of vision loss associated with diabetic eye disease. For people with diabetes, or with a family history of diabetes, scheduling a regular eye test is crucial to ensure that your eyes are monitored for any diabetes-related changes. Diabetic eye disease affects the retina through damage to the blood vessels that supply it and if left unchecked, can lead to permanent vision loss. The good news is that through regular eye tests early detection and careful management, vision loss can be prevented. If you experience symptoms such as fluctuating vision, a sudden and significant change in your close or distance vision or eye pain, see Andrew for a comprehensive diabetic eye health assessment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is called ‘the sneak thief of sight’ – and with good reason. There are often no signs or symptoms in its early stages and its progression leads to permanent vision loss. Glaucoma arises from damage to the optic nerve, frequently but not always caused by increased pressure inside the eye. It mainly affects people over the age of 40 or those with a family history of glaucoma. You’re also at risk if you have had an eye injury or suffer from migraine. Glaucoma is a condition that can be treated and managed but sadly, vision loss cannot be reversed. That’s why regular eye tests are crucial. Our comprehensive eye test at Andrew Mizzi Optometrist includes a thorough glaucoma screening to assess eye pressure and optic nerve health. As a therapeutically endorsed optometrist, Andrew can prescribe glaucoma medication and assist in patient co-management in partnership with your ophthalmologist.
Macular Degeneration
Sometimes known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), this eye health condition affects the eye’s macula (the centre of the retina used for detailed vision) and has two types – wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration is the slower of the two types and causes vision loss from the centre of the eye over a gradual period. Wet macular degeneration has a rapid onset and is caused when the blood vessels in the macula start to leak. There are several risk factors associated with macular degeneration. These include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Being over 50 years old
- Having a family history of AMD
- Having been exposed to high levels of UV through work or leisure
It is Australia’s leading cause of permanent vision loss and like glaucoma, there are some treatment options available but nothing which can reverse lost vision. Again, regular comprehensive eye tests are the key to detection and commencement of treatment. If required, Andrew will refer you to an Ophthalmologist who specializes in the treatment of macular degeneration.