5 Common Eye Conditions & What They Look Like

Cataracts

A cataract the clouding of your natural lens. They can develop over time & if untreated, may eventually lead to vision loss.
Cataracts generally develop in both eyes, but not always at the same rate.
Most cataracts are due to aging but can be caused by diseases such as diabetes or trauma to the eye. Sufferers notice a clouding of their overall vision and increase in glare effects.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is called the "Thief of Sight" as it can present without symptoms until its late stages, by which time, the damage is permanent!
It is caused when the optic nerve becomes damaged due to the build up of excessive fluid pressure inside the eye.
As the optic nerve becomes damaged over time, peripheral vision declines leaving the Glaucoma sufferer with a limited vision centrally only.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication affecting the eyes, caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina.
At first, diabetic retinopathy might cause little to no symptoms but as the blood vessels start to bleed into the eye, vision can deteriorate with dark, floating spots, cobweb streaks or blindness.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field. It can result in the loss of the ability to see fine details drive or see faces.
There is no permanent cure but treatments aim at slowing down the progression of the disease and prevent vision loss.

Floaters

Floaters are spots in your vision that may look like black or grey streaks or cobwebs that drift away when you move your eyes.
Most floaters are caused when changes occur in the vitreous of the eye. This causes collagen fibres to develop in the vitreous which cast tiny shadows on the retina.